Application Of FYM Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Application of Bio-Fertilizer and Soil Amendments on Growth Parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The pot experiment entitled “Effect of integrated application of bio-fertilizer and soil amendments on Growth parameters of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)’’ was conducted at the Research Farm of School of Agriculture, ITM University, during kharif season 2022. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam, having a pH of 8.13, EC of 0.54 ds m-1, organic carbon 0.40%, available N, P, K of 180, 11.09 and 283.40 kg ha-1 respectively and exchangeable Ca+Mg of 1.5 me 100 g-1soil. The pot experiment was laid out in CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with six treatments and six replications. The treatment combinations were: T1- Control, T2- Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (N, P2O5 and K2O @ 20, 40 and 20 kg ha-1 respectively), T3- FYM (10 t ha-1), T4- Rhizobium (Bradyrhizobium japonicum) @ 200 gm 10 kg-1 seeds, T5- RDF + Rhizobium, T6- Rhizobium + FYM. The nodulation (number of nodules and nodules dry weight) was increased with combine application of rhizobium inoculation and FYM over the time (30 and 60 DAS) followed by RDF and rhizobium inoculation. The growth attributes viz. plant biomass, shoot length, root length was significantly improved with the integration of bio-fertilizer, FYM and inorganic fertilizers. The highest result for plant biomass (22.34 gm plant-1) and shoot length (21.78 cm) were recorded in rhizobium inoculation and FYM treatment combination but root length (8.87 cm) was recorded highest in combine application of RDF with rhizobium. Application of rhizobium with FYM (25.74 gm pot-1) produce the highest pod yield followed by RDF and rhizobium (23.65 gm pot-1) combination. The combination of RHZ + FYM has much more favorable results on growth and yield of groundnut and it also enhance the nodulation.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Short-duration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Background: Cassava is an important tropical tuber crop with great potential, particularly for short-duration varieties. Understanding the impact of nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of cassava is crucial for improving its productivity. Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem in 2022-2023 to determine the effect of various nutrient management practices on the growth attributes, biomass production, dry matter distribution and yield characteristics of short-duration cassava. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications. Results: The integrated nutrient management practice of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray (T10) resulted in higher crop growth, dry matter production, yield attributes, tuber yield and top yield. This was comparable with the organic practice of Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray (T7) among other organic practices. The control treatment with no manures, fertilizers or foliar sprays recorded lower growth and yield. The positive correlation between growth and yield attributes and yield was also observed. In conclusion, the application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray and Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray were effective in improving the growth and yield of short-duration cassava. From the study, it is also evident that the short-duration cassava is suitable for organic cultivation and can be integrated into existing cropping systems.

Effect of Different Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Properties after the Harvest of Pearl Millet

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, Vijayapur during kharif 2021 to study the “Effect of different organic nutrient management practices on growth attributes of pearl millet”. The experiment was laid out in complete randomized block design with 12 treatments and replicated thrice comprasing of different levels of FYM (2.25, 2.5 and 5.0 t ha-1), vermicompost (1.25 and 2.5) and foliar spray of jeevamrutha @ 10% and 20% compared with recommended package of practices (50:25:10 NPK kg ha-1 + 2.5 t FYM ha-1). The results revealed that the soil application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + foliar spray of 20% jeevamrutha at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher soil organic carbon (5.38 g kg-1), EC (0.28 dS m-1 ), available potassium status (422.2 kg ha-1) and available micro nutrient status (iron and zinc) (3.90 and 0.53 ppm) in soil. However, higher available nitrogen status (183.0 kg ha-1) of soil was recorded in treatment that received nutrients through recommended dose of fertilizers and higher available phosphorus status (36.40 kg ha-1) of soil was recorded in treatment (T3) with soil application of vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1+ foliar application of 20% jeevamrutha at 45 DAS.

Response of Different Combination Levels of NPK and FYM on Physicochemical Properties of Inceptisol Soil at Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India under Cultivation of Carrot (Daucus carota)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the Response of different combination level of NPK and FYM on physicochemical properties of Inceptisol soil at Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh, India under cultivation of carrot (Daucus carota). during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, NAI, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experimental having two factors with three levels of NPK at 0%, 50% and 100% ha-1, and three levels of FYM at 0%, 50% and 100% ha-1 which was layout in randomized block design (RBD). The results showed that the physicochemical properties of soil were significantly affected with the application of FYM in conjunction with NPK fertilizers. This was evident through a significant increase in organic carbon percentage, per cent pore space, and higher levels of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil. Additionally, the combination of NPK and FYM led to a decrease in bulk density, particle density, and pH of soil. In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated that the combination of NPK and FYM positively influenced the soil health under carrot cultivation.

Impact of Long-Term Application of FYM and Fertilizer Nitrogen on Soil Aggregation and Aggregate Bound Nitrogen Fractions and Nitrogen Mineralization Pattern in Different Size Soil Aggregates: A Review

This review highlights the impact of long-term application of FYM and fertilizer nitrogen on soil aggregation and aggregate bound nitrogen fractions and nitrogen mineralization pattern in different size soil aggregates. Organic manures are an important factor to maintain the soil fertility level because soil organic matter is regarded as a key indicator when assessing soil quality. The integrated application of inorganic and organic amendments leads to increase in both the inorganic fractions (ammonical and nitrate nitrogen) as compare to their alone application. Organic manures and residues that are added to the soil increase the total nitrogen content of the soil by protecting it chemically and physically against microbial degradation. Through FYM and crop root biomass (rhizodeposition), organic matter and fertilizers have been added to the soil on a regular basis during the past 41 years, and the building of nitrogen shows that nitrogen is physically protected within macro aggregates.

Effect of Different Levels of Organic Manures on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil under Cowpea Crop in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

An experiment was conducted on “Effect of different levels of organic manures on physico-chemical properties of soil under cowpea crop in an inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India” to observe the combined effect of farmyard manure, Vermi Compost and Neem Cake on soil health and yield. The result showed that the application of FYM, Vermi Compost and Neem Cake had a significant and non-significant effect on soil Physico-chemical properties, respectively. The maximum bulk density (1.32 Mg m-3 and 1.35 Mg m-3 ), particle density (2.46 Mg m-3 and 2.48 Mg m-3 ), pH (7.47 and 7.49) and EC (0.251 dS m-1 and 0.248 dS m-1 ) were recorded in T1(absolute control) at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth. Similarly, the maximum percentage pore space (48.92 % and 45.47 %), water holding capacity (43.96 % and 40.38 %), organic Carbon (0.49 % and 0.47 %), Available Nitrogen ( 301.14 kg ha-1 and 294.97 kg ha-1), Available Phosphorus (30.96 kg ha-1 and 27.50 kg ha-1), Available Potassium (196.58 kg ha-1and 188.41 kg ha-1) were recorded in T9 treatment.

Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Okra Crop (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Deepika

Research was conducted by using effective management application of FYM and Azospirillum with inorganic fertilizer with objective to enhance the growth and yield of okra crop. It has been concluded from the trial that the different level of FYM with inorganic fertilizers in the experiment gave the highest value. Effective results were obtained with T9 treatment with combination FYM 20 t ha-1, Azospirillum 2 kg ha-1 with RDF 100: 60: 50 kg hhah ha-1. This treatment result shown best plant height with the most leaves, a high number of branches, a greater number of fruits per plant and highest yield in compared with the control treatment T1­ had the lowest results in all categories. T9 was found to be the best for the improvement of growth and yield of okra therefore, farmers of Prayagraj region can adopt this combination to give the highest yield of Okra.

Influence of NPK Levels in Conjugation with FYM on Soil Health Properties at Maize Field in Prayagraj District (Zea mays L.)

This field experiment aimed to assess the "Influence of NPK Levels in Conjugation with FYM on Soil Health properties at Maize field in Prayagraj District (Zea mays L.)" at the Crop Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute (SHUATS), Prayagraj (U.P.) during the Zaid season 2022. The outcomes demonstrated a considerable impact of NPK and FYM application on the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil. At a depth of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm, the maximum bulk density (1.26 and 1.37 Mg m-3), particle density (2.65 and 2.71 Mg m-3) and pH (7.36 and 7.44) were recorded in NPK0FYM0, while the minimum bulk density (1.16 and 1.25 Mg m-3), particle density (2.60 and 2.65 Mg m-3) and pH (7.16 and 7.24) were found in NPK100FYM100. Similarly, the maximum EC (0.29 and 0.42 dS m-1), organic carbon (0.74 and 0.52%), percentage pore space (48.52 and 46.31%), water holding capacity (45.28 and 42.60%) and available nitrogen (252.03 and 184.03 kg ha-1), phosphorus (32.65 and 25.83 kg ha-1) and potassium (315.62 and 241.52 kg ha-1) were recorded in NPK100FYM100, while the minimum EC (0.21 and 0.31 dS m-1), organic carbon (0.44 and 0.34%), percentage pore space (44.76 and 40.79%), water holding capacity (39.41 and 36.47%) and available nitrogen (224.52 and 156.52 kg ha-1), phosphorus (22.62 and18.46 kg ha-1) and potassium (273.32 and 189.67 kg ha-1) were recorded in NPK0FYM0. However, the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil were significantly influenced by the application of NPK with FYM.

LONG-TERM EFFECT OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC FERTILIZER ON BORON FRACTION DISTRIBUTION IN BAJRA MUSTARD COWPEA CROPPING SEQUENCE UNDER TYPICAL USTOCHREPT SOIL

The experiment on continuous cropping at Anand Agricultural University was employed for the study; the macro- and micronutrient content, soil boron percentage, and critical physical properties of 2019 topsoil samples were analysed and compared to 2014 levels. In 2019, however, scientists not only analysed soil samples from the surface to deep down for biological information, but also for a wide range of soil properties. Traditional analytical techniques were used to examine three kinds of plant and soil samples. For this study, we looked at the effect of long-term application of FYM on fertility levels and the correlation between soil organic carbon and boron content in a bajra-mustard-cowpea (f) cropping cycle.

Effect of Inorganic and Integrated Long-term Nutrient Management on DTPA-extractable Micronutrients in a Vertisol under Soybean-wheat Cropping System across the Soil Depth

The status of DTPA extractable micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in response of continuous application of different inorganic and organic fertilizer combination in a 48 years old ongoing long-term fertilizer experiment (AICRP-LTFE) were investigated in Vertisol at Department of Soil Science, and Agricultural Chemistry, JNKVV, Jabalpur under intensive cultivation of soybean- wheat cropping system in 2021. The treatments selected for the study were: control (T1); 100% NP(T2); 100% NPK (T3); 100% NPK+FYM (T4); 100% N(T5); 50% NPK (T6); 150% NPK (T7). Application of FYM along with balance fertilizer (100% NPK) significantly increased the micronutrients availability in soil. On contrast, Imbalance fertilization caused a lower level of micronutrients in soil even below to the critical limit in case of zinc. A decreasing trend with increase in soil depth irrespective of type of nutrient management and micronutrient type was evident in the study. Findings of the present study emphasized the application of balance fertilization along with organic sources like FYM for sustaining micronutrients availability in Vertisol under soybean-wheat cropping system.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Source of Nutrient on Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil under Spinach Crop in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India

The field experiment was conducted to assess the “Influence of organic and inorganic source of nutrient on Physico-Chemical properties of Soil under Spinach in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India” to observe the combined effects of NPK fertilizer and FYM on soil health and yield. The results showed that the application of NPK and FYM had a significant and non-significant effect on soil physico-chemical properties. The maximum bulk density (1.28 Mg m-3 and 1.33 Mg m-3), particle density (2.60 Mg m-3 and 2.62 Mg m-3) and pH (7.21 and 7.26) was recorded in T1 (Absolute control) at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth. Similarly, the maximum percentage pore space (49.07 and 46.08%), water holding capacity (44.05 and 40.28%), EC (0.38 and 0.36 dS m-1), percentage organic carbon (0.53 and 0.46%), available nitrogen (262.85 and 232.03 kg ha-1), phosphorus (41.73 and 32.48 kg ha-1) and potassium (241.62 and 220.52 kg ha-1) was recorded in T9 (RDF @100% + FYM @ 100%).

Adoption of Recommended Production Technologies of Soybean by Farmers of Dharwad District of Karnataka, India

The study was conducted in Dharwad, Hubli and Kalaghatagi taluks of Dharwad district of Karnataka state during 2020-21 with a sample size of 150 soybean farmers. The “Ex-post facto” research design was employed for the study. The data was elicited through personal interview method. There was about 8 per cent of land cultivated with DSb-21 during 2017-18 in Dharwad district, gradually it has reduced to 2 per cent during 2020-2021. About 64.00 per cent had medium level of adoption about recommended cultivation practices of soybean, whereas, only 9.33 and 26.66 per cent of the soybean farmers belonged to high and low level of adoption category, respectively. The results revealed that the farmers had complete knowledge and adoption of recommended variety (Dsb-21), while 86.67 per cent of the farmers adopted recommended sowing time in the kharif season. Further, 85.33 per cent of the farmers adopted spacing as recommended and 80.67 per cent of them have adopted recommended seed rate of 25kg/acre. The study concluded that 39.33 per cent of the farmers follow seed treatment and only 27.33 per cent of them adopted seed inoculation with rhizobium culture. Further 80.66 per cent of the farmers adopted application of FYM as recommended but only 37.33 per cent of the farmers have adopted chemical fertilizer application as recommended. With respect to weedicide application 41.33 per cent of the farmers adopted and cent per cent of the farmers had adopted intercultural operation (hoeing). About 48.00 per cent of the farmers adopted pest and disease management as recommended.

Efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum against different pathogens of medicinal plants

Trichoderma asperellum is one of the plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) presently marketed as biopesticide, biofertilizer and in soil amendments, due to its ability to protect plants, enhance vegetative growth and reduce pathogen populations. Keeping this in the view, here, we assessed its efficacy against pathogens of medicinal plants in vitro and in field conditions against the Leaf spot disease of Green leaf Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum). We selected 10 different plant pathogens of medicinal plants, namely Ashwagandha (Withania sominifera) pathogens (Alternaria alternata and Fusarium solani); Sarpgandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) pathogens (Colletotrichum sp. and Alternaria alternata); Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum) pathogens (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Alternaria alternata); Mint (Mentha arvensis) pathogens (Curvularia sp. and Alternaria alternata); and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) pathogens (Cochliobolus sp. and Alternaria sp.) for evaluation by Dual culture plate method. After 144 h, maximum inhibition (56.36%) was recorded against F. solani. This was followed by inhibition of Cochliobolus sp. where the reduction was 55.38%. T. asperellum was also found to be effective against Alternaria sp. isolated from Ashwagandha (53.06%), Alternaria sp. from Sarpagandha (53.51%), and Curvularia sp. (52.12%). In field study, FYM enriched with T. asperellum, Pseudomonas fluorescence, neem oil and fungicide were tested against Leaf spot of Tulsi caused by Alternaria alternata. The treatment T5 [soil application of FYM (1.0 kg/m2) enriched with T. asperellum + P. fluorescence talc based formulation each @ 2.0% at planting time+ 3 sprays of copper oxychlorde @ 0.3% with 15 days interval on the onset of disease symptoms] was found effective with per cent disease index recorded 10.37%. This was followed by treatment T6 [soil application of FYM (1.0 kg/m2) enriched with T. asperellum + P. fluorescence talc based formulation each @ 2.0% at planting time + 3 sprays of with bordeaux mixture @ 0.5% onset of disease symptoms], and both the treatments were at par with each other. Maximum biomass of tulsi (3.97 g) observed in treatment T5. The result implies that FYM enriched with T. asperellum and P. fluorescence which was found to be most effective can be incorporated in IDM programs for ecofriendly leaf spot disease management of Green leaf Tulsi.

Effect of Crop Geometry and Nutrient Management Approaches on Yield and Quality of Transplanted Finger Millet

Background: An ideal crop geometry is essential for obtaining optimum plant stand in the field as the yield of a crop depends on the final plant density with effective utilization of growth resources. Conjunctive use of chemical fertilizers and organic manures is important to maintain and sustain soil fertility and crop productivity. Nutrient Management system is gaining importance among the farmers and it is advisable to optimize the use of inorganic fertilizers along with organic manures for getting high yields of better quality besides keeping the production cost at sustainable level. The current field study was aimed to evaluate the impact of various crop geometries and nutrient management treatments on yield and quality of transplanted finger millet. Methods: A Field experiment was conducted at Agricultural college farm, Bapatla during the kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019 and the experimental design was split plot with three replications. The main-plot factor comprised of three crop geometries with different age of seedlings and seven nutrient management practices in subplots. Result: The experimental results indicated that significantly higher grain and straw yields with good quality grain of finger millet were recorded in the spacing of 30 × 10 cm fb 30 × 30 cm spacing and among the nutrient management approaches application of FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 125% RDF along with wooden log treatment (S6) recorded the highest yield and however was statistically comparable with 125% of RDF + FYM (S5).

Phytosphere management for enhancing root yield and quality in a highly traded medicinal plant Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.

Phytosphere management studies for Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC., an essential herbal remedy used in the Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medical systems, were carried out at AICRP on MAP and B, College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University. Treatments for standardizing shade requirements were 25% shade, 50% shade, 75% shade, and completely open growing conditions. The organic manuring treatments included basal application of FYM @ 10 t/ha, FYM @15 t/ha, vermicompost (to supply N equivalent to FYM 10 t/ha), vermicompost (to supply N equivalent to FYM 15 t/ha), coir pith compost (to supply N equivalent to FYM 10 t/ha), coir pith compost (to supply N equivalent to FYM 15 t/ha) and absolute control. Under 75% shade, the highest root production of 7589 kg/ha was observed. The lowest root yield was produced in the open condition (49% lower than the treatment with the highest yield). According to the findings, D. gangeticum could be used as a component in agroforestry systems with a high shade intensity. The root yields were comparable under 50 and 25% shaded conditions. The basal application of farm yard manure at 10 or 15 t/ha produced the highest root yield and total alkaloid content among organic manures. After two years of the experiment, the soil nutrient status revealed a decrease in the amounts of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compared to the starting level. The absolute control showed the most significant nutrient depletion, emphasizing the importance of providing crops with manures or fertilizers.

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED FERTILIZATION APPROACHES ON SOIL HEALTH AND CROP PRODUCTIVITY OF WHEAT (TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.) UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS

The study was conducted at Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan to monitor the impact assessment of tillage systems on soil health indicators by integrating organic and inorganic resources to sustain wheat production in arid and semi-arid conditions i.e. high temperature and low rainfall. The field experiment was conducted in 2019-20 and carried out in alkaline soil (pH 8.2) with low organic matter (0.45%) to grow wheat after rice and treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design. Farmyard manure (FYM 20.5 Mg/ha), rice crop residues application (CRA 100%) and chemical fertilizers (CF) N-P-K 100-80-60 kg/ha, respectively were used under conventional and conservation tillage systems. During this research different growth and yield parameters were noted and evaluated the level of N, P, K and organic matter contents from soil and plant at the harvest. The results indicated that the combined application of FYM and CRA with CF improved the chlorophyll contents (20% in conventional tillage and 39% in conservation tillage) which helped in nutrient translocation (N, P, K) and increased growth, biological and grain yield by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic matter contents in soil. Growth parameter i.e. germination percentage upto 64%, plant height 27% and spike length upto 35% were increased by T7 . The conservation tillage method was the best where we used T7 i.e. CF + 25% FYM + 50% CRA, and CF + 50% FYM + 25% CRA by conserving moisture and built OM (0.90%), soil organic carbon (0.49%) and mineral nutrition in soil as well as in wheat leaves. It is concluded that the integrated use of organic and inorganic resources are helpful for sustainable wheat production by enhancing fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) to improve soil health especially in arid to semi-arid climate conditions in alkaline soil.

Effect of bio enriched FYM on growth, yield and economics of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) under dryland condition

Crop suffers from the slow release of nutrients from organic manures at initial stages, which may cause a significant reduction in crop yield and farm income. This can be overcome by enrichment of organic manures with beneficial microbial culture and a judicious combination of inorganic fertilizers with such enriched organic manures. Finger millet was grown at AICRP for dryland Agriculture field during Kharif -2019 to study the effect of bio-enriched FYM viz., nitrogen fixers, phosphorus solubilizers, potassium solubilizers, PGPR and microbial consortia with 60 and 80 per cent RDF on growth, yield and economics of finger millet. Application of bio enriched FYM with microbial consortia + 80 per cent RDF (T10) recorded significantly higher plant height (86.38, 111.52 and 115.33 cm), number of tillers per plant (4.42, 5.20 and 5.42) and dry weight per plant (5.50, 15.05 and 27.27 g) at 60, 90 DAS and at harvest, respectively. Whereas, higher grain yield (2999 kg ha-1) and straw yield (4274 kg ha-1) were recorded in T10 treatment Which received 80 per cent RDF with microbial consortia and sème trématent recorded additional return of rupees 12683 per hectare over recommended use of fertilizers. The overall result showed that the bio enrichment of FYM with microbial consortia tended to reduce the application rate of chemical fertilizer and thus microbial consortia along with 80 per cent RDF could be recommended for finger millet.

Combined application of compost and FYM with inorganic fertilizers for production of onion in debub ari district, Southwestern Ethiopia

Soil fertility depletion is a serious problem in Ethiopian highland due to leaching of topsoil by runoff, which reduces production and productivity. This experiment conducted in Debub Ari district for two years with the aim of investigating single and combined effect of compost and FYM with inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility improvement and onion crop production. The treatment includes T1) Control, T2) Recommended NP (69/30), T3) NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 (264 kg NPSZnB + 161 kg urea), T4) 10 t ha-1 FYM, T5) 10 t ha-1 compost, T6) 5 tha-1 FYM + 50% of treatment-3 and T7) 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of treatment-3. Treatments are arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. Soil before the experiment showed moderately acidic, moderate in organic matter and boron, low in sulfur high in available P and total nitrogen. The results showed significant differences among the treatments on onion plant height, bulb diameter, marketable and biological yield. The highest total yield 19.99 t ha-1, 19.59 t ha-1 and 19.25 t ha-1 was recorded from NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1, 5 t ha-1 compost + 50% of T-3 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3 respectively and that increase yield by 39%, 35% and 33% over the control. Soils after the experiment become medium in sulfur remain static in available boron and total nitrogen. Economic feasibility that the maximum net benefit of 246059 and 242442 ETB ha-1 with acceptable %MRR of 290 and 1300 was obtained with the application of NPSZnB (120N, 92P2O5, 20.06S, 5.89Zn, 0.66B) kg ha-1 and 5 t ha-1 FYM + 50% of T-3, respectively. Therefore, the application of those two treatments is recommended for higher yield production in the study area. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 41-45, December 2022

Knowledge level of farmers about redgram production technologies of UAS Dharwad

The present study was conducted in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka state during 2021-22.To study the knowledge level of farmers about redgram production technologies of UAS Dharwad by employing “Ex-post facto” research design and by using simple random sampling technique in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts constituting a total sample size of 160 farmers. It was depicted that, majority46.25 per cent of red gram growers belonged to medium knowledge level category, whereas, 30.00 per cent and 23.75 per cent of them belonged to low and high-level knowledge category, respectively. Cent per cent redgram growers had knowledge about recommended time of sowing, method of sowing and inter cultivations. Majority of the redgram growers had knowledge about yield (96.88 %), major pests (93.13 %), time of application of FYM (92.50 %), recommended variety (90.62 %), varieties resistant/tolerant to wilt (87.50 %), major diseases (86.25 %), spacing (83.13 %), seed rate for sole crop (78.75 %), soil type (77.50 %) and quantity of FYM (76.25 %). More than half of the redgram growers had knowledge about fertilizer dosage (74.37 %), seed treatment (62.50 %), nipping (57.50 %), inter crops (56.25 %), chemicals to control pest (55.00 %) and seed rate for mixed redgram cultivation (51.25 %).This trend is due to their habitual predisposition to set pattern of redgram cultivation over the years using old practices without any change.Hence, the agriculture department has to conduct training programmes on redgram cultivation, establish demonstration plots in farmer’s field.

Productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)-based intercropping systems under diverse nutrient management practices in rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2014–2018, to study the productivity and profitability of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-based intercropping under divers nutrient management in rainfed condition. The experiment consisted of 3 intercropping, viz. C1, pigeonpea sole; C2 , pigeonpea + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]; and C3 , pigeonpea + maize (Zea mays L.); and 4 practices nutrient management, viz. N1 , recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); N2 , RDF + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium; N3 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha; and N4 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized-block design with 3 replications. Results revealed that, pigeonpea + blackgram system, showed higher yield of pigeonpea (1.71 t/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.29 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency, (5.84 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.33 %), available N (164.92 kg/ha), P (18.74 kg/ha), K (245.08 kg/ha) and S (11.30 ppm) and microbial population in cfu/g dry soil, and dehydrogenase activity (17.49 μg TPF/g/h), net returns (61.15 × 103 `/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.06) than pigeonpea sole and pigeonpea + maize systems. The combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha proved effective and resulted in significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (1.65 t/ ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.16 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency (4.94 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.34%), available N (161.59 kg/ha), P (18.37 kg/ha), K (241.96 kg/ha) and S (11.92 ppm) and microbial population and dehydrogenase activity (15.56 μg TPF/g/h) and net returns as compared to RDF alone. However, higher net returns (55.4 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment were recorded in combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The pigeonpea + blackgram intercropping and combined application of FYM @ 3 t/ha along with RDF + Rhizobium + PSB improved the organic carbon and increased available N, P and K content in the soil over initial soil value.