Department Of Agronomy Research Articles

Response of Wheat Crop to Various Foliar Applications of Nitrogen, Zinc and Boron Fertilizers

The field experiment was carried out at the students’ experimental farm Department of Agronomy at SAU Tando Jam.Our study results showed that growth and yield components of wheat Varity kiran-95 were significantly differences, extreme plant height (96.60cm), tillers (331.00 m-2), spike length (11.79 cm), grains per spike(48.00), weight of grain per spike- (2.52 g), seed index (1000-grain weight) (47.90 g), biological yield (11950 Kg ha-1) , grain yield ( 5775 Kg ha-1) and harvest index (49. 82) was observed under T9 = 2000 g ha-1 followed by plant height (93.15 cm), tillers (312.00 m-2), spike length (11.64 cm), grains spike-1 (56.00), weight of grain spike-1 (2.08 g), seed index (1000-grain weight, 47.58 g), biological yield (11818 Kg ha-1), grain yield (5514 Kg ha-1) and harvest index (48.33% ) were noted under T7 = 1500g ha-1 Whereas, the least plant height (73.80 cm), tillers (248.00 m-2), spike length (9.08 cm), grains spike-1 (31.88 ), weight of grain spike-1 (1.45 g), seed index (1000-grain weight, 33.01 g), biological yield (11950Kg ha-1), grain yield (3022 Kg ha-1) and harvest index (41.81%) was recorded in T1 = (Control No fertilizer).

Growth and Yield Response of Sesame to Different Nitrogen Levels

Sesame, a traditional oilseed crop with a long history, has been cultivated and utilized by people in Pakistan for centuries. In the year 2018, a total of 29,000 tons of sesame seeds were harvested from an extensive area of 176,000 acres in Pakistan. According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics for the year 2018-19, Pakistan exported sesame seeds worth Rs. 9,000 million, which amounted to a staggering 366 million tons (AARI 2018-19). Nitrogen (N) is an element that is prominently included in the metabolic system of plants. Protein is involved in all of the activities that are necessary for the survival of plants, and an important component of protein is nitrogen. During Kharif season 2022 to study the expansion and yield reaction of Sesame to various nitrogen concentrations. The treatments included T1 = Control (Zero N), T2 = Recommended dose N @60 kg ha-1, T3 = 10% higher than recommended N and T4 = 10% less than recommended N. The field experiment was carried out to assess during June 2022–2023. at the experimental students farm department of Agronomy at Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam. The experiment was set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design with a plot size of 3 x 4 12 m2. The sesame crop fertilized with treated with T4 = 10% less than recommended N resulted 158.57 cm plant height, 8.00 branches plant-1, 151.04 capsules plant-1, 33.35 number of seeds capsule-1, 3.61 g seed index (1000-grain weight), 41.26 g seed yield plant-1 and 761.08 kg ha-1 seed yield. Similarly, T3 = 10% higher than recommended N resulted 132.63 cm plant height, 6.47 branches plant-1, 145.45 capsules plant-1, 30.34 number of seeds capsule-1, 3.31 g seed index (1000-grain weight), 36.35 g seed yield plant-1 and 712.45 kg ha-1 seed yield. However, recommended dose of N 117.82 cm plant height, 5.57 branches plant-1, 121.88 capsules plant-1, 23.28 numbers of seeds capsule-1, 3.14 g seed index (1000-grain weight), 32.07 g seed yield plant-1 and 540.46 kg ha-1 seed yield. The sesame crop under control (Zero N) with 91.12 cm plant height, 4.34 branches plant-1, 41.30 capsules plant-1, 17.02 number of seeds capsule-1, 2.78 g seed index (1000-grain weight), 21.02 g seed yield plant-1 and 363.75 kg ha-1 seed yield. Based on the findings of the current research, it was determined that as the nitrogen levels increased, both the growth and yield of sesame showed a simultaneous increase. Notably, the sesame plants that were fertilized with T4, which was 10% less nitrogen than the recommended amount, resulted in the highest grain yield (761.08 kg ha-1), followed by T3 = N @ 50 kg ha-1 (712.45 kg ha-1) and T3 = N @ 45 kg ha-1 (10 % less than recommended N) (540.46 kg ha-1).

Performance of Different Graded Dose of Fertilizer on Growth, Yield and Quality of Black Gram Varieties (Vigna mungo L.)

A study was conducted during the kharif season of 2022 at the Research plot, Department of Agronomy, AKS University, Madhya Pradesh to investigate the impact of graded doses of fertilizers viz., Control (F0), NPK @ 18:18:18 kg ha-1 (F1), NPK @ 19:19:19 kg ha-1 (F2), and NPK @ 20:20:20 kg ha-1 (F3) and three varieties i.e., IPU-2-43 (V1), PU-31 (V2), Indira-1 (V3) on black gram. The experimental design employed was a Randomized Complete Block Design, with the 12 treatment combinations replicated three times. Results revealed that treatment F3 (NPK @ 20:20:20 kg ha-1) significantly enhanced plant height (40.73 cm), number of branches per plant (4.49), number of leaves per plant (27.09) and number of root nodules (30.89). This grade also resulted in maximum yield attributes such as the number of pods per plant (22.00), grains per pod (4.89), test weight (36.98 g), grain (9.31 q/ha) and stover yield (18.10 q/ha). Additionally, the highest protein content (21.71 %) in black gram grain was observed with the application of F3 (NPK @ 20:20:20 kg ha-1). Regarding varieties, Indira-1 displayed superior growth parameters and yield-contributing characters compared to IPU-2-43 and PU-31. Notably, Indira-1 exhibited higher protein content in seeds. The results suggest that the application of NPK @ 20:20:20 kg ha-1 and cultivation of the Indira-1 variety hold promise for enhancing black gram productivity.

Effect of Organic Phytohormones on Yield and Economics of Rice Fallow Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Background: Field experiment was conducted at the Experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, School of Agriculture, Selaiyur, Chennai to trace on the effect of foliar spray of organic phytohormones on yield and economics of rice fallow black gram, during Sornavari (Apr-May) 2023. Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and seven treatments. T­1 - Water spray T2 -Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAS T3 - Foliar spray of 10% Jeevamruth at 30 and 45 DAS T4 -Foliar Spray at 10% Vermiwash 30 and 45 DAS, T5 - Foliar Spray of 10% cow urine at 30 and 45 DAS, T6 - Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% Vermiwash at 30 and 45 DAS T7 - Foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% Cow urine at 30 and 45 DAS. All the treatments imposed significantly influenced the yield and economics of black gram. Result: Among the treatments - foliar spray of 3% Panchagavya + 10% vermiwash (T6) recorded higher seed yield, haulm yield and economics was registered. In contrast, water spray (T1) recorded the least seed yield, haulm yield and economics.

Effect of vam and phosphorus on yield and quality of sunflower

The field experiment was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu during July – October 2015 to study the effect of mycorrhizal inoculation (VAM) and different levels of phosphorus on yield and quality of hybrid sunflower cv. Sunbred.The experiment was conducted in factorial randomized block design with two replications. The treatments consisted of 5 levels of P2O5 (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100kg/ha) applied in the presence or absence of VAM inoculates. The results of experiment revealed that mycorhizal inoculated plants produced maximum seed and stalk yield, oil content, oil yield and protein content than non mycorhizal inoculation. Among the various phosphorus levels tried, P2O5 at 100 kg/ha recorded the maximum values for yield and quality. With regard to interaction effect, mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 100 kg /harecorded maximum values for yield and quality of sunflower but it was on par with mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 75 kg /ha. Lowest values of yield and quality were recorded in non- mycorrhizal inoculation with P2O5 @ 0 kg /ha.

Sulfur Deficiency in Cotton: Causes, Symptoms, and Considerations

The purpose of this article is to provide information to cotton farmers, Extension agents, and crop consultants about the symptoms of sulfur deficiency, the various sources of sulfur, and its interaction with changing rates of other major nutrients such as nitrogen. Written by Hardeep Singh, Ethan Carter, Lakesh Sharma, Sudeep Sidhu, and Peter Omara, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, November 2023.

Production Potential of Rice-based Cropping System under Different Nutrient Management Practices

Background: The most common goal of intercropping is to produce a greater yield on a given piece of land by making use of resources that would otherwise not be utilized by a single crop. The continuous application of inorganic fertilizers even in balanced form may not sustain soil fertility and productivity. However judicious use of chemical fertilizers in combination with organic manure is required to improve the soil health as well as to achieve sustainable crop production. Thus balanced fertilization and cropping system offers a great scope for increasing the productivity. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 in the experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Nagaland University, SAS, Medziphema campus to study the effect of cropping system and nutrient management practices on production potential of rice-based cropping system. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with factorial concept with 3 replications. The treatment consisted of five cropping systems and three nutrient management practices. Result: The result revealed that among intercropping system, rice + soybean (3:1) cropping system recorded highest plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of panicles m-2, grain yield, straw yield and rice equivalent yield. Among different nutrient management practices, application of 75% RDF + FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + biofertilizer consortium @ 20 g kg-1 seed recorded significantly higher plant height (cm), number of leaves plant-1, number of panicles m-2, panicle length, grain yield and straw yield.

Integrated Nutrient Management to Enhanced Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet

An experiment was conducted at Research Farm Area, Department of Agronomy, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during kharif 2022 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield parameters of pearl millet. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications containing 12 treatments. The crop was sown on 12 July, 2022 using pearl millet hybrid ‘HHB 67 improved’. Among the treatments, application of recommended dose of fertilizer (156.25:62.50 kg ha-1 N:P) + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 + BIOMIX (T12) resulted in significantly higher plant height (191.67 cm), dry matter accumulation (79.53 g plant-1), leaf area index (3.72), grain yield (3002 kg ha-1) and biological yield (10035 kg ha-1) of pearl millet closely followed by (T11) RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 + 0.5% FeSO4 at 25 DAS and (T8) RDF + 25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 which were 11.4, 22.4, 19.1, 7.1 and 5.5% higher over RDF, respectively.

Response of Rice Varieties at Varying Nitrogen Level

A field investigation to ascertain the response of rice varieties at varying nitrogen level was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, U.P, during the Kharif – 2022 with nine treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design, which consists of three rice varieties (NDR-359, Sahbhagi Dhan, BPT-5204) and three nitrogen levels (100, 120, 140 kg ha-1). The results revealed that application of nitrogen 120 kg ha-1 in Sahbhagi Dhan recorded significantly higher plant height (146.20 cm), dry weight (103.77 g hill-1), grain yield (4.27 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.23 t ha-1), maximum gross returns (1,00,166.70 INR ha-1), net returns (60,185.92 INR ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (1.52). However, number of tillers hill-1 (30.87), number of productive tillers hill-1 (8.93), number of grains panicle-1 (115.87) and harvest index (38.71%) were recorded significantly higher in BPT-5204 with nitrogen 120 kg ha-1.

Effect of Different Nutrient Management Practices on Crop Growth, Yield and Yield Attributes of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hillsagro-Climatic Zone

The field trial was conducted at Krishi Nagar Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India, during the kharif season of 2021. The field experiment consisted with 06 treatments and they were tested in randomized block design with 04 replications. The study revealed that maximum plant height (50.35 cm), branches per plant (5.74), effective root nodules (57), Leaf area index (4.90), dry weight plant-1(45.16 g),yields attributes parameters like seed per pod (57.74), pods per plant (2.91) as well as seed index (11.88), seed yield (1009 kg ha-1), stover yield (2087 kg ha-1)and HI (32.59%)of soybean was found higher under 100 % Organic NM followed by 25% Organic + NF inputs BJG +25% Inorganic NM.

Performance of Seed Rate on Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.) under Late Sown Condition

A study was conducted to investigate the “Performance of seed rate on wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) Under late Sown Condition.” This experiment was carried out during the Rabi seasons of 2018-2019 and 2019-2 020 at the Pili-Kothi Student Research Farm and in the Laboratory Department of Agronomy at T.D.P.G. College Jaunpur. Increasing seed rates demonstrated a significant influence on various growth parameters, including initial plant population, shoot numbers, plant height, and dry matter production, with the highest values consistently observed at 140 kg/ha. In terms of yield-contributing characteristics, the 140 kg/ha seed rate led to increased spike counts, longer spikes, more grains per spike, and heavier grains. Yield significantly favored the 140 kg/ha rate, averaging 4.25-4.21 Mg/ha, surpassing the 120 kg/ha rate (4.08-4.07 Mg/ha) and markedly exceeding the 100 kg/ha rate (3.85-3.84 Mg/ha). The straw and biological yields further echoed this trend, cementing the prominence of the 140 kg/ha seed rate in augmenting late-sown wheat productivity.

Optimizing Pre-emergence Herbicide Oxyfluorfen Dose based on Its Sorption and Desorption for Effective Weed Management under Different Soil Types

Background: Adsorption and subsequent release of pre-emergence herbicide into the soil solution decides the herbicide availability to kill the weeds. Herbicides applied on clay or organic rich soil type, absorb more results in lowering its availability in soil solution become sub lethal to kill the weeds, whereas sandy soil adsorb less and desorb more, sometime it increases the herbicide concentration to toxic level to crop. Effective weed control could be achieved by studying the variability of soil and deciding the dose based on the sorption and desorption properties of the soil. Methods: With this information on the background a laboratory experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, India during 2021 to study the optimum level of oxyflourfen concentration in soil solution required to kill the weeds effectively. The study on sorption and desorption was carried out with pre-emergence herbicide oxyflourfen with five different concentrations in five different soil types. Result: The highest sorption of 98.53 per cent was observed with clayey soils followed by sandy clay loam soils with high organic matter content (96.97 per cent). The lowest sorption (77.96 per cent) was recorded with sandy loam soils. The highest desorption of 57.44 per cent was recorded with sandy loam soil and the lowest desorption percentage (13.18 per cent) was obtained with sandy clay loam soil with higher organic matter. Based on the analytical results of sorption and desorption, oxyflourfen dose was optimized as 0.53 kg ha-1 for sandy clay loam soils with high organic matter, 0.34 kg ha-1 for clay soil, 0.29 kg ha-1 for sandy clay, 0.21 kg ha-1 for sandy clay loam soil and 0.12 kg ha-1 for sandy loam soils. In conclusion, the clay soil required more quantity of oxyflourfen compared to other types of soil for effective management of weeds under irrigated condition.

Competencies Needed for Guiding the Digital Transition of Agriculture: Are Future Advisors Well-Equipped?

As the penetration of digital technologies in agriculture deepens, farm advisors have to cope with new roles, which generate the need for updating already possessed and developing new competencies. Although in-service advisors can build such skills through their involvement with the practice of digital agriculture, students of agronomy (and related) departments who will undertake the role of advisors in the future are expected to develop relevant competencies during their university education. Do current curricula supply them with such competencies? In pursuing this question, in the present study, we developed a theoretical scheme involving eight sets of competencies. After constructing a scale for each set, we collected data from students enrolled in an agronomy department of a Greek university. Our findings revealed that participants’ overall competency in dealing with digital agriculture was considerably low. Among the eight sets of competencies, the highest scores were observed for empathy and future orientation, while students had low levels of technology exploitation, technology integration, and transition facilitation competencies. A regression analysis indicated that the two last sets shape students’ overall competency. These results point out the need to integrate a farmer-centered philosophy in digitalization-related higher agronomic education and consider the critical role that social science can play in equipping future advisors with competencies needed to facilitate the digital agricultural transition.

Effect of Seed Priming and Moisture Conservation Measures on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.) under Rainfed Upland Situation

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the PG experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, BNCA to assess seed priming and moisture conservation measures on productivity and profitability of baby corn under the rainfed situation. The soil of the experimental site was acidic (pH 4.64), sandy loam in texture, medium in organic carbon (0.64%), low in available N (232.06 kg ha-1), P2O5 (13.84 kg ha-1) and K2O (115.27 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with 4 levels of seed priming methods. S0: No priming; S1: Seed priming with 1% urea solution; S2: priming with 1% potash solution (MOP); S3: priming with 3 times diluted cow urine and 3 levels of soil moisture conservation measures viz. M0: No mulching; M1: use of bio mulch; M2: use of black polythene mulch. Results revealed that the highest and quickest seedling emergence (11.96 numbers m-2) was recorded under the treatment of seed priming with three times diluted cow urine which was at par with the treatment of seed priming with 1% urea and 1% KCl (MOP) solution. The total number of leaves m-2, total leaf area plant-1 and leaf area index (LAI) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different moisture conservation measures but those parameters remain static due to different seed priming methods. The CGR (g m-2 day-1), RGR, (g g-1 day-1) and NAR (mg cm-1 day-1) of baby corn were also changed significantly due to different soil moisture conservation measures. The highest and most significant baby corn yield without husk(22.59 q ha-1) with 305.61 q ha-1 of green fodder yield along with harvest index (6.00), production efficiency (25.67 kg‑1 day-1 ha-1) and nutrient use productivity (9.41 kg‑1 ha-1 kg-1) were recorded under the treatment where black polythene mulching was used as soil moisture conservation measure.

Effect of Different Sowing Dates and Spacing on Soybean Varieties for Seed Quality during Rabi Season

Soybean, the number one oil seed crop in the world has recently occupied an important place in the edible oil and agricultural economy of the country. Lack of good quality seed is one of the major problems encountered in soybean production. Soybean as commercial crop is successful in kharif season as the agro-climatic conditions are found suitable. But climatic conditions may cause the adverse effect on seed production of different soybean varieties in kharif season. Hence, to fulfill the demand of quality soybean seed, efforts has been made to produce the soybean in rabi season.
 The research trial on rabi season soybean seed production was conducted during 2021-22 at the Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The field experiment was laid out in split-split plot design having three replications. Total nine treatment combinations were there, consist of three sowing dates viz., 16 Dec, 31 Dec and 15 Jan in main plot and three spacing as 30 x 10 cm, 45 x 10 cm and 60 x 10 cm in sub plot and three varieties are AMS 100-39, RSC 10-46 and KDS-753 in sub-sub plot.
 It can be revealed from the experimental results that graded seed yield (kg ha-1) and weight of graded 100 seed (g) were extensively greater in early sown crop of 16 Dec., variety RSC 10-46 and spacing 45 x 10 cm. Sowing date 16 Dec recorded minimum under size seed weight. In variety RSC 10-46 recorded minimum under size seed weight followed by variety AMS-100-39 (44.96 kg ha-1) and spacing of 45 x 10 cm. Treatment combination D1V2(sowing on 16 Dec. and variety RSC 10-46) recorded minimum under size seed yield. Significantly maximum weight of graded 100 seed was recorded by sowing date 16 Dec. (10.44 g) ,variety RSC 10-46 and spacing 45 x 10 cm.

Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)

The field experiment titled “Effect of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet” was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.62%), available nitrogen (225 kg/ha), available phosphorus (38.2 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.7 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments which are replicated thrice. Results obtained that significantly higher plant height (83.52 cm), plant dry weight (14.06 g), length of ear head (15.70 cm), number of grains/ear head (1,413.09), test weight (3.64 g), grain yield (1.68 t/ha), stover yield (3.88 t/ha), harvest index (33.79%) higher gross return (69,291.48 INR/ha), net return (48,099.98 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.27) were recorded in treatment 9 with the application of (Nitrogen 60 kg/ha + Boron 0.03%).

Comparative studies of knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers for weed management in soybean (Glycine max L.)

The study titled, "Comparative Evaluation of Knapsack, Boom, and Drone Sprayers for Weed Management in Soybean (Glycine max L.)" was carried out during the Kharif season 2021-22 at an experimental farm affiliated with the Department of Agronomy, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The primary objective was to evaluate the comparative efficacy of various sprayers in controlling weeds in soybeans and their work efficiency. The Randomized Block Design (RBD) included ten treatments of pre-emergence (PE) and post-emergence (POE) herbicides applied by knapsack, boom, and drone sprayers. Pendimethalin 30% EC @ 750 g a.i ha−1 was used for pre-emergence herbicide application, and Imazamox 35% EC + Imazethapyr 35% WG @ 70 g a.i ha−1 were used for post-emergence. These treatments were tested on soybean Monocot and Dicot weed count, weed dry weight, weed index, and weed control efficiency. The sprayers were compared for time, water, labor, herbicide, and overall work efficiency. A knapsack sprayer showed the best results for pre- and post-emergence herbicide application, with the lowest weed count, dry weight, control efficiency, and weed index. Boom and drone sprayers followed in effectiveness. Herbicide application was faster with the drone sprayer than with hand weeding, cultural practices, boom sprayer, and knapsack sprayer. Compared to knapsack and boom sprayers, the drone sprayer used less water and labour. Drone sprayers work most efficiently, followed by boom and knapsack sprayers. This study focuses on the prevalence of herbicides and their impact on non-target ecosystems. It aims to develop mitigation strategies by optimizing spraying efficiency and reducing herbicide usage during pre and post emergence. The dissemination of efficient weed management practices that reduce environmental impacts and increase the efficiency of soybean cultivation is consistent with Sustainable Development Goal 15: life on land.

Flood Tolerance of Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) Cultivars

A pot culture study was conducted from February to May 2020 at the Agronomy Farm, Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala to study the effects of short-term flooding on the growth, physiology, and yield of four high-yielding cultivars of hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) cultivated in Kerala. The experiment followed a 4 x 2 factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The treatments comprised two factors: varieties and flooding treatments. The four hybrid napier varieties used in the study were CO-3 (V1), CO-5 (V2), IGFRI -3 (V3), and Suguna (V4). The flooding treatments included no flooding (F0) as a control and short-term flooding stress treatment (F1) at three different growth stages: 30 days after planting (DAP), 60 DAP and just after the first harvest (75 DAP). Flooding stress was imposed for seven days by inundating water in the pots up to 3-4 cm above the soil level. Flooding at all three stages resulted in a significant reduction in plant height, tiller number, leaf number and above-ground biomass for all varieties. A severe reduction in growth and yield parameters was observed when flooding stress was imposed immediately after the first harvest. Among the varieties, CO-5 had the tallest plants, followed by Suguna, CO-3, and IGFRI-3. When exposed to flooding stress, variety CO-5 was also found to be significantly superior in terms of above-ground biomass production, followed by CO-3. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased in all varieties due to flooding stress, with a pronounced increase observed in Suguna. Variety CO-5, which exhibited greater plant height and above-ground biomass production, was found to be more tolerant to flooding stress, while variety IGFRI-3, with a dwarf plant stature and the lowest biomass yield, was identified as sensitive to short-term flooding stress.

History and Methods of the Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory

This publication provides a history of the University of Florida Everglades Soil Testing Laboratory (EvSTL), current analytical methods, and information about fertilizer recommendations made by the laboratory. Written by J. Mabry McCray and Ronald W. Rice, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, October 2023.

Humic Acid as Combined with Different Levels of N-P-K Fertilizer and Farmyard Manure to Enhance a Fodder Maize-Cowpea Intercropping System

In the summer season of 2021, a research study was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Killikulam. The primary objective was to assess how varying doses of humic acid, in addition with the recommended fertilizer dose, affected the growth and physiological characteristics of African Tall fodder maize and CO 9 fodder cowpea under intercropping system. The study was laid down by using randomized block design with 12 treatment combinations, each replicated three times to reduce the experimental error. The study's results highlighted that applying 125% of the recommended fertilizer dose, supplemented with enriched farmyard manure at a rate of 750 kg/ha, and applying 20 kg/ha of humic acid with addition of foliar spray treatments comprising 1.0% Urea and 0.5% CaCl2 (Treatment 8) were found to yield the highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, branches per plant, and increased dry matter production. Furthermore, this approach demonstrated superior physiological attributes, including agronomic growth rate, relative growth rate, and net assimilation rate at various crop growth stages. Notably, this treatment also exhibited the largest leaf area when compared to control treatments (Treatment 12).