Soil Fertility Status Research Articles

Evaluation of soil fertility status by using Parker’s Nutrient index of Meriema and Tsiesema villages of Kohima district, Nagaland, India

Evaluation of soil fertility status by using Parker’s Nutrient index of Meriema and Tsiesema villages of Kohima district, Nagaland, India

Soil Fertility Status and Nutrient Uptake Pattern in Fodder Maize and Ricebean Intercropping at Varying Nutrient Levels

Soil Fertility Status and Nutrient Uptake Pattern in Fodder Maize and Ricebean Intercropping at Varying Nutrient Levels

Assessing soil fertility influenced by land use in Moche, Gurage Zone, Ethiopia

One of the main reasons for Ethiopia’s declining agricultural production is land use change under poor soil management practices. Hence, in order to evaluate the effects of various land use types on certain soil qualities, research was done on the soils of Cheha district, Gurage zone in Ethiopia’s central highlands. Four different land use types (LUTs) (cultivated, enset, eucalyptus, and wild forest) were used for this study to assess and analyze their response to soil fertility. A total of 48 soil samples (24 undisturbed and 24 disturbed) was collected from the selected LUTs and two different soil depths (SDs) (0-20 and 20-40 cm) with three replications for the laboratory analysis. The results showed that most of the properties of soil physicochemical properties of soil were significantly affected by LUTs, SD, and the interactions. The result showed that the highest sand (43%), silt (46.5%), and clay (30.30%) fractions were observed under forest land (FL), enset farmland (ENFL), and cultivated land (CUL), respectively. Concerning the SD, higher silt (40.9%) and clay (28.3%) were found in the subsurface soils. Except for CUL, textural classes of all LUTs were loamy. The highest (1.37 g cm-3) bulk density was observed under the subsurface soils of CUL and the lowest (1.06 g cm-3) was in the surface soils of FL and ENFL. In contrast to bulk density, total porosity was highest (60.1%) under surface soils of FL and ENFL and the lowest (48.3%) value was observed under subsurface soils of CUL. The combination of two factors influenced the soil pH. The highest value (6.54) and lowermost (4.82) values were found under the surface soils of ENFL and subsoils of EUCL, respectively. Comparatively, the uppermost (7.48%) and lowermost (3.55%) values of organic matter were recorded under the surface soils of FL and subsoils of EUCL. The uppermost (0.37%) and lowermost (0.17%) values of total nitrogen were registered under surface soil and subsoils of FL and EUCL, respectively. The uppermost (22.69 mg kg-1) value of Av.P was registered under superficial soils of ENFL and the lowermost (5.02 mg kg-1) was obtained under a subsurface layer of EUCL. The uppermost (37.96 cmol(+) kg-1) and lowermost (11.90 cmol(+) kg-1) of CEC values were observed under the surface soils of FL and subsoils of EUCL. The uppermost value of exchangeable acidity (1.85 cmol(+) kg-1) was recorded under soils of EUCL. This study showed that different LUTs and SDs have substantial impacts on the status of soil fertility. Soils of FL and ENFLs were relatively more fertile. Increasing eucalyptus tree cover on arable land and intensive farming severely impacted soil fertility which may have increased soil acidity. Appropriate land use and a variety of soil fertility management practices are crucial to address soil fertility loss and acidity issues

Residue‐ and nitrogen‐induced carbon mineralization varies with soil fertility status

AbstractBy increasing the input of corn (Zea mays L.) residues, synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilization is often assumed to enhance soil storage of organic carbon (C), which could be especially beneficial for improving the fertility of depleted soils. To ascertain whether such a strategy can be effective, C mineralization was compared for two soils with different indigenous N contents by conducting a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment that involved continuous monitoring of CO2 emissions with periodic sampling for atmospheric δ13C analysis and for determination of soil microbial biomass and cellulolytic enzyme activities. The addition of exogenous N had a stimulatory effect on cumulative CO2 production that was greater for the low than high N supplying soil and more prominent in the first than in the second month of incubation. During residue decomposition, microbial activities were maximized by incubating the low N soil with exogenous N, whereas cellulolytic enzyme activities were greater for the high N soil. Although intensive N fertilization can substantially increase the productivity of low‐fertility soils, the additional residue inputs thereby generated are more effective for promoting C mineralization than sequestration.

The Soil Diagnostic Method to Formulate Fertilizer Requirements for Coffee Trees in Côte d'Ivoire

Coffee is a crop that exports significant amounts of minerals from the soil, particularly through crop and pruning products. Maintaining sustainable productivity requires good knowledge and rational management of factors related to soil fertility and plant nutritional status, which would limit production. The objective of this study was to diagnose the mineral requirements of coffee plants in different production regions in order to recommend nutrient quantities adapted to the characteristics of each soil type for sustainable coffee production. Chemical analysis of 156 soil samples representative of the soil units of the coffee growing areas using a soil diagnostic model specific to coffee fertilization was used to determine the nutrient requirements of each soil unit studied. The results generally indicate that soil fertility levels were below the reference threshold values. Nutrient inputs are essential for all soils under coffee in large production areas. Nitrogen inputs are required in all soil units studied. The majority of the soils also showed a very pronounced potassium and calcium deficiency, while the phosphorus deficiency was not very pronounced. Magnesium, although generally in sufficient quantity in soils, has been readjusted to respect the balance in exchangeable bases. The amounts of nutrients to be supplied varied from one soil unit to another. Soils with low organic matter content showed relatively high requirements. Recommendations for appropriate soil fertility management per soil unit were presented in this work.

PENANAMAN BERSAMA 2000 MANGROVE SEJATI OLEH MASYARAKAT DUSUN V PEMATANG KUALA DAN TIM PENGABDIAN MASYARAKAT UISU

The village that is in the spotlight this time is Pematang Kuala Village, where this village has a livelihood mostly as farmers, fishermen and laborers. Serdang Bedagai Regency has geographical conditions in the form of lowlands where it is supported by fertile soil conditions and has most of the people whose livelihoods are farmers and fishermen. Hamlet 5 Pematang Kuala Village is the main target for Village development this time because Hamlet 5 Pematang Kuala Village has become a Partner Village of the Islamic University of North Sumatra, there have been village development activities carried out by UISU students in the form of PHP2D activities which have already completed the implementation process. Therefore it is necessary to have activities to improve the welfare of the people who are dominated by fishing communities. The East Coast of Sumatra Island has a fairly long and wide span, especially in the Serdang Bedagai area which is the longest and widest coastal area. On this occasion, we made observations of the coastal area in the village of Pematang Kuala, where this beach borders the villages of Bogak Besar and Bagan Kuala. The results of our observations in the village of Pematang Kuala are, where the physical condition of the road to the beach is bad, even though this beach has a high potential to be developed into ecotourism. In the coastal area, around 20,000 mangrove plants have been planted with an area of about 54 km2 since 2014 by the local community. The types of mangroves found in this area are Rhizopora sp and Avicennia species. Mangrove planting in this area still has a distance of about 1.5 m between one tree and another, and not all areas are planted with mangrove trees, in this area there are also no seawater breakwaters that can reduce abrasion and erosion. A pheasant or low-threshold breakwater is a coastal protection technology intended as a solution to the problem of coastal erosion and abrasion caused by tides and sea waves. The breakwater is used to control abrasion which can erode the coastline and also to calm the waves in the harbor so that ships can dock more easily and quickly in the port. In other words, briefly it can be concluded that the abrasion conditions. which were quite severe over the past 5 years resulted in the loss of the coastlin and turned into soft, difficult-to-compave mud and eroded the mangrove area. leading to further reductions in marine catches. This is a big problem that must be taken seriously. Pematang Kuala Village, which is also a UISU partner village requires the Islamic University of North Sumatra to collaborate in solving this problem. The PKM team from UISU is expected to be able to solve this critical problem by making wave-breaking bamboo pheasants and planting true mangroves.

Distribution of soil morphology and physicochemical properties to assess the evaluation of soil fertility status using soil fertility capability classification in North Galela, Indonesia

One of the indicators of land productivity assessment is soil fertility. The causes of infertile soil have been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate soil fertility using the Soil Fertility Capability Classification (SFCC) approach and to determine the relationship between soil morphological and physiochemical properties and soil fertility. The research was conducted in North Galela Sub-district, North Halmahera Regency. The research framework began with the interpretation of thematic maps, surveys, field observations, and the making of soil fertility evaluation maps. Soil sampling was carried out based on the stratified random sampling method and supported by laboratory measurements according to USDA international standards. The research result showed that the research area had 14 soil fertility statuses. The fertility classes having the most significant limiting factor were loamy texture (Ø<0.002 mm), rock surface, gravel subsoil, moderate salinity (0.2-0.4 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>), low exchangeable K (<20 cmol<sub>(+)</sub> kg<sup>-1</sup>), and sloping slope (8%) with Lithic Haprendolls type and loamy texture (Ø<0.002 mm), subsoil >15% rock outcrop, moderate salinity (0.2-0,4 mS cm<sup>-1</sup>), Na saturation >15%, and a rather steep slope (14%) with Lithic Eutrudepts type. Both of these classes have a top layer texture, and the bottom layer contains clay <35%, with limiting factors of hard layer inhibiting root to a depth of 50 cm, extremely low nutrient reserve, low electrical conductivity (EC) and high Na. The limiting factors found in North Galela Sub-district were hard root-restricting layer, exchangeable K, electrical conductivity, Na saturation, slope, and gravel.

Soil Fertility Status in Relation to Fallow Cycle in Shifting Cultivated Areas of DIMA HASAO

Aim: To understand the effect of fallow cycle on soil fertility status under shifting cultivation.
 Study Design: Latin square design (LSD).
 Place and Duration of Study: Dima Hasao District, Assam. Between September 2019- August 2021.
 Methodology: The present investigation was carried to study the effect of jhum fallow cycle on soil properties in the DIMA HASAO district of Assam. Total of 120 geo-referenced soil samples were collected from short jhum (1-3yrs.) fallow cycle, medium jhum (4-6yrs.) fallow cycle, long jhum (7-9 yrs.) fallow cycle and undisturbed soil. The collected soil samples were analyzed for parameters like pH, OC, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, CEC and soil texture.
 Results: The studied soil samples showed wide variations in texture varying from sandy loam to clay loam. Coarse texture sand was found to be dominant in short jhum and medium jhum while finer particles (silt and clay) were dominant in the long jhum and the undisturbed soil. The Soil pH was found lowest (mean value 4.55) in short jhum and highest (mean value 5.00) in the undisturbed soil. The OC content was minimum at initial short jhum fallow cycle and maximum was observed in the Undisturbed soil. The CEC of the study area was found highest in undisturbed soil (mean value 8.64 cmol (p+) kg-1) followed by long jhum, medium jhum and short jhum. The Avl. N content of the study area was found low to medium. Among the jhum fallow cycle Avl. N of short jhum was lowest (mean value 269.30kgha-1) followed by medium jhum, long jhum and highest in undisturbed soil (mean value 350.11 kgha-1). The Avl. P content of the study area was found low to medium, highest mean value 12.61 kg ha-1 was observed in long jhum fallow cycle and lowest in short jhum (mean value 9.33 kgha-1). The highest content of Avl. S was observed in long jhum fallow cycle and lowest in the short jhum. The highest of Ex. Ca, Mg was found in the undisturbed followed by long jhum, short jhum and lowest in the medium jhum. All the soil fertility parameters i.e., N, P, K, S, Ca and Mg exhibited significant positive correlation with pH, OC, CEC, and percent Clay.
 Conclusion: From the study it was observed that minimum of 7 to 10 years jhum fallow cycle is required in Dima Hasao are for the soil to restore its fertility and sustainable jhum cultivation.

Integrated nutrient management in cape gooseberry

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers may lead to health hazards, ecological vulnerabilities and deteriorationof soil health. Hence, the present experiment was conducted to substitute the mineral fertilizers with biofertilizersin cape gooseberry by maintaining the yield potential and soil fertility status. Cape gooseberry plants were treatedwith Azotobacter, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) @ 10 g plant-1each with a reduced dose of recommended fertilizer (RDF) from 100 to 60%. The highest yield was recorded with90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treatment, which was statistically at par with 60% RDF + Azotobacter, PSBand KSB treatment. Fruit weight was also increased significantly in 60-90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSBtreated plants. The best quality fruits were obtained in 60% or 90% RDF + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB treated plants.From the experimental findings, it can be concluded that the integrated nutrient module comprised of 60% RDFof NPK + Azotobacter, PSB and KSB @ 10 g plant-1 proved best treatment to improve the production of qualityfruits in cape gooseberry.

A Review on Soil Nitrogen Sensing Technologies: Challenges, Progress and Perspectives

Nitrogen is a vital ingredient for plant development and growth. It is one of the most crucial indicators of soil fertility and crop growth conditions. For the monitoring of nitrogen loss patterns and the development of crop nitrogen fertilizer application strategies, an accurate determination of soil nitrogen concentration can be a valuable source of information. For the advancement of precision agriculture and the preservation of the natural ecological environment, an accurate, quick, and low-cost determination of soil nitrogen content and its variations is essential. This paper systematically analyzes and summarizes soil nitrogen detection methods by compiling and analyzing the relevant literature, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, and concluding with a discussion of the most significant challenges and future research trends in this field. This study provides a helpful resource for understanding the current status, application constraints, and future developments of nitrogen-sensing technologies in precision agriculture.

Source–Sink Balance Optimization Depends on Soil Nitrogen Condition So as to Increase Rice Yield and N Use Efficiency

Genetic improvement has been devoted to increasing rice yield by increasing the spikelet number per panicle and the spikelet/leaf ratio. As a result, indica-japonica hybrid rice “Yongyou” varieties with large panicles and superhigh yield potential have been developed. These varieties exhibit significantly higher grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency for grain (NUEg) under moderate and high N supply conditions due to their large sink size, but their yield performance remains obscure under low N input and low soil fertility conditions. In the present study, we investigated four varieties including Yongyou2640 (YY2640, large-panicle india-japonica hybrid variety), Yangliangyou6 (YLY6, two-line indica hybrid variety), Quanyou6 (QY6, three-line indica hybrid variety), and Huanghuazhan (HHZ, indica inbred variety) under two low soil fertility treatments [LF (removing half of soil depth) and CK] and two N fertilizer rates (0 and 100 kg N ha−1) in Central China. The results showed that the grain yield of YY2640 was more responsive to fertility than that of other varieties, which was 19.4–42.3% higher than that of the other three varieties under CK N100 treatment, but it was 14.5–19.4% lower than that of YLY6 and QY6 under LF N0 and LF N100. A higher spikelet/leaf ratio resulted in more biomass and N partition to panicles rather than to leaves under LF N0 and N100. Slightly more post-flowering dry matter obtained from higher leaf N content and crop growth rate failed to compensate for the adverse effects of reduced pre-flowering dry matter accumulation and stem-to-grain translocation during grain filling. This led to the lower NUEg of YY2640 than YLY6 and QY6 under low soil fertility conditions. Based on these findings, the present study suggested that the source–sink relationship of the super hybrid varieties should be optimized according to the soil N supply condition.

Spatial Variability in Soil Properties, Delineation Site-specific Management Division Based on Soil Fertility Using Fuzzy Clustering in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India

Farmers who want to improve nitrogen usage efficiency (NUE) and crop yield must have access to information regarding the geographical variability and distribution of soil parameters. Fertilizer application relying on soil characteristic maps and fertilizers recommendations may help reduce fertilizer input without sacrificing crop production. The current research focused heavily on evaluating the variability of soil fertility status in the Madhya Pradesh Gwalior region using geostatistical techniques. To do this, 150 GPS-based surfaces (0–15 cm) soil samples were obtained from the Gwalior region's five districts (Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Guna, & Ashok Nagar) during crop harvest during the rabi season of 2019–20. Statistics and geo-statistics were used to analyze the results of the laboratory analysis. The analysis revealed that the soil samples' pH, EC, SOC, and CaCO3 values, respectively, varied from 4.40 to 8.30, 0.09 to 1.03 dSm-1, 2.0 to 10.60 gkg-1, and 3.0 to 24.0 gkg-1. In contrast, the amounts of N, P, K, and S that are present in soil vary from 102.0 to 356.0 kg ha-1, 6.0 to 61.0 kg ha-1, 114.0 to 896.0 kg ha-1, and 5.90 to 49.20 mg kg-1, respectively.
 Through building semi-variograms and mapping the data utilizing standard kriging techniques, the information was studied using both traditional statistics and geostatistics. For soil properties, semi-variograms were created, and their geographical distributions were delineated. The Nugget/Sill (Co/Co+ C) ratio for the modeled variables revealed moderate to high spatial dependences. The best-fit models for the reported soil characteristics were exponential, spherical, and circular. The findings of this research demonstrated that soil fertility quality varied significantly across the Gwalior area. This knowledge may aid in making choices about crop succession and the usage of plant nutrients to increase farmers' financial returns.

Constructed Technosols as a Soil Rebuilding Technique to Reclaim Abandoned Limestone Quarries in the Mediterranean Region: A Field Study

Soil rebuilding represents a major challenge in the recovery of abandoned quarries. In this study, we explored the possibility of using reconstructed Technosols, to achieve soil rebuilding goals at an abandoned quarry site. We first investigated the use of a mixture containing commercial manure and limestone debris (LD) as pedotechnomaterials for an “ad hoc” (re)constructed Technosol (CT), for the recovery of an opencast limestone quarry in one of most concentrated quarry areas in the world. In a field experiment, we tested and monitored different pedotechnosystems (PTSs) made up of constructed Technosol + pasture species + different Mediterranean plant species. Specifically, a control (CT, without any additional treatments) was compared to treatments with organic amendment (CTOA) and conventional fertilizers (CTCF). Data were collected over a 12-month period and included crop performance, plant nutritional state, soil physical-chemical parameters, and metabolites. Analysis of variance compared differences among treatments, while factor analysis (FA) interpreted multiple relationships while explaining observed variability. Results showed that CTOA had better soil physical-chemical properties, greater plant growth, and overall superior agronomic performances compared to all other treatments due to the improved substrate conditions. According to FA, these results appear related to the creation of fertile soil conditions, with most of the investigated metabolites (i) playing a pivotal role in observed outcomes, together with (ii) a clear potential in being considered as a reliable fingerprint for investigating plant responses in constructed PTSs. The proposed pedotechniques in CTOA development show a great potential for the full recovery of abandoned limestone quarries in degraded Mediterranean areas by providing an excellent medium for plant growth, facilitating environmental reclamation.

Appraisal of Agricultural Production Suitability Based on RS and GIS

Based on the natural environment and land use status of agricultural production, the research on the suitability evaluation of agricultural production can provide a theoretical basis for the scientific spatial planning. This paper takes Xiahe County as the research area, based on RS and GIS, through the analysis of agricultural production in terms of water resource abundance, terrain, soil fertility, light and heat conditions, meteorological disaster risk, land concentration and contiguousness, etc., to improve the suitability evaluation of agricultural production System, carry out the suitability evaluation of agricultural production, and on this basis, scientifically evaluate the sustainable development of agriculture, and provide scientific basis for the sustainable and sustainable development of agriculture in Xiahe County.

Effect of addition of organic manures on basmati yield, nutrient content and soil fertility status in north-western India

Integrated use of chemical fertilizers with organic manure is becoming a quite promising practice to maintain higher crop productivity and to manage soil health, which is otherwise deteriorated due to intensive cultivation and imbalanced fertilizer use. Thus, the present experiment was conducted for combined application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures for higher yield and nutrient uptake in basmati rice as well as to restore soil health. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: Farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: Press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: Farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% N (recommended dose of nitrogen), T7: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% N, T8: Press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% N, T9: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% N, T10: 75% N, T11: Farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% N, T12: Poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% N, T13: Press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% N, T14: Rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% N, T15: 100% N. The integrated use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased the grain and straw yield, macronutrients as well as micronutrients uptake in basmati due to the release of nutrients from decomposition of organic manures. Among different treatments, the addition of PM+75% N showed maximum grain yield, straw yield and sustainability yield index (44.53 q ha−1, 89.67 q ha−1 and 0.91 respectively) as well as the highest uptake of nitrogen (58.29 and 65.39 kg ha−1), phosphorus (25.04 and 23.24 kg ha−1) and potassium (15.26 and 118.95 kg ha−1) in grain and straw, respectively. Similar results were observed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) uptake under treatment involving PM+75% N with values 183.9, 26.18, 339.3 and 355.8 g ha−1 in grain and 205.3, 25.62, 2627.3 and 278 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Additionally, correlation studies showed that the grain and straw yield of basmati exhibited a significantly positive correlation with soil P, Cu and Fe. The study suggested that the partial substitution of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures did not lower crop yield and nutrient uptake. Thus, integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers can be used for the sustainability of basmati-wheat system and to retain the soil fertility which is otherwise deteriorated with sole use of inorganic fertilizers.

Mapping Coffee Tree Fertilizer Requirements in Côte d’Ivoire

Coffee production in Côte d'Ivoire has been declining sharply for more than twenty years due to degradation in soil fertility status. The objective of this study was to map the mineral requirements of coffee trees in different production regions and to recommend immediate and long-term intervention strategies for soil management. In this study, the diagnosis of the chemical needs of 156 soil samples from major coffee production areas was used. We used a soil diagnostic model specific to coffee fertilization combined with geographic information systems (GIS). The combination of fertilizer formulas from the coffee soil diagnostic model, recent climatic data and soil units of the coffee growing areas allowed the elaboration of a thematic map showing a total of five basic formulas (N-P2O5-K2O-CaO-MgO) adapted to the real nutritional needs of coffee trees according to their agropedoclimatic environments. Two of these formulas cover 90% of the area studied. This study will enable appropriate soil management for the sustainable productivity of coffee trees in Côte d'Ivoire.

Variability modeling and mapping of soil properties for improved management in Ethiopia

AbstractManaging soils for improved agricultural production requires information on soil fertility status. Our objective was to map for better soil management in Ethiopia and determine their spatial correlation at a separation distance of 29 m. We collected 82 soil samples (0–20 cm depth) at 560 ha of land and determined pH, Olsen extractable phosphorus (Olsen‐P), and organic carbon (OC). We then interpolated between sample points (ordinary kriging‐OK and distance weighting‐IDW [inverse distance weighting]) to evaluate spatial dependence. Olsen‐P ranged from 2.68–42 mg/kg and exhibited high variability with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≥35%. Conversely, soil pH showed low variability (CV ≤ 15%) and ranging from 4.84 to 6.81. Soil OC content varied from 0.81% to 3.17%. The IDW (R2 = 0.86; RMSE = 0.019) outperformed the OK. The semivariogram results indicate a strong dependence for pH and OC for spherical, exponential, and Gaussian models, while moderately spatially auto correlated for Olsen‐P for all models. The IDW and OK predict the spatial variability of the pH (moderately acidic), Olsen‐P (low), and OC (very low) contents. The soil maps may help to improve soil management alternatives, increase crop productivity, and secure environmental quality.

OPTIMIZATION OF PLANTING PATTERNS ON PADDY PLOTS IN PURI VILLAGE, PURI DISTRICT, MOJOKERTO REGENCY, EAST JAVA USING A LINEAR PROGRAM

The research site is located in one of the hamlets in Puri village, which has an agricultural land area of approximately 25 hectares. Because of its fertile soil conditions, the land is very suitable for agriculture. However, the agricultural productivity in Puri village has decreased due to changing weather conditions. Puri village, Puri district, Mojokerto regency, has a flat landscape. The duration of the dry season is slightly longer, affecting the availability of water and causing a change in the initial cropping period. As a result, the cropping pattern in the village is not appropriate, leading to a decrease in agricultural productivity. To solve these problems, an optimal cropping pattern needs to be planned to increase agricultural productivity in the village. In order to plan the optimal cropping pattern, the first thing that needs to be done is to calculate the availability of existing water. Then, the need for irrigation water should be calculated. Using the two sets of calculation data, the optimal cropping pattern can be planned with linear program. The analysis is revealed that Puri village has an optimal cropping pattern with a Paddy-Corn-Corn cropping model and an initial planting period in December period 2.

Nitrogen budgeting under the influence of in situ rice residue management options in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of rice establishment techniques (RETs) and microbial consortia mediated in situ rice residue management options on nitrogen (N) budgeting in a rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system (RWCS). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications having 2 main plot treatments, viz. aerobic rice (AR) and conventional transplanted rice (CTR) in kharif and 7 sub plot treatments, viz. clean cultivation (removal of paddy straw), paddy straw incorporation, paddy straw mulching, paddy straw incorporation + Pusa decomposer, paddy straw mulching + Pusa decomposer, paddy straw incorporation + urea @20 kg/ha, paddy straw incorporation + Pusa decomposer + urea @10 kg/ha. The residual effects of these treatments were observed in seed drill and zero till sown wheat in rabi seasons. Results showed that N uptake (95.1 kg/ha and 100.4 kg/ha in CTR and 79.4 kg/ha and 83.8 kg/ha in AR) was significantly superior in CTR than AR in kharif seasons. The residual effects of in situ rice residue management options in wheat, paddy straw incorporation + Pusa decomposer + urea @10 kg/ha resulted in significantly higher N uptake (136.4 and 141.5 kg/ha) than other treatments, and it was followed by paddy straw incorporation + Pusa decomposer in both the years. The nutrient uptake by the RWCS was an important indicator of soil fertility and plant nutrient status. This investigation concluded that there is need for use of microbial consortia mediated in situ rice residue management in RWCS for positive N balance in spite of enhanced nutrient uptake.

Improvement on Growth, Yield, Economics and Soil Fertility Status of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Under Integrated Nutrient Management

An On-farm Trial (OFT) was conducted during rabi season of 2016–17 at farmers’ field in Ragudiapada village of Angul district in Odisha, India using randomized block design with ten replications to study the improvement on growth, yield, economics and soil fertility status of blackgram under integrated nutrient management. The results indicated that 75% STBFR+FYM @ 2.0 t ha-1 incubated with PSB @ 5 kg ha-1+seed inoculation of Rhizobium culture @ 20 g kg-1 of seed+sodium molybdate @ 0.3 g kg-1 of seed recorded significantly higher plant height(43.52 cm),branches plant-1 (4.85), nodules plant-1 (22.75), pods plant-1 (21.2), seeds pod-1 (6.19), grain yield (6.45 q ha-1) and harvest index (37.2%). The same treatment fetched higher gross return of ` 32787 ha-1 with a benefit– cost ratio of 1.67 and additional net return of ` 4861 ha-1 as compared STBF. With regards to soil fertility after crop harvest, the same treatment resulted in the highest soil available nitrogen (220.8 kg ha-1), phosphorus (12.07 kg ha-1) and potassium (193.05 kg ha-1) which was 14.3, 11.8,9.7% higher over the initial soil status, respectively. Thus, 75% STBFR+FYM @ 2.0 t ha-1incubated with PSB @ 5 kg ha-1+seed inoculation of Rhizobium culture @ 20g kg-1 of seed+sodium molybdate @ 0.3 g kg-1 of seed is the proven technology which is effective for higher crop growth, yield, profitability and soil fertility status of blackgram under mid central table land zone of Odisha.