Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Impact of Plant Growth Promoting Endophytic Bacterial Consortia on Biochemical Parameters of Maize under Moisture Stress Conditions in In vitro

Mitigation strategies based on plant–microbe interactions to increase the performance of plants under water-deficit conditions are well documented. However, little is known about a suitable consortium of bacterial inoculants and underlying physiological and enzymatic events to improve drought tolerance in maize. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic interactions among plant growth-promoting bacteria to alleviate drought-induced damages in maize. In pot culture experiment endophytic bacterial consortium inoculated treatments imposed with moisture stress (75% water holding capacity) with full dose (T9) and 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (T8) were found to excel in many plant biochemical properties when compared to un-inoculated control. For instance chlorophyll stability index T9 (138.67%) T8 (133.33%), relative water content T9 (95.20%), The N, P and K uptake was found significantly higher in T9 with 13.98 g plant-1, 3.38 g plant-1 and 17.29 g plant-1 respectively. Thus, the current research advocates the use of endophytic microbial consortium to mitigate moisture stress and to improve plant biochemical properties which ultimately enhances the plant health and yield.

Efficiency of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under different doses of nitrogen fertilization

Application of growth regulators like paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid is a suitable way to prevent excessive nitrogen consumption. Therefore, this 2-year research was conducted in Karaj, Iran. This research was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a split-plot arrangement in 2019–2021. Treatments included nitrogen at three levels: (60, 105 and 150 kg ha−1) which were placed in the main plots. The second factor was the foliar application of growth regulators at three levels: [gibberellic acid (100 ppm), paclobutrazol (200 ppm) and control]. The results showed that application of paclobutrazol and gibberellic acid raised super wheat yield and quality compared to control. The highest biological yield (27.67 ton ha−1), was observed in the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year, which was the same with nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year and also interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + paclobutrazol in the second year. The highest grain protein (14.69%) was seen in nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the second year and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid in the first year. Growth regulators usage and increasing the nitrogen content (150 kg ha−1), improved the yield and grain quality of wheat. Therefore, the interaction of nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 + gibberellic acid and nitrogen 150 kg ha−1 +paclobutrazol, were the best treatments of this study, due to the creation of suitable environmental conditions for wheat, and these treatments can be suggested to the farmers.

Effect of Biostimulants on the Growth Attributes and Yield of Rice

A field investigation was conducted at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu during September - February 2022 to study the effect of biostimulants on the growth attributes and yield of rice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 - 100% RDF (150:50:50 kg of N, P2O5 and K2O), T2 - 100% RDF + 3% Panchagavya spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T3 - 100% RDF + 5% Jeevamirtham spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T4 - 100% RDF + 3 % Dasagavya spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T5 - 100% RDF + 2% Humic acid spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T6 - 100% RDF + 5% Seaweed liquid fertilizer (Sargassum wightii) spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T7 - 100% RDF + 2% Effective microorganism inoculation spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT, T8 - 100% RDF + 1% Liquid biofertilizer spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT and T9 - 100% RDF + 5% Seaweed liquid fertilizer (Ascophyllum nodosum) spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT. Among these treatments, it is observed that the application of a recommended dose of fertilizers along with 2 per cent humic acid spray at 30, 45 and 60 DAT had a remarkable effect on the resulted in enhanced values of growth attributes and yield viz., plant height (95.6 cm), number of tillers hill-1 (25.01), leaf area index (5.43), dry matter production (12927 kg ha-1), root length (24.63 cm), root volume (34.73 cc), grain yield (5540 kg ha-1) and straw yield (8200 kg ha-1) of rice.

Effect of zinc management on yield, nutrient content, and acquisition of zero-tilled wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Khalsa College, Amritsar, Punjab to find out the effect of soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 .7H2 O on zero till wheat. The experi- ment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were control (noZn), soil application of 12.5, 25, 37.5, 50 kg/ha zinc sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4 .7H2 O), and foliar application of 0.5% Zn as one spray at heading initiation (5% ear emergence), one spray at 100% heading (complete ear emergence) and two sprays at heading initiation and 100% heading with a recommended dose of fertilizer. Results showed that the soil application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5% zinc sulfate heptahydrate at heading initiation and 100% heading produced the highest yield attributes and grain yield of wheat. Application of 50 kg Zn/ ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % Zn at heading initiation and 100% heading registered ~25% higher grain yield over control. Grain Zn content (41.77ppm) percent increase was 33.9 with 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % zinc at heading initiation and 100% heading over control (31.20 ppm).Likewise, application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % Zn at heading initiation and 100% heading recorded the highest net returns among the Zn treatments. Overall, soil application of 50 kg Zn/ha with two foliar sprays of 0.5 % zinc at heading initiation and 100% heading improved the yield, uptake, and profitability of zero-tilled wheat in zinc-deficient soils.

Potential of cattle urine as an alternative fertilizer for maize (Zea mays L.) production in Ethiopia

Maize productivity has been increasing through the years due to increased use of inorganic fertilizers. However, the price and environmental impact has brought lack of interest among the farmers. Thus, this study was aimed at evaluating the growth, yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of maize varieties under cattle urine application. The field experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment consisted of four treatments viz. control, 100 and 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The results demonstrated a comparable growth and grain yield increment due to 100 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer. The difference between the two varieties in growth, yield and related traits, and NUE indices due to fertilizer applications was insignificant. The leaf area of maize nourished with 100, 50 % cattle urine and recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer increased by 11.15, 9.73 and 9.78 folds, respectively, in two months period relative to the controls. Fertilized plants had significantly (p < 0.05) higher grain yield (GY). The use of 100, 50 % cattle urine and inorganic fertilizers resulted in 526.76, 326.12, 542.91 % and 47.83, 36.03, 49.78 % increment in average GY and aboveground biomass, respectively, compared to controls. Similarly, plants fertilized with 50 % cattle urine showed an average GY reduction of 39.87 and 38.10 % compared to the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer and 100 % cattle urine, respectively. The use of 50 % cattle urine produced significantly higher NUE, N agronomic efficiency (NAE), N recovery efficiency (NRE) and internal efficiency (IE). Higher GY kg-1 of N applied was obtained from cattle urine applications. In a nutshell, the results confirmed the potential of cattle urine as an alternative to inorganic fertilizers in maize production. However, further studies on optimization of the cattle urine rate and scale up works are recommended.

Study of nitrogen status in different planting systems and organic fertilizer doses in sandy soil

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different jajar legowo planting systems in intercropping sweet corn with peanuts, as well as the addition of several doses of organic fertilizer on soil nitrogen status and plant leaf tissue on sandy soil. The research was conducted from January to May 2023, on the south coast of Jember Regency. The study used a split-plot design; the main plot consisted of the treatment of 2:2 (A1) and 4:2 (A2) jajar legowo intercropping systems. The subplots were different doses of cow dung organic fertilizer: 10 t ha-1 (B1), 20 t ha-1 (B2), and 30 t ha-1 (B3), each repeated three times. Observational data were analyzed by ANOVA and DMRT 5%. The results of the study showed that the combination of the planting system and organic fertilizer doses applied had not been able to provide optimal microclimate and soil properties for the growth and development of sweet corn plants. The A2 planting system provides a better microclimate and plant morphology for plant N availability and absorption. The addition of organic fertilizer up to the highest dose (B3) has not been able to maintain optimal soil water and N availability for sweet corn in sandy soil.

The role of superior varieties in increasing rice productivity on tidal lands in South Sumatra

The development of tidal land as agricultural land is one opportunity to meet food needs. The study aimed to determine the contribution of superior varieties in increasing tidal rice productivity in South Sumatra. The research was conducted in Banyuasin Regency in 2021 using survey and interview methods. The number of sub-districts where sampling was taken was 9 sub-districts which are representative of low tide land. The data collected in this research were the results of harvested dry grain (tiles), the varieties used, the type and dose of fertilizer used, planting methods and cropping index. Apart from primary, secondary data was also collected as supporting data in the form of land area for each region and climatic conditions. The data taken was tabulated and analyzed descriptively. The research results show that the productivity level of superior rice varieties is higher than the district average productivity. Increasing productivity by applying superior varieties reaches 1.5 t/ha.

Exploring possibilities of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) production under organic management

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) was introduced as part of the Indian government's efforts to diversify and modernize agriculture in the region. Its introduction has helped J&K farmers to increase their income through higher market prices and to gain access to new markets and trade opportunities. It being a nutrient-demanding crop, farmers use high doses of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and if consumed as salad or half-boiled in many culinary dishes, these chemicals are likely to impact the health of consumers and affect the environment. Therefore, alternative usage to these chemicals using combinations of organic inputs was aimed at producing a healthy crop of broccoli. It was concluded that the application of FYM@ 25 t/ha as a basal dose in the presence of seedling dip treatment of biofertilizers (Azotobacter @ 0.5 kg/ha + Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria @l kg/ha + Potassium-Mobilizing Bacteria @ 750 ml/ha) along with the scheduled application of Neem oil +Baeuveria bassiana at 1, 3, 7 and 15 days of interval after disease symptoms was found superior in obtaining higher curd yield (109.57 q/ha) and seed yield (604.96 kg/ha).

Rice straw biochar and NPK minerals for sustainable crop production in arid soils: a case study on maize-wheat cropping system

Maize and wheat are the main cereals grown in Egypt. However, the country relies on grain imports to meet its local demands. In order to improve their production, appropriate fertilization programs are needed. The present study investigates the effects of amending a clayey soil of an arid region with rice straw biochar and NPK mineral fertilizers, individually or in combination, for increasing growth and productivity of maize and wheat crops. Additionally, impacts of these additives on soil biological activities and carbon (C) transformations in soil were a matter of concern herein. To achieve this objective, a field research of a randomized block design was conducted during the summer (maize) and winter (wheat) seasons of 2020/2021. The following treatments were considered: unmodified control (CK), 100% N inputs in the form of biochar (reference organic treatment, RSB) (T1), 100% mineral treatment (reference inorganic treatment, T2), 75% RSB + 25% NPK minerals (T3), 50% RSB + 50% NPK minerals (T4) and 25% RSB + 75% NPK minerals (T5). Additional doses of mineral fertilizers were added to treatments from T3 to T5 to maintain NPK inputs within the recommended doses. Key results showed that all additives significantly enhanced plant growth parameters and productivity. They also increased soil organic carbon level by the end of the growing season hence reduced soil bulk density, even for the treatment that received only mineral NPK applications (T2). All additives also upraised soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil available nitrogen (N), and soil salinity. However, sole application of biochar recorded the least increase in soil salinity. Combined mineral-organic treatments not only recorded the highest increases in soluble and microbial fractions of organic carbon and nitrogen in soil; but also noted the greatest improvements in growth and grain productivity of maize and wheat versus sole applications of mineral fertilizers or biochar. The alkaline nature of biochar was buffered by soil while no significant differences were observed in harvest index among treatments. In conclusion, combined use of biochar and mineral fertilizers, especially T5 is recommended for increasing soil fertility and wheat and maize grain productvity.

Application of Diverse Silicon Sources to Soil for Reducing Wheat Blast Disease

Despite the economic potential of wheat for food security, blast disease is one of the major constraints to wheat production in warm and humid areas. Silicon (Si) increases crop yields and resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The effect of various Si sources, including Na2SiO3, MgSiO3, CaSiO3, and rice hull ash (RHA), on suppressing wheat blast (WB) incidence was studied at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture field from November 2019 to March 2020 using a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Total 42 plastic pots were filled with the recommended doses of fertilizers and Si. On 17 days after inoculation (DAI), the lowest WB incidence (83.16%) and severity matrix (80.20%) were found with the treatment of CaSiO3 @ 100 kg ha-1. At 15 DAI, the same treatment reduced the WB incidence and severity matrix by 21.10% and 41.73%, respectively. Most yield indicators were significantly improved by the Si fertilizers, except for grain spike-1 quantity, weight, and thousand grain weight (g). However, pots that were fertilized with Si distinguished out from both the control and absolute control groups. While CaSiO3 at 75 kg ha-1, RHA at 6.0 t ha-1, and MgSiO3 at 100 kg ha-1 produced respectable yields, the maximum was achieved by CaSiO3 at 100 kg ha-1. There was a significant positive relationship between the leaf concentrations of K and Si, with the highest concentration found in plants treated with CaSiO3. A large number of yield metrics showed moderate to strong positive associations with leaf K and Si concentrations, whereas the disease severity matrix revealed the maximum significant negative correlation with these elements. The best outcomes were obtained by applying Si as CaSiO3 @100 kg ha-1, which has potential as an environmentally acceptable source for controlling WB disease and increasing wheat yields. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 295–309, 2024

Determining the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) on the Growth of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha

Tuberose, a valuable ornamental crop, requires optimized nutrient management to maximize its potential. With increasing concerns about chemical fertilizer usage, integrated nutrient management (INM) offers a sustainable alternative. This study investigated the effects of INM on Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa L.) cv. Rajat Rekha, exploring combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers to promote growth and productivity. The results showed that integrated nutrient management significantly enhanced growth parameters. Specifically, the treatment combining 75% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) with 2 kg Farm Yard Manure (FYM)/m2, 300g Vermicompost (VC)/m2, Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), and Azospirillum (T15) yielded superior results. This treatment reduced days to sprouting (12.10 and 14.18), and improved plant height (40.8 and 41.7 cm), leaf length (48.0 and 48.6 cm), leaf width (1.78 and 1.80 cm), and leaf number (60.8 and 61.4). These findings suggest that integrated nutrient management can enhance Tuberose productivity while minimizing chemical fertilizer reliance. The identified optimal treatment combination offers a viable strategy for sustainable Tuberose cultivation, contributing to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. Future research can focus on scaling up these results and exploring potential applications in other ornamental crops.

The role of zeolite and mineral fertilizers in enhancing Table Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity in dark chestnut soils of Southeast Kazakhstan

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality.

Evaluation of rabi season sesame productivity from graded nutrient doses and tillage regimes in rice fallows of southern plateau and hills region of the Indian sub-continent.

Only scattered information is available on the tillage and nutrient management information for the sesame crop following rice in the literature. Sesame as an edible oil yielding crop with high levels of unsaturated fatty acids has high international demand due to superior health benefits. Being a small seeded crop, it requires standard tillage and nutrient management to obtain optimum productivity under rice fallow ecologies. As a sequential crop after rice harvest, the tillage and nutrient management practices followed for the preceding rice have astounding effects on the succeeding sesame crop. To better understand and manipulate the agro ecology in the rice fallow culture, it is necessary to study the behaviour of sesame cultivars, in relation to the tillage requirements and macro nutrient factors that have a bearing on the productivity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the productivity of rice fallow sesame in the southern plateau and hills regions of the Indian sub-continent (Tamil Nadu) with a hypothesis that tillage and nutrient management would immensely benefit the sesame crop. Field experiments were conducted at TNAU, Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduturai, Tamil Nadu during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 with tillage practices (reduced tillage, conventional tillage and zero tillage) and fertilizer doses (zero percent RDF, 25% RDF, 50% RDF, 75% RDF and 100% RDF) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The results have clearly indicated that the performance of rice fallow sesame was poor under zero till conditions as the sesame crop is poorly adapted leading to a yield penalty up to 68%. A total of 75% RDF has yielded statistically similar yield to that of 100% RDF to the rice fallow sesame. Further, neither the oil content nor the fatty acid composition was modified by tillage and nutrient management regimes.

Changes in root nodules dynamics under mixed cropping with varying nutrient management of berseem crop and succeeding fodder cowpea

Intercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity.

Influence of phosphate and potassium solubilizing bacteria on performance of crop, endophytic and rhizosphere microbial population in chamomile

Phosphate (Bacillus megaterium) and potassium (Frateuria aurantia) solubilizing bacteria (PSB and KSB) were assessed for their agronomic impact on chamomile performance in a pot experiment at CSIR-CIMAPRC, Bengaluru. Results demonstrated that 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) combined with PSB and KSB significantly improved chamomile performance, enhancing plant height (41.4 cm), stem diameter (1.10 mm), number of flowers (348.67), flower: leaf ratio (1.24), and flower dry weight (4.28 g plant-1) compared to control, RDF alone, and sole solubilizer application. The combined application with 100% RDF synergistically increased rhizosphere bacterial population from 25 × 104 Cfu g-1 to 57 × 104 cfu g-1, while 75% RDF + PSB + KSB resulted in 53 × 104 cfu g-1. Morphological and biochemical analyses revealed diverse variations in chamomile endophytes and rhizosphere soil bacterial populations, mainly Bacillus and Streptococcus genera. PSB and KSB, whether applied individually or combined, significantly influenced chamomile growth and yield, with microbial dynamics enhancing nutrient solubilization and availability.

Effect of Rabbit Urine Bio Fertilizer and NPK on Vegetative Variables of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) is a plant that requires more N nutrients than other nutrients. The abundance and affordability of rabbit urine bio fertilizer can reduce the cost of cultivation production inputs due to the high price of inorganic fertilizers. Rabbit urine contains higher N nutrients compared to other livestock urine. This study aims to obtain a combination of Rabbit Bio Urine (BUK) fertilizer concentration and NPK fertilizer dosage that can give the best results on the growth of sorghum plants (Sorghum bicolor L.). The research method used is a non-factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) consisting of 6 levels, namely: P1 (BUK 0 ml/L + 100% NPK), P2 (BUK 41 ml/L + 80% NPK), P3 (BUK 27 ml/L + 80% NPK), P4 (BUK 18 ml/L + 80% NPK), P5 (BUK 9 ml/L + 80% NPK), and P6 (BUK 5 ml/L + 80% NPK). The application of rabbit bio urine fertilizer gives a real effect on the parameters of plant height and stem diameter at the age of 36 HST and 42 HST. In the parameter of the number of leaves, rabbit bio urine fertilizer and NPK gave no significant effect at all observation times. The P2 treatment (BUK 41 ml/L + NPK 80%) gave the highest results in the parameters of plant height at the age of 36 HST and 42 HST which amounted to 98,1 cm and 123,7 cm. In the parameter of stem diameter, the highest result was obtained by P1 (BUK 0 ml/L + NPK 100%) which amounted to 14,8 mm. Keywords : N Nutrient, Rabbit Urine Bio Fertilizer, Sorghum

Effect of Fertilization on the Severity of Attack by the Defoliator Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859) and on the Yield of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, Lam. moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, 1785)

Purpose: Moringa, which is increasingly grown pure in semi-intensive and intensive systems, requires adequate fertilization to produce well. In some cases, this operation can inhibit the development of its bioaggressors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of fertilization on the defoliator caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) and moringa production. Methodology: The trial was conducted on the Kalapaté experimental station belonging to the Institut ational de la recherche agronomique du Niger over two seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications in which the main plots were represented by fertilizer types (NPK, cattle, poultry and compost). The elementary plots were made up of fertilizer doses (0, 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 kg/ha for organic fertilizers, and 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/package for NPK). The severity of the caterpillar attack and moringa yield were recorded. Findings: The results showed that NPK acted faster than other fertilizers in reducing the severity of attack by N. blitealis. The reduction rate was 28.40% in the first season compared with cattle manure, which is the most attacked. In the second season, compost had a similar effect to NPK. Both reduced this parameter by over 45% each compare to cattle and poultry manure. Their action consequently increased moringa yield compared with cattle manure and poultry droppings. Also, a negative linear relationship was noted between manure dose and severity of attack, while the dose-yield relationship was of the second-degree polynomial type. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compost can therefore be used to minimize attacks by Noorda blitealis and can enable sustainable production without any risk of toxicity from synthetic pesticides. In view of these results, moringa growers must compost cattle and poultry manure, and all other organic sources of fertilization, before any application.

Enabling Precision Agriculture through a Web-Based Fertilization Management System for Nawungan Selopamioro Fruit Orchards

Precision Agriculture (PA) is an integrated farming system based on information and technology for managing agriculture to identify, analyze, and manage spatial and temporal diversity information in specific locations to obtain optimum and sustainable benefits while minimizing unwanted environmental impacts. Fertilization is one of the crucial phases in agricultural production process considering technical cultivation aspects, costs, and environmental impacts. The current fertilization process at Kebun Buah Nawungan Selopamioro (KBNS) is still conventional, so there is no standard rule in determining the fertilization dose. Therefore, a PA approach is needed to provide suitable fertilizer doses for agricultural production needs. This objective of this study was to develop of a web-based fertilizer management system, integrating with orchard management to enhance accessibility and decision-making. The system calculates fertilizer requirements by analyzing soil nutrient availability (N, P, K), cultivation area, crop type and age, and available fertilizer types. The development followed the waterfall methodology, encompassing stages from requirement analysis to system maintenance. The outcome is a web application that manages land assets, administrative activities, and fertilizer needs tailored to specific land blocks, crop characteristics, and nutrient inventories. Subsequent validation against field conditions ensures the accuracy of its recommendations. Although comprehensive testing confirmed a 100% success rate in functionality, the system currently operates within a limited scope of variables. Future enhancements are planned to incorporate broader agronomic factors, such as soil pH and texture, to augment the system's precision. Despite its limitations, this system represents a significant technological advance in precision agriculture, promising to improve fertilizer application efficiency and support sustainable farming practices.

Irrigation During Flowering Is Critical for Enhancing Productivity and Economics of Late-Sown Indian Mustard Compared to other Management in the Arid Regions of Western India

ABSTRACT Global warming delays the harvest of kharif crops, which delay the subsequent sowing of Indian mustard, especially in northwestern India and also causes dry winters that exacerbate challenges for the timely sowing of rabi-crops. To check this, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi-seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to assess the influence of sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilizer levels under late-sown conditions. A split-plot design was used with two sowing dates, two irrigation levels and four fertilizer levels (87.5%, 100%, 112.5% and 125% RDF; Recommended-fertilizers-dose). Crop sown in the 4th week of November significantly reduced seed (46.79 and 38.77%) and stover yield (43.72 and 41.62%) as compared to the 2nd week of November sowing during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. Uptake of NPK by seed and stover was higher with the 2nd week of November sowing. The 2nd week of November sowing resulted in significant increase in water productivity by 63.72% and Benefit cost ratio (B:C) by 75.45% over the 4th week of November sowing. Irrigation at flowering stage increased the seed yield, water productivity and B:C by 11.94%, 1.72% and 9.17%, respectively, as compared to No post-sown irrigation. The biological yield of the Indian mustard increased with every increase in fertilizer doses but the response was significant up to 112.5% RDF (90 kg N, 33.75 kg P2O5 and 22.5 kg K2O ha−1). Application of 112.5% RDF increased the seed, stover yield, water productivity and B:C by 16.17%, 9.29%, 15.66% and 11.27%, respectively, over 87.5% RDF.

Determination of fertilizer requirement of Indonesian black rice in winter season under different plant spacing at Agro-ecological Zone-9 of Bangladesh

Indonesian black rice is quite popular for its highly nutritive value and profitable production. The distinct knowledge about optimum fertilizer doses and plant spacing contributes to its promising yield. The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, from December 2022 to May 2023 to find out the effect of fertilizer management and plant spacing on the growth and yield of Indonesian black rice in the winter season. The experiment was conducted with 5 treatments of fertilizer management viz., F1(70% of recommended doses); F2(80% of recommended doses); F3(90% of recommended doses); F4(100% of recommended doses) and F5(110% of recommended doses) with 4 plants spacing viz., S1(20 cm × 15 cm); S2(20 cm × 20 cm); S3(25 cm × 15 cm) and S4(25 cm × 20 cm). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design where the fertilizer management was allocated in main plots and the plant spacing was distributed in sub-plots with three replications. The result revealed that the fertilizer doses and plant spacings along with the interaction effects significantly influenced the growth and yield parameters of Indonesian black rice. Regarding vegetative growth, plant height (79.3cm), total tiller plant-1(21.27cm), and total leaf number plant-1 (58.47) were maximal at 100% recommended dose of fertilizer(F4) at DAT 65. Similarly, S2(20 cm × 20 cm) had better result in crop growth and yield attributes. The interaction effects of the treatments showed significant impact on plant height, total tiller and leaf number where F4S2 gave satisfied results. The highest values for the yield parameters including the maximum number of grains panicle-1 (100.70), 1000-grain weight (28.33g), and grain yield (5.69g) were found from the combination treatment of F4S2. On the other hand, the lowest grain (3.68g) yield was found from F1S4. Therefore, observing the results of the experiment, the best consideration was F4S2 at Agro-ecological Zone-9 in the winter season for the desirable growth and yield of Indonesian black rice.