Factorial Randomized Block Design Research Articles

Economics of Fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and Bio-fertilizers in Central Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted at the student instructional farm of CSAUA&T, Kanpur, during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Sandy loam was the texture of the experimental soil. There are twelve treatment involving combinations of phosphorus and biofertilizers with three replication of factorial randomized block design (FRBD). A fieldpea variety IPFD 6-3 was planted according to recommended agronomic practices. The results of these studies indicate that fieldpea cultivation over a two-year period is consistent with T12 (P90 R1 PSB1), the most economically effective treatment and also recorded the highest economics parametric values i.e., maximum cost of cultivation of ₹35850 & ₹36700, gross return of ₹ 106055 & ₹118535, net return of ₹70205 & ₹ 81835 and benefit to cost ratios were 1.96 & 2.23 followed by the treatment T11.

Respon Pertumbuhan Tanaman Jahe Merah (Zingiber Officinale Rosc) Terhadap Pemberian Pupuk Kandang Sapi dan Pupuk NPK

The prospects for the development of red ginger plants in Indonesia are still quite bright, especially for export, the traditional medicine industry, the food and beverage industry and cooking spices. Fresh red ginger in Indonesia is exported to various countries including the United States, Japan, Singapore and Pakistan. The red ginger plant (Zingiber officinale Rosc) is one of the important herbs. During its growth, from planting to production, it is definitely a ginger plant. has absorbed a number of food elements. Therefore, efforts are needed to maintain, increase and increase soil fertility, including by fertilizing. One of the determining factors is the use of cow manure and NPK fertilizer. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of using doses of cow manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth of red ginger plants (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). This research uses a Factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK). which consists of 2 (two) treatment factors. The first factor is the dose of cow manure (K) consisting of 4 levels, namely:= Control,= 75 tons/ha (2kg/plot),= 150 tons/ha (4kg/plot)), K3= 225 tons/ha (6kg /plot)). The second factor, namely the dose of NPK fertilizer (M), consists of 3 levels, namely: M0= Control, = 0.4 gr/plot, M2= 0.6 gr/plot, M3 = 0.8 gr/plot. Observed variables include Plant Height, Number leaves/sample, and number of saplings/sample. The results of the research on the dose of cow manure showed a very real influence on plant height, number of leaves and number of tillers in red ginger plants. NPK fertilizer doses that are too high have an impact on low plant height, number of leaves, and number of red ginger plant saplings Keywords: red ginger, cow manure, NPK

Growth, productivity and quality of colored capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) as influenced by hybrids and plant growth regulators under controlled environment conditions

In developing countries like India, rapid urbanisation was under way and the diet habits of the people have been changing day to day. Under this transformation, a section of the population is focused on nutritional security where vegetables play a major role in daily diet. Among different vegetables coloured bell pepper which is commonly known as capsicum, has importance due to its nutritional quality and market demand. The quality and productivity of coloured capsicum can be improved by choosing the best performing hybrids and exogenous application of plant growth regulators. Considering the above, the present study was conducted from November to April of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Protected Cultivation Unit of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha under controlled environment conditions. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design consisting of two hybrids, namely, Orobelle (yellow colored) and Bomby (red colored); and eight treatments of growth regulators which were GA3 @ 25 ppm, GA3 @ 50 ppm, GA3 @ 75 ppm, GA3 @ 100 ppm, NAA @ 20 ppm, NAA @ 40 ppm, NAA @ 60 ppm and NAA @ 80 ppm. A total of 16 treatment combinations were worked out in the experiment which were replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that there was no significant variation among the hybrids cultivated with respect to yield attributes, yield, quality parameters and growth attributes excluding plant height and number of leaves per plant at 60 DAS and 90 DAS. However, there was a significant impact of plant growth regulators on growth attributes, yield attributes, yield and quality parameters. The application of NAA @ 80 ppm resulted in early flowering (43.8 days after planting). Moreover, the maximum number of flowers per plant (32.5 flowers/plant), flower to fruit ratio (52.9), fruits per plant (19.5) and weight of the fruit (133.6 g) recorded in GA3 @ 100 ppm application. There was a significant interaction effect among treatment combinations in fruit yield where the highest value was recorded in Bomby hybrid with GA3 @ 100 PPM application. From the study it may be concluded that cultivation of both the hybrids can be considered as per the fruit colour and market demand along with the application of GA3 @ 100 ppm under controlled environment conditions.

Effects of Different Doses of Nitrogen on Growth and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Berekum Municipality of Ghana

Background: Adequate and balanced use of plant nutrients could increase crop performance and reduce adverse environmental effects. Farmers in Berekum have little information on the specific rate of nutrient, especially nitrogen application for hybrid and open pollinated maize varieties. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in Berekum Municipality of Ghana to determine the effects of different doses of N fertilizer (0, 90, 120 and 150 kg N ha-1) on growth and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of Pannar 12 (hybrid) and Omankwa (open-pollinated) maize varieties. The experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice. Result: Experimental results revealed that incremental doses of nitrogen significantly impacted vegetative growth and NUE of maize. The studies indicated that the growth response in terms of plant height, number of leaves per plant and stem diameter of Omankwa was better than that of Pannar 12. It was found that in the main cropping period of 2019, the maximum NUE of 14.58 kg/kg was gained when Pannar 12 was grown with 150 kg N ha-1, while the highest NUE (15.91 kg/kg) was recorded when Omankwa was grown with 90 kg N ha-1. In the minor season of 2019, NUE was highest (13.54 kg/kg) when Pannar 12 was grown with 150 kg N ha-1, while application of 120 kg N ha-1 to Omankwa resulted in the highest NUE (10.85 kg/kg). The studies indicated that application of nitrogen at 90, 120 and 150 kg N ha-1 improved NUE in maize. However, NUE was optimized in Pannar 12 due to application of 150 kg N ha-1, while application of 90 kg N ha-1 was enough to optimize NUE in Omankwa.

Effect of Quality Attributes of Potato by Using Biochar and NPK Fertilizers with Biozyme Granules

The present study, which took place at the central Research Farm of Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, spanned across the years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Throughout this study, an experiment was meticulously conducted utilizing a variety of Kufri badhash under the Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) design. This experiment included three replications, each encompassing three levels (2.5, 5, 7.5 t ha-1) of Biochar and three levels (50%, 75%, 100%) of Inorganic fertilizers. Additionally, two levels (25 and 50 kg ha-1) of Biozyme granules were also part of this comprehensive research design. The results obtained regarding various quality parameters in the years 2022-23 and 2023-24, such as moisture content (80 and 81 100g-1), tuber dry matter content (20.98% and 21.96 %), starch content (13.54% and 14.12%), reducing sugar (0.28% and 0.30%), non-reducing sugar (0.35% and 0.37%), and total sugar (0.58% and 0.59%) were notably elevated with the application of T16. Notably, the maximum protein content (2.07 and 2.31%), carbohydrate (14.58% and 14.85%), and total soluble solid (6.44% and 6.77%) were observed with the application of T18 in accordance with the recommended practices. Conversely, the minimum values were recorded for T1, showcasing the significant impact of the application techniques on the various parameters studied.

Effect of Mineral Fertilizer on Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Black Sesame [Sesamum radiatum (L.)

A field study aimed to evolve efficient nutrient management for improving yield and quality of sesamum was conducted during pre-rabi season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design replicated thrice with twelve treatments. Treatments consisting of two levels of nitrogen (25 and 50 kg/ha), two levels of phosphorus (12.5 and 25 kg/ha) and three levels of sulphur (0, 20 and 30 kg/ha). Seed and stover yield as well as total nutrient uptake were recorded significantly higher with the application of 50 kg/ha N, 25 kg/ha P and 30 kg/ha S. The application of 50 N and 30 kg S was recorded significantly higher oil content and oil yield over the rest of the nitrogen and sulphur levels. N content in seed (3.13%) and stover (1.226%) were found significantly influenced by 50 kg/ha N. Phosphorus @ 25 kg/ha was recorded significantly higher P content in seed (0.493 %) and stover (0.392%).S content in seed (0.325%) and stover (0.171%) were found significantly influenced by 50 kg/ha S. Significantly higher available nitrogen (281.22 kg/ha) was found under application of nitrogen @ 50 kg/ha. Significantly the higher residual phosphorus (28.81 kg/ha) was obtained with the application of 25 kg P/ha. Significantly the higher residual sulphur (7.63 mg/kg) was obtained with the application of 30 kg S/ha.

Determining the effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

The experiment was carried out entitled “effect of interaction between nitrogen and sulphur on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)” at the Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), India, during Rabi (winter) season of 2021-22. The experiments were conducted in Factorial randomized block design which comprised of 25 treatment combinations in which five levels of Nitrogen (0,40,80,120 and 160 kg N ha-1) and five levels of sulphur (0,25,35,45 and 55 kg S ha-1). The experiments were laid out in the two factors RCBD with three replications, The plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, seed and stover yield increased with increasing N level of 160 kg N ha-1 which was at par with 120 kg N ha-1 and while significantly superior over rest of the levels of nitrogen. On the other hand, with increasing S levels plant height, increased significantly up to 55 kg S ha-1. However, the number of branches plant-1 and seed yield and shoot yield increased up to the highest dose of S (55 kg S ha-1). Considering the combined effect of N and S, the treatment combination (120 kg n ha-1 and 45 kg S ha-1) produced the maximum seed yield (21.32 q ha-1).

Efek Temperatur dan Waktu Seduh terhadap Karakteristik Kimia dan Sensori Liang Teh Pontianak

<em>Liang tea Pontianak consists of herbal ingredients (Dicliptera chinensis leaves, Tradescantia spathacea leaves, Origanum vulgare Wilder leaves, Pandanus amarillifolius leaves and skin of Aloe vera chinensis) and tea ingredients (Caesalpinia sappan wood). Technological developments for preparing tea burrows in fresh form have turned into dry ingredients so that they are practical in preparation. The process of serving liang tea Pontianak by brewing, but currently it is not known when and the brewing temperature that produces the best physicochemical characteristics of the burrow has not been studied. The target of this research was to obtain the temperature and brewing time that produces the best chemical and sensory characteristics of Liang tea Pontianak. This study used a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of 2 treatment, namely the brewing temperature of 70±3°C, 85±3°C and 100°C while the second factor was the length of brewing, consisting of 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes. The results of this study found that the chemical and sensory characteristics of Liang tea Pontianak were brewed at 100°C for 20 minutes. The physicochemical characteristics of Liang teh Pontianak have antioxidant activity of 73.81%, total phenol content of 97.58 mg GAE/g and flavonoid content of 217.28 mg QE/g. Based on sensory characteristics, the best brewing Liang Teh Pontianak was 70±3°C for 20 minutes with color attribute values of 4.28, aroma 3.80, and taste 3.64. Determination of the best treatment using the value of the effectiveness index.</em>

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time

Productivity and Economics of Hydroponic Fodders as Influenced by Harvesting Time

Effect of Different Spacing and Corm Size on Growth and Corm Production of Gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.) cv Punjab Dawn under Malwa Plateau of Madhya Pradesh

The present experiment was carried out at Bahadari research farm of College of Horticulture, Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh) during rabi season of 2020-21 with an aim to find out the effect of different spacing and corm size on growth and corm production of gladiolus, using the three spacing’s (S1 30 × 30 cm, S2 30 × 20 cm and S3 20 × 20 cm) and three corm sizes (C1 <3.0 cm, C2 3.0-4.0 cm and C3 >4.0 cm). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three replications. The result revealed that, the plant produced from wider spacing with larger corm size (30 × 30 cm + >4.0 cm) was superior in days taken to sprouting (9.07 days), number of sprouts per hill (3.07), plant height at 60 DAP (62 cm), number of leaves per hill at 60 DAP (20.73), length of longest leaf at 60 DAP (46.47 cm), width of longest leaf at 60 DAP (2.85 cm), number of corms per hill (3.47) and weight of corms per hill (71.20 g) at maturity stage.

Application of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) to Improve the Quality of MD2 Pineapple Seedlings from Crown Shoots and Sapling Shoots

This aim of this research is to determine the effect of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) concentration to the origin of the planting material and their interaction on the growth and development of Millie Dillard-2 (MD2) variety pineapple seedlings so that quality pineapple seedlings with good performance and rooting are obtained. The research was conducted from May to December 2023, experimentally using a factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor is IBA concentration of 0 ppm, 200 ppm, 400 ppm, and 600 ppm. The second factor is the origin of the crown shoots and sapling shoots. Thus, there were eight treatment combinations; each treatment was repeated three times, so there were 24 experimental units. Each experimental unit used 3 plant samples. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results were tested further using the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) test at the 5% level. Observation were carried out on seedlings aged 30 Day After Planting (DAP) and 100 DAP with observation variables consisting of the root fresh weight aged 30 DAP and 100 DAP, total primary roots and increase in number of leaves. The research results show that giving a concentration of IBA of 400 ppm and seedling shoot planting material is the best treatment combination to be applied to MD2 pineapple seedlings.

Effect of Sowing Direction and Wheat Cultivars on Growth and Yield in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

A field experiment was carried out during rabi season where different wheat cultivars (PBW-343, HUW-234 and NW-1012) and direction of sowing (E-W and N-S) were taken in Factorial Randomized Block Design replicated four times. All the yield attributing characters like number of effective tillers, spike length, number of grains spike–1, grain weight spike–1 were significantly higher under East-West direction of sowing over North-South direction of sowing. Among the all cultivars PBW-343 was found significantly superior over NW-1012 and HUW-234. The grain yield, straw yield and light intensity were increased significantly under East-West direction of sowing and among the cultivars PBW-343 recorded significantly higher value of above characters over NW-1012 and HUW-234. Maximum heat unit requirement and days taken to 50% ear emergence and maturity was recorded under North-South direction of sowing and among the cultivars it was found maximum in PBW-343. The maximum net return and B:C ratio were obtained in E-W direction of sowing along with PBW-343 cultivar. Thus it may be revealed that sowing in East-West direction with cultivar PBW-343 was found most suitable for cultivation under Indo-Gangetic Plains of India.

Effect of feeding durian fruit peel in kacang goats on production performance and physiological parameters

The durian fruit (Durio zibethinus Murr.) peels can be used as animal feed. This study aimed to determine the effect of feeding durian fruit peel on body weight, feed conversion ratio and physiological parameters and reproduction performance of female kacang goats. The research method uses the 3 x 3 factorial randomized block design (RBD). The main components were dose D1 = ASP dose of 100 g/liter of water; D2 = ASP dose of 200 g/liter of water, and D3 = ASP dose of 300 g/liter of water, and the next variable is the soaking time, namely: P1 = Soaking durian rind for 24 hours; P2 = Soaking durian rind for 48 hours; and P3 = Soaking durian rind for 72 hours and each repeated four times as a group. The analysis of variance showed that giving durian fruit peels soaked in rice husk ash filtrate solution at different doses did not give a significant difference (p>0.05) in body weight gain, use of dry matter and the effectiveness of using proportions, breath waves and heartbeat waves of female kacang goats, but had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the edible carcass weight and very significant (p<0.01) on the non-edible carcass level of female kacang goat giving durian fruit peels by immersing rice husk ash filtrate solution with different soaking time variations had a significant effect (p<0.05) on body weight gain and productivity using the proportion of female kacang goats, did not have a large effect (p>0.05) on physiological parameters. Durian skin waste has the potential to be used as animal feed, has nutritional content, and can increase the body weight of kacang goats, but requires further processing such as soaking in a solution of rice husk ash filtrate.

Biochar and Azolla Effects on Soil Chemical Properties, Lead Content and Growth of Paddy

The objective of the study was to determine the influences of biochar amendments and Azolla sp application on soil chemical value, lead (Pb) content, and growth of paddy. The research was conducted in Growth Centre LLDIKTI I, Medan, Sumatera Utara, Indonesia, from April to July 2014. The research design used a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The first factor was Azolla sp application: without Azolla (A0); Azolla pinnata (A1); Azolla mikropilla (A2)] and the second factor was biochar amendment without biochar (B0); RSB-Rice straw biochar (B1), RHB-Rice husk biochar (B2), CPB-coconut peat biochar (B3), OPB-Oil Palm Empty Bunch biochar (B4)]. The result showed that the biochar amendment treatments had significant differences (P<0.05) in all soil chemical values and growth parameters of paddy. The Azolla application showed significant differences (P<0.05) in plant height, number of tillers, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, and Pb content in the root. The interaction among the Azolla sp and the biochar amendments showed significant differences (P<0.05) in a number of the tillers. It was concluded that the application of rice husk biochar and Azolla microphylla was able to increase soil chemical properties, increase the growth of paddy, and also increase the Pb content in soil, leaves, and roots.

Effect of nitrogen and zinc fertilizer on Zn biofortification in pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2011–12 at Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh to study the response of pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] to nitrogen and zinc on Zn biofortification in this crop. The field experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, with 3 replications, comprising 4 nitrogen (N) levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg N/ha) and 3 levels of zinc (0, 5 and 10 kg Zn/ha) with constant rates of phosphorus and potassium at 40 and 30 kg/ha respectively. Application of 60 kg N/ha and 10 kg Zn/ha resulted in the maximum grain yield, N content and uptake by grain and stover of pearlmillet. Zinc content in grain linearly enhanced with sole application of N and Zn levels up to 20 kg N/ha and 5 kg Zn/ha. Combined application of 5 kg Zn/ ha × 20 kg N/ha was found optimum for enhancement of Zn content in grains of pearlmillet. Agronomic nitrogen and zinc efficiency decreased with the increasing nitrogen and zinc levels.

Fertigation-Driven Optimization of Growth Characters in Banana (Musa acuminate AAA) cv. Red Banana

The main aim of the study was to standardize the fertigation schedule and nutrient levels for growth enhancement in red banana. The study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The statistical design used was factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 12 plants per plot at a spacing of 2.1m x 2.1 m laid out with 12 treatment combinations of 4 different nutrient levels (60%, 80%, 100%and 120% RD of N and K) and 3 fertigation schedule (equal splits at weekly interval, at fortnightly interval, and according to the growth stage of the crop) and a control (KAU POP recommendation). Soil test based on fertilizer recommendation was derived based on KAU POP (200:200:400 g plant-1 year-1). Farm yard manure was applied as organic source at 10 kg plant-1) and P (200 g plant-1) to all treatments as basal. Water soluble fertilizers used included Urea as nitrogen source and Muriate of Potash as potassium source;. Data was collected from pseudo stem height, girth, number of leaves, leaf index, leaf area, days to shooting, time taken from shooting to harvest and crop duration. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. The highest pseudostem height (310.53 cm) and girth (89.30 cm) was observed with the interactive effect of 120% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) which was on par with F2S3(80% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) at flowering stage. The total functional leaf area was maximum on F3S3 at the flowering (23.86 m2) and harvest stage (21.50 m2). Data on days to shooting (363 days), shoot to harvest (89 days) and total crop duration (452 days) in red banana showed that the interaction effect F2S3 has taken the least number of days. In conclusion the growth characters were observed to be better at 80% recommended dose of N and K with split application according to the growth stage of the crop .

Response of growth and tuber seed production of G0 potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv Medians in medium lands of Jatinangor to biochar composition and retardant type

Potatoes are the third most consumed food in Indonesia. The availability of high-quality potato tuber seeds is still low which affects potato production. Potato planting in the highlands is limited, so it needs to be expanded into medium lands. The modification that can increase the production of G0 potato tuber seeds on medium lands is the use of biochar and retardant. The purpose of this research was to determine the composition of biochar and the type of retardant to increase the G0 tuber seed yield of potato cv Medians in the medium lands of Jatinangor. The research was conducted from August 2022 to February 2023 at the Station Ciparanje, Jatinangor, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran. The experiment used Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor was the biochar compositions: b1 (100% compost), b2 (80% compost + 20% rice husk biochar), b3 (80% compost + 20% coconut shell biochar), and b4 (80% compost + 10% biochar husk rice + 10% coconut shell biochar). The second factor was the retardant type: r1 (without retardant), r2 (100 ppm paclobutrazol), and r3 (100 ppm prohexadione-Ca). The experimental results showed that there was no interaction effect of biochar compositions and retardant type on the growth and yield of G0 potato tuber seeds. Treatment of 80% compost + 20% coconut shell biochar suppressed plant height but increased the number of tubers. Treatment of 100 ppm paclobutrazol resulted in lower plant height but total chlorophyll content, percentage of stolon forming tubers, the number of tubers, and tuber weight per plant were higher compared to treatments without retardant and with 100 ppm prohexadione-Ca.

Response of growth, yield, and seeds quality of G0 potato on different potassium fertilizer doses and retardant concentrations in Jatinangor medium land

This study aims to determine the best interaction of potassium (K) fertilizer dose and retardant concentration on the growth, yield, and seed quality of G0 potato grown in the medium land of Jantinangor. The experiment was conducted at Screen House Station Ciparanje, Jatinangor, Faculty of Agriculture Universitas Padjadjaran from November 2022 until January 2023 at an elevation of ± 685 meters above sea level. The experimental design used was the Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD). The first factor was the K fertilizer dose including 50%, 100%, and 150%. The second was the retardant concentration including without retardant, 100 ppm paclobutrazol, 100 ppm prohexadione-Ca, and 150 ppm prohexadione-Ca. The experimental results showed that there was an interaction effect between the K dose and retardant concentration. The interaction effect of 150% K and 100 ppm prohexadione-Ca showed the highest percentage of L class seed tuber and the lowest tuber weight loss. Independently, 150% K improved growth rate, number of tubers (6.67 knol/plant), and weight of tubers (73.33 g/plant). Independently, 100 ppm paclobutrazol concentration increased the chlorophyll content index. 150 ppm prohexadione-Ca concentration suppressed leaf area and plant height but increased stomatal conductance, fast emergence shoot time, and shoot length. 100 ppm prohexadione-Ca concentration produced the highest number of tubers and the weight of tubers, i.e., 6.78 knol/plant and 74.33 g/plant, respectively.

Effect of Soil and Foliar Applications on Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season (Nov - Jan) of 2023-2024 in the experimental farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. To study “Effect of soil and foliar applications on growth and productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L).” Factorial Randomized Block Design was used with two factors and 3 replications. The treatment combination consists of 10 treatments viz., T1- 100 percent RDF+ Nano-DAP, T2 - 100 percent RDF + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T3 – 100 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T4 – 100 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T5 – 100 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T6 - 100 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T7 – 75 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T8 - 75 percent RDF + FYM at 10 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T9 - 75 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-DAP foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS, T10- 75 percent RDF + VC at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea foliar sprays at 30 and 45 DAS.The results indicated that the application of 75 percent RDF + Vermicompost at 5 t ha-1 + Nano-Urea increased the growth parameters (plant height and Leaf Area Index), physiological parameters (Crop Growth Rate and Chlorophyll Index) and yield (grain and stover yield) of pearl millet.

Accumulation of ions in soil fertigated with dilutions of dairy effluents in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Wastewater is an alternative water source with the potential to guarantee agricultural productivity in semi-arid regions, where quantitative and qualitative scarcity is a limiting factor. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the application of dairy effluent dilutions on the alterations of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen contents along the profile of an Ultisol cultivated with Cereus hildmannianus in the semi-arid region of Brazil. The experimental design used was a 5 x 5 factorial randomized block design with five dilutions of dairy effluent (T1 - only well water (WW); T2 - 0.1 x annual loading rate according to EPA (1981) (LW) plus WW; T3 - 0.2 x LW plus WW; T4 - 0.3 x LW plus WW; and T5 - 0.4 x LW plus WW) and five depths (0 to 0.10 m; 0.10 to 0.20 m; 0.20 to 0.30 m; 0.30 to 0.40 m and 0.40 to 0.50 m), with five replicates. Cereus hildmannianus cultivation lasted 240 days, and after this period, soil samples were taken to determine the contents of sodium, calcium, magnesium, and nitrogen. Fertigation using dairy effluent with up to 40% of the annual loading rate in Ultisol poses no risk of water and soil contamination by nitrogen leaching. Fertigation using dairy effluent in proportions of up to 20% of the annual loading rate poses no risk of soil degradation due to excessive accumulation of ions.