Application Of Farmyard Manure Research Articles

Effects of Chemical Fertilizer, Fym and Bio-Inoculants On Nutrient Content, Uptake and Quality of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)

Effects of different levels of chemical fertilizer, farmyard manure (FYM) and bio-inoculants on nutrient content, uptake and quality parameter of wheat were studied. Results indicated that increasing levels of chemical fertilizer, FYM and bio-inoculants significantly enhanced nutrient content and uptake by wheat, while quality parameters of wheat showed significant results with bio-inoculants application. Maximum N, P and K content and their uptake in grain (80.3, 11.07 and 25.29%, respectively) and straw (32.18, 7.14 and 95.92%, respectively) were noticed with 100% NPK over control. Application of FYM @ 10 t/ha significantly increased nutrient content (NPK) in grain and straw and their uptake over the control. The total N, P and K uptake by wheat were found to be maximum 80.97, 12.68 and 86.10 kg/ha, respectively with the application of FYM over control. Combined use of fertilizer levels and FYM, and combined use of fertilizer levels and bio-inoculants significantly increased the nutrient uptake by wheat. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1109-1117, 2021 (December)

Maize response to soil properties improved with beneficial microbes, humic acid and farmyard manure application

Maize response to soil properties improved with beneficial microbes, humic acid and farmyard manure application

Influence of Farmyard Manure and Jeevamrutha on Growth and Yield of Sunflower

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at ZARS, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru to study the influence of different levels of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Jeevamrutha on growth and yield of Sunflower in red sandy loam soil. There were nine treatment combinations laid out in factorial randomized complete block design, which were replicated thrice. The experimental results revealed that, the application of FYM at 150 per cent nitrogen equivalent and jeevamrutha at 1500 L ha-1significantly influenced growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index and total dry matter production. The interaction effect of FYM and jeevamrutha was significant in enhancing the seed yield of sunflower due to improvement in yield attributes like head diameter, number of seeds per head, hundred seed weight and seed yield per plant.

Effect of Application of Farmyard Manure and Gypsum on Saline Sodic Soils of Raya Alamata District, Northern Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted in Raya Alamata district, northern Ethiopia to investigate the effect of sole and combined application of FYM and gypsum on saline sodic soils on yield of sorghum by supplying different rates of farmyard manure (FYM) and/or gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) application alone or both mixtures using a randomized complete block design for three consecutive years. The treatment used included: control, three FYM rates alone, two gypsum rates alone and six combination of FYM and gypsum with a total of 12 treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times to yield 36 experimental plots. The result indicated that, there was no significant difference between treatments in the first and second year of cropping season. However, the effect the amendments were shown in the third year of the cropping season, and hence, the treatment effect of the combined application of FYM and gypsum were more effective and improved soil properties and increased the yield of sorghum. In addition, compared to all other treatments, the combined application of 4 tha -1 FYM + 100% GR followed by 8 tha -1 FYM + 100% GR resulted the highest grain yield of sorghum and reduced the sodium induced hazards than all other treatments. Hence, it is recommended as the best treatment in the improvement of saline sodic soils of the district. Keywords: Gypsum; Farmyard manure; Sorghum; Soil amendment; Soil properties DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/12-22-02 Publication date: November 30 th 2021

Labile Soil Organic Matter Pools Are Influenced by 45 Years of Applied Farmyard Manure and Mineral Nitrogen in the Wheat—Pearl Millet Cropping System in the Sub-Tropical Condition

Labile soil organic matter pools (LSOMp) are believed to be the most sensitive indicator of soil quality when it is changed rapidly with varied management practices. In sub-tropical climates, the turnover period of labile pools is quicker than in temperate climates. Organic amendments are of importance in improve the LSOMp for a temperate climate and may be helpful in sub-tropical climates as well. Hence, the status of LSOMp was studied in long term farmyard manure (FYM) amended soils under wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) cropping systems in sub-tropical arid conditions. At the same time, we also attempt to determine the impact of mineral nitrogen (N) application in these pools. In this study, dissolved organic matter (DOM), microbial biomass (MB), and light fraction (LF) were isolated in the management practices involving different modes and rates of FYM applications along with the application of nitrogenous fertilizer. C and N contents of the labile pools were analyzed in the soil samples at different periods after FYM applications. Among the different pools, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were changed significantly with different rates and modes of FYM application and mineral N application. Application of FYM at 15 Mg ha−1 in both the seasons + 120 kg ha−1 mineral N resulted in significantly higher MBC and DOC as compared to all of the other treatments. This treatment also resulted in 13.75% and 5.8% more MBC and DOC, respectively, as compared to the amount of MBC and DOC content in the control plot where FYM and mineral N were not applied. Comparing the labile organic matter pools of 45 years of FYM amendment with initial values, it was found that the dissolved organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon, and light fraction carbon were increased up to the maximum extent of about 600, 1200, and 700 times, respectively. The maximum amount of DOM (562 mg kg−1 of DOC and 70.1 mg kg−1 of DON), MB (999 mg kg−1 of MBC and 158.4 mg kg−1 of MBN), LF (2.61 g kg−1 of LFC and 154.6 g kg−1 of LFN) were found in case of both season applied FYM as compared to either summer or winter applied FYM. Concerning the different rates of FYM application, 15 Mg ha−1 FYM also resulted in a significantly higher amount of DOM, MB, and LF as compared to other FYM rates (i.e., 5 Mg ha−1 and 10 Mg ha−1). Amongst different pools, MB was found to be the most sensitive to management practices in this study. From this study, it was found that the long-term FYM amendment in sub-tropical soil along with mineral N application can improve the LSOMp of the soil. Thus, it can be recommended that the application of FYM at 15 Mg ha−1 in summer and winter with +120 kg ha−1 mineral N can improve SOC and its labile pools in subtropical arid soils. Future studies on LSOMp can be carried out by considering different cropping systems of subtropical climate.

Bioresource Nutrient Recycling in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System: Cornerstone of Organic Agriculture.

This study evaluated the impact of conventional practices (fertilizer alone) and diverse farming approaches (such as green manuring, farmyard manure application, rice-residue incorporation, residue mulching, residue removal and residue burning) on soil attributes. A total of thirty-five farm sites were selected, with five sites (replications) for each farming approach system, which were used over the past three years in the study farms. Characterization of rice residues of all cultivars, green manure crop (sesbenia: Sesbania sesban) and decomposed farmyard manure samples showed differential behaviours for macronutrients and micronutrients. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizers significantly influenced soil attributes, especially electrical conductivity, nutrient contents, bacterial and fungal population and soil enzymatic attributes. The crop residue treatments favourably influenced the soil parameters over the control. Crop residue incorporation or burning significantly increased soil available potassium, microbial biomass, enzymatic activities and organic carbon when compared with applications of chemical fertilizer alone, while total nitrogen content was increased by residue incorporation. However, green manuring and farmyard manure applications showed inferior responses compared with residue management treatment. It is therefore recommended that bioresources should be managed properly to warrant improvements in soil properties, nutrient recycling and the sustainability for crop productivity, in order to achieve sustainable development goals for climate action.

Quantitative microbial risk assessment associated with ready-to-eat salads following the application of farmyard manure and slurry or anaerobic digestate to arable lands

Farmyard manure and slurry (FYM&S) and anaerobic digestate are potentially valuable soil conditioners providing important nutrients for plant development and growth. However, these organic fertilisers may pose a microbial health risk to humans. A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model was developed to investigate the potential human exposure to pathogens following the application of FYM&S and digestate to agricultural land. The farm-to-fork probabilistic model investigated the fate of microbial indicators (total coliforms and enterococci) and foodborne pathogens in the soil with potential contamination of ready-to-eat salads (RTEs) at the point of human consumption. The processes examined included pathogen inactivation during mesophilic anaerobic digestion (M-AD), post-AD pasteurisation, storage, dilution while spreading, decay in soil, post-harvest washing processes, and finally, the potential growth of the pathogen during refrigeration/storage at the retail level in the Irish context. The QMRA highlighted a very low annual probability of risk (Pannual) due to Clostridium perfringens, norovirus, and Salmonella Newport across all scenarios. Mycobacterium avium may result in a very high mean Pannual for the application of raw FYM&S, while Cryptosporidium parvum and pathogenic E. coli showed high Pannual, and Listeria monocytogenes displayed moderate Pannual for raw FYM&S application. The use of AD reduces this risk; however, pasteurisation reduces the Pannual to an even greater extent posing a very low risk. An overall sensitivity analysis revealed that mesophilic-AD's inactivation effect is the most sensitive parameter of the QMRA, followed by storage and the decay on the field (all negatively correlated to risk estimate). The information generated from this model can help to inform guidelines for policymakers on the maximum permissible indicator or pathogen contamination levels in the digestate. The QMRA can also provide the AD industry with a safety assessment of pathogenic organisms resulting from the digestion of FYM&S.

Impacts of soil fertility management on productivity and economics of rice and fodder intercropping systems under rainfed conditions in Odisha, India

Under small and marginal farm conditions, allocation of land exclusively for forages is not possible. Hence, integration of forages in existing crop geometry can ensure production of grain and fodder, simultaneously under rainfed conditions. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different nutrient management practices on rice and fodder intercropping systems under rainfed conditions during 2015–2017. The intercropping system comprised (i) sole rice (R), (ii) rice and cowpea (5:2) (CP) and (iii) rice and ricebean (5:2) (RB) whereas the different nutrient management practices comprised (i) application of farm yard manure (FYM) at 5 t ha–1 (farmers’ practice) (N1), (ii) application of inorganic fertilizer (recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of rice, 60:30:30 kg ha–1 of N:P2O5:K2O) (N2) and (iii) application of both FYM at 5 t ha–1 and 50% of RDF inorganic fertilizer (N3). The results of the experiment revealed that the growth attribute such as leaf area was influenced significantly when fodder crops were taken as intercrops because rice plant was getting more nitrogen from soil due to nitrogen fixation of leguminous fodder crops. Among the nutrient management practices, significant differences in leaf area were found beween N2 and N1, and between N3 and N1 treatments. However, regarding total number of effective tillers, significant differences were found neither between nutrient management practices nor between cropping systems. The rice equivalent yield (REY) based on price (REYP) was found to be significantly lower in CP (2 615 kg ha–1; –6.4%) and RB intercropping systems (2 571 kg ha–1; –8.0%) than in R monocropping system (2 794 kg ha–1). However, the REY based on energy (REYE) of CP (2 999 kg ha–1; +7.3%) and RB (2 960 kg ha–1; +5.9%) were found to be significantly higher than that of R (2 794 kg ha–1) irrespective of nutrient management practices. Between different nutrient management practices, the N3 treatment recorded the highest REYP and REYE which was at par with the N2 treatment and significantly higher than the N1 treatment irrespective of cropping systems. The combined application of both organic and inorganic sources of nutrients helped to supply nutrients throughout the growing season, which led to improved growth parameters and rice yield. The R monocropping system resulted in more income and rain water use efficiency (RWUE) closely followed by rice and fodder intercropping systems. However, the REYE and energy use efficiency (EUE) of rice and fodder intercropping systems were higher than those of R. Also, fodder helped to meet the requirement of cattle feeding in the off-season. Hence, the intercropping system is advocated in the study zone. Further study can be done on ecosystem services and carbon sequestration potential of the intercropping system, as well as the system’s coping ability in response to short drought through observing periodic soil moisture regime in root zone.

A study on Economic Analysis of Organic Coconut Cultivation in Coimbatore District

The study analyses the economics of coconut production under organic farming in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) was studied in accordance to how farmers get their organic farming certification under PKVY scheme in Tamil Nadu. The estimated variable cost was Rs. 43,025/ha. The total cost of cultivation was Rs.82,216/ha. The net income over operational cost was Rs.2,95,888/ha and net income over total cost was Rs.2,56,697/ha. Total yield was increasingly responsive with higher application of farm yard manure and bio- fertilizers. Results of scale efficiency shows majority of the farms were operating in optimum return to scale. Inadequate supply of labour and inadequate market for organic products poses as major constraints to organic coconut farming in the area of study.
 Aim: The purpose of the study was to find out the profitability level and responsiveness of yield with input application of organic farming through Participatory Guarantee Scheme (PGS) and how farmers actively involved in organic farming to conserve natural resources.
 Design of Study and Methodology: The study was conducted in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu (2020) with 60 sample respondents. Purposive sampling was adopted for the study and two blocks were selected based on the leading operator of PGS scheme. The data were collected through well-structured interview schedule which was prepared through pre-tested survey. The analytical methods followed in the study included cost and returns estimation, resource use efficiency and data envelopment analysis to reveal the exact scenario of organic farming practices.
 Findings of the study:
 The study showed about
 
 Organic coconut is found to be one of the most important and sustainable crop options.
 Estimates of Resource Use Efficiency show that coconut yield was relatively higher with use of farm yard manure and bio- fertilizers, compared to all other organic inputs
 Nearly, 32.5 per cent of the farms considered under study were found to be operating in constant returns to scale.
 The major marketing constraint faced by the sample farmers through organic farming was inadequate supply of labour and price fluctuations of coconut.

Evaluation of different organic nutrient solutions on the growth and yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under irrigated condition

Organic cultivation eliminates the use of synthetic products to maximize the yields that can be produced rather sustains yield and enhances the soil health. Moreover, enhancing the productivity under organic cultivation is highly essential. Therefore, a trial was conducted at the backyard of the Department of Agronomy, PAJANCOA & RI, Karaikal to study the growth and yield of irrigated blackgram in coastal deltaic region, nutrient is supplied through foliar spray of different organic nutrient solutions. From the present pot culture experiment, it could be concluded that black gram can be grown organically by following the organic nutrient management practice of either applying Farm Yard Manure @12.5 t/ha in combination with foliar spraying of coconut butter milk solution @5% on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of Black gram or spraying of 5% coconut butter milk solution alone or spraying of 0.5% fish extract alone on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of black gram for increased productivity in the coastal region of Karaikal. However, owing to the additional cost involved in the basal application of farmyard manure recommended level @ 12.5 t/ha it is suggested that foliar spraying of either 5% coconut butter milk solution or 0.5% fish extract on 15, 30 and 45 DAS of Black gram may be followed as the best organic nutrient management practices for increased productivity of Black gram in the central region of Karaikal, Pondicherry, India.

Organic amendments affect soil organic carbon sequestration and fractions in fields with long-term contrasting nitrogen applications

Organic amendments are widely used to both manage soil organic C (SOC) and improve soil fertility in agro-ecosystems. However, crop production and the mechanisms of SOC sequestration following organic amendment may be affected by long-term differential N fertilizations, hence driving the dynamics in SOC fractions in cultivated fields. Our 3-yr (2016–2019) field experiment evaluated the responses of SOC sequestration and SOC fractions to organic amendments in soils with long-term contrasting N applications in a winter wheat monoculture system. We compared wheat straw return (St) and farmyard manure application (Fm) in soils with either long-term (2002–2019) N absence (-N) or normal N application (+N). Both St and Fm increased SOC stocks in the 0–20-cm layer, but Fm increased it more than St did. However, St exhibited a greater SOC sequestration rate in +N soils than that in –N soils, whereas Fm exhibited both a lower SOC sequestration rate and efficiency in +N soils than in –N soils. SOC increased across all fractions in all soils after both St and Fm. However, compared with –N soils, +N soils exhibited a lower SOC increase, specifically in the very labile fraction after St, but in the non-labile fraction after Fm. St, Fm, and +N all increased the soil C management index (CMI), but only +N increased wheat yield and its sustainable yield index (SYI). Those relationships indicated that both straw and manure amendments were responsible for both SOC sequestration and increasing the CMI, and N input was fundamentally responsible for an increased SYI and associated plant-C input. Consequently, straw return was expected to be more effective at sequestering SOC when applied to soil having had adequate long-term N application, whereas farmyard manure application was likely more effective when applied in N-deficient soil. Our field study findings provide empirical evidence that soil N availability affects SOC sequestration capacities following organic amendments, and that impacts strategies aimed at further increasing soil fertility improvements via organic amendment, especially considering that different agro-ecosystems are subject to different fertilization regimes.

Effect of Organic and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Wheat Productivity in a Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

Two field experiments were carried out in a newly reclaimed sandy soil under sprinkler irrigation system at El Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, El Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during the winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to study the effect of organic amendment (compost and FYM) under different rates of nitrogen fertilizer (control, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose) on the fertility of study soil and wheat productivity. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. Results indicated that 100% of recommended dose followed by 75% significantly increased all determined traits relative to control under the study conditions. Soil application of compost and FYM was superior for all growth characteristics, grain quality, and yield of wheat plants compared to control (without applications). The effect of compost or FYM combined with different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer increased plant height (cm), weight of 1000 grains (g), Straw yield (Mg acre -1), and weight of grains yield (Mg acre-1). The application of soil amendments increased N, P, and K concentrations in straw and grains. Application of organic amendments had a positive significant effect on available N, P, and K in soil. The interaction between soil amendments and different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer showed a significant effect on yield and its attributes, grain protein content, and total carbohydrate. Finally, it could be concluded that the application of farmyard manure with 75 % nitrogen of recommended dose improved the soil properties of sandy soil and increased the productivity of wheat plants.

Biochemical constituents indicate carbon mineralization under a long‐term integrated nutrient‐supplied Typic Kandiustalf

AbstractWe investigate the long‐term impact of integrated nutrient management to study the influence of fertilizer and manure on different biochemical constituents and carbon mineralization of roots and stubble of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) at the Experimental Farm, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. The farm continuously received uniform treatments for 40‐years during 1978–2018 under a groundnut + finger millet cropping system. Cellulose, hemicellulose, and ash contents for roots and stubble were recorded higher with the treatment T5 [farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha−1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)] while the control treatment showed their lowest values. The treatment T5 caused a higher cumulative rate of CO2 evolution from roots (49.68 mg CO2 g‐1 C) and stubble (58.48 mg CO2 g‐1 C) at the 98th day of incubation following a sigmoid curve pattern for the carbon mineralization. The correlation was highly significant between the rate of decomposition and cellulose content for roots (r = 0.892**) and stubble (r = 0.947**). Unlikely, the correlation was negatively significant between the decomposition rate and the lignin content in roots (r = −0.745*) and stubble (r = −0.720*). We conclude that the combined application of FYM at 10 t ha−1 and 100% RDF is the most efficient treatment to increase saccharification, reduce lignification, and sequester a higher rate of carbon mineralization capable of preserving the soil organic carbon (SOC) and facilitating alluviation of more resistant carbon in a Typic Kandiustalf soil.

English

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is the common cash crop of the rainfed areas. Appropriate management practices are very important to get better yield of peanut in sandy loam soil. A field study was carried out during the growing seasons of 2018 and 2019 to evaluate the effect of poultry manure (PM) (37.1 t ha-1), farmyard manure (FYM) (49.4 t ha-1), gypsum (GYP) (2.5 t ha-1), liquid humic acid (HA) (49.4 L ha-1) and co-application of GYP (1.2 t ha-1) and FYM (24.7 t ha-1) on peanut yield, quality and soil physical properties. Application of FYM, PM, HA and GYP (alone or in combination) significantly improved peanut yield, quality and soil physical properties. The combined application of GYP and FYM proved most effective (P ≤ 0.05) in improving the peanut yield (no. of pods per plant, 100 seed weight etc), quality (crude protein and oil content) and soil physical properties (moisture percentage, infiltration rate and bulk density). The combined application of GYP and FYM increased the pods yield by 67 and 65% during 2018 and 2019, respectively than control. Crude proteins (21%) and oil contents (9.0%) were also substantially increased in the combined application. Moreover, the combined application of GYP and FYM significantly retained the soil moisture and reduced bulk density of soil. Present findings suggest that integrated use of FYM and GYP under field conditions could improve the crop productivity, crude protein, oil contents, moisture percentage, and reduce the bulk density of soil thus improving overall soil health. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Influence of INM on sugarcane productivity and soil fertility under Indo-Gangetic plain

A field experiment was conducted during 2016-17 at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Kapurthala, Punjab, India with nine treatments comprising various combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), biofertilizers and different levels of chemical fertilizers in a randomized block design (RBD). Our results demonstrated that application of FYM @ 20 t/ha with soil test based application of nutrients recorded significantly highest number of millable canes of 134.3 thousand/ha and number of shoots (142.2 thousand/ha) at 150 DAS. However, cane length, cane diameter, single cane weight, cane yield and sugar yield were statistically at par with either application of 100% RDF plus FYM @ 20 t/ha or with the soil test based application of nutrients along with biofertilizers and 10 t/ha of FYM. With 20 t/ha of FYM and chemical fertilizer, the build-up of organic carbon content, N, P, K, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn were significantly higher than the treatments containing either 10 t of FYM/ha or no manure. Application of FYM or biofertilizers or both along with RDF or STB nutrient application resulted in 12.8 to 17.9% higher cane yield, resulting in additional net returns of ₹ 20592 to 45230/ha as compared to recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers alone. Our study showed that higher cane and sugar productivity and economic returns can be achieved by applying either 20 t of FYM or 10 t of FYM along with bio-fertilizers.

Variations in the diversity of soil bacterial and archaeal communities in response to different long-term fertilization regimes in maize fields

Understanding the effect of different agricultural practices on soil microbiome is very important since it has a decisive role in the multifunctionality of soils. Our research aimed to reveal and compare the changes in the composition of soil bacterial and archaeal communities in response to cultivation and fertilization regimes. Soil samples were collected from a long-term (60-year-old) field experiment with maize (Zea mays L.) monoculture under inorganic fertilization, combined fertilization (inorganic and farmyard manure) and without fertilization, and a nearby fallow land five times over a crop cycle. The bacterial and archaeal community compositions were revealed by amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes on Illumina MiSeq platform. Significant differences were observed between cultivated soils and fallow land, as well as among cultivated soils under different fertilization regimes in both bacterial and archaeal community structures. Many taxa (e.g. Gaiella, Burkholderiaceae, Saprospiraceae, Rhodoplanes, MB-A2-108 and Cand. Nitrososphaera) were found to be more abundant in the fallow land than in the cultivated soils. The exclusive use of inorganic fertilizer resulted in a significantly different bacterial and archaeal community structure with higher relative abundance of sequences affiliated with mostly acidotolerant taxa (e.g. Bryobacter, Cand. Solibacter, Acidibacteriales, WPS-2 and Cand. Nitrosotalea). These taxa were not enriched in the combined fertilizer treatment, even though the manure was applied only once every four years. The results demonstrated a strong effect of inorganic fertilizers on the soil bacterial and archaeal communities, however, these effects can be decreased by the application of farmyard manure.

Soil management practices in commercial vegetable farming in changing socioeconomic context in Makawanpur, Nepal

With the rapid urbanization and population growth, the demand for vegetables is increasing day by day resulting in increased cultivation area and production at the expenses of soil fertility. This study aims to assess soil management practices adopted by commercial vegetable farmers in changing socioeconomic contexts in Bhundrung village, Makawanpur. Participatory rural appraisal tools; Household Questionnaire survey, Focus group discussion, Key informant interview and expert consultation were used for data collection. Most farmers use farmyard manure (FYM) and chemical fertilizer (urea, potash and di-ammonium phosphate) for maintaining soil fertility. Application of farmyard manure is decreasing, due to large farm size but less number of livestock. It has resulted in the scenario of injudicious supply of chemical fertilizers with hope of increment in production. Lack of knowledge on dose, handling and disposal of fertilizer and pesticides threatened degradation of soil and water quality in and outside the farm. In the changing socioeconomic context, farmers practice joint decision making in laborious activities like nursery bed preparation, field preparation, manure mixing, intercultural operation whereas in technology and direct money related activities were decided by male members. This study recommends there is a need for effective extension services for sustainable soil fertility management, finance and market access for economic benefits and gender friendly environment and technology for commercial vegetable farming.

Investigating the degradation behavior of Cypermethrin (CYP) and Chlorpyrifos (CPP) in peach orchard soils using organic/inorganic amendments.

Reducing toxic effects of pesticide residues in agricultural soils through organic amendments is an eco-friendly technique. Cypermethrin (CYP) and Chlorpyrifos (CPP) are widely used pesticides in peach growing orchards in Swat valley of Pakistan. The aim of the current study was to investigate the degradation behavior of CYP and CPP in soil by the application of different combination of organic/inorganic amendments. A total of 36 soil samples were used in the current incubation study which was collected from 4 peach orchards in district Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. Different amendments including urea, farm yard manure (FYM) and saprofil were applied alone and in various combinations. The initial concentrations of CYP and CPP in the tested soil was range from 0.94 to 4.8 mg kg−1 and 0.024 to 4.12 to mg kg−1. Soil samples were taken at 5, 15, 30 and 45 days after exposure to different treatments. The extraction of pesticides from soils was done through quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction method. Soils amended with urea, FYM and saprofil individually and in combinations significantly reduced the concentrations of CYP and CPP. However, the concentration of CYP (24.6) and CPP (27.0) in soil showed higher reduction through the application of FYM. While the concentrations of CYP and CPP were declined with the 5, 15, 30 and 45 days intervals, however, reduction at day 30 and 45 was faster for CYP (16.7 to 8.46) than CPP (20.2 to 12.3). At day 5 and 15, the CYP (42.5 to 30.7) was slightly lower than CPP (42.9 to 32.7).The highest half-life value (t ½) of CYP was in control treatment (32 days) and the shortest was soil amended with FYM (18.6 days). While the longest half-life value (t ½) of CPP was maximum in control treatment (42 days) and the minimum was in FYM (22 days). Based on our findings, it was concluded that soil application of FYM is recommended for the degradation of CYP and CPP.

Farmyard manure application and associated root proliferation improve the net greenhouse gas balance of Italian ryegrass – Maize double-cropping field in Nasu, Japan

In Japan, most cows are fed indoors, so cow manure must be carefully treated and used to manage soil fertility. The objective of this study was to compare the net greenhouse gas (GHG) balance (NGHGB) of Italian ryegrass – corn (maize) double-cropping fields receiving farmyard manure (FYM), slurry, or methane fermentation digestion liquid (MFDL). FYM, Slurry, MFDL, mineral fertilizer only (Fert.), and no-N control (Cont.) plots were set up in a randomized block design (n = 3). FYM, slurry, or MFDL was applied to meet the K requirement for forage production, and then mineral fertilizers were supplemented to meet the N and P requirements. From September 2017 to September 2020, C inputs as manure and crop residue, heterotrophic respiration (RH), and emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from soil were determined. The similarity of the total yields in FYM, Slurry, MFDL, and Fert. plots reflected judicious fertility management. However, the residue-C input of Italian ryegrass was 38% greater in FYM plots than in the other plots. Manure-C input decreased in the order of FYM > Slurry > MFDL plots. RH was greater in FYM and Slurry plots than in MFDL plots. Net ecosystem C balance (NECB) ([residue-C + manure-C] − [RH-C + CH4-C]) decreased in the order of FYM > Slurry > MFDL plots. N2O emission was greater in Slurry and MFDL plots than in FYM plots. Consequently, NGHGB ([CH4 and N2O emissions] − NECB) in terms of CO2 equivalent decreased in the order of MFDL > Slurry > FYM plots, so FYM application contributed most to GHG mitigation. Yield-scaled NGHGB was smallest in FYM plots owing to the synergy of the greatest residue-C and manure-C inputs, less N2O emission, and the achievement of a high enough yield, reflecting judicious fertility management based on manure and mineral fertilizer.

Transformation of crystalline and short-range order minerals in a long-term (47 years) rice-rice cropping system

The effect of long-term fertilizer and manure applications on short-range order (SRO) and crystalline mineral transformation was studied in a 47-year puddled rice-rice cropping system experiment in Odisha, India. The relationship of SRO minerals with phosphorus and potassium fixation capacity and soil carbon fractions was also evaluated. Soils from different treatment combinations of farmyard manure (FYM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were separated in two ways: (i) removal of binding materials (ii) non-removal of binding materials (ultrasonic vibration), followed by fractionation of the contents into silt and clay. All crystalline minerals, SRO minerals, P and K fixation were measured in silt and clay. The X-ray diffractograms of clays (<2 μm) were recorded in Philips Diffractometer (model PW 1710). Selective dissolutions of SRO minerals were carried out by extraction with sodium hydroxide, acid ammonium oxalate, dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate and sodium pyrophosphate. The results showed that the soils were composed of kaolin (49.6–54.4%), mica (32.7–39.0%) and smectite (10.6–17.0%). The clay-size mica loses its crystallinity and becomes finer after the addition of fertilizers and manure during intensive rice cultivation. The content of amorphous ferri-aluminosilicate varied from 8.0 to 16.23 g 100 g−1 in clay and 1.49–3.38 g 100 g−1 in silt. The plots treated with NP + FYM had the highest total oxalate extractable oxide in both clay and silt. Application of FYM increased ferrihydrite in both clay and silt. Potassium fixation was higher in plots skipped with the long-term application of K. Formation of SRO minerals was positively affected by nutrient stress caused by the omission of one or more nutrients. SRO minerals in the rice soil did not have a major effect on the fixation of K and P; rather, it is controlled by the fertilizer and FYM application. However, carbon fractions had a significant positive correlation with SRO minerals.