Ha-1 Application Research Articles

Effects of Different Levels of Phosphorous and Zinc Fertilizers on the Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) on Luvisols in Northern Guinea Savannah Region of Nigeria

The study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of phosphorous and zinc fertilizers on the yield and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) The experiments were conducted in a factorial experiment under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) to determine the effect of P and Zn applications on TZL white composite improved variety of maize. Four levels of phosphorus (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg P ha-1) and three levels of zinc (0, 5 and 10kg Zn ha-1) were applied on experimental plots of 4.5m x 5m replicated thrice. The results shows no significant differences in both the years however, highest mean values of 2327.5 kg ha-1 and 2191.5 kg ha-1 was recorded at 20 kg P ha-1 and 10 kg Zn ha-1 Application of P and Zn at different rates increases their uptake in the stover with highest values of 22.57 mg -1 kg and 7.8 mg -1 kg in 2018 at 30 kg Pha-1 and 18.40 mg -1 kg and 5.21 mg -1 kg at 20 kg Pha-1 in 2019. While 26.54 mg -1 kg and 21.85 mg -1 kg in 2018 at 10 kg Znha-1 and 6.76 mg -1 kg and 5.27 mg -1 kg in 2019 with 0 kg Znha-1 respectively. It is therefore recommended the best results of the application of 30kg P ha-1 and 10 kg Zn ha -1 should be adopted for optimum yield of maize.

Yield and yield contributing components of Urdbean as influenced by boron molybdenum and nickel

A field experiment was conducted on Yield and yield Contributing Components of Blackgram as influenced by boron molybdenum and nickel at Agricultural college farm, Bapatla during rabi, 2017-18. It consisted of eight treatments of micronutrient application viz., control (T1), B (T2), Mo (T3), Ni (T4), B+Mo (T5), B+Ni (T6), Mo+Ni (T7) and B+Mo+Ni (T8) with randomized block design concept and replicated thrice. The results revealed that combined soil application of boron, molybdenum and nickel as basal resulted in the significantly increased and effected yield and yield contributing characters like Number of branches, Number of flowers plant-1, Number of pods plant-1, Pod length, number of seeds pod-1, Pod weight plant-1, test weight and seed yield ha-1 all the characters were timely recorded and the maximum increase in yield was obtained with B+Mo+Ni (T8) (2144.5 kg ha-1) application followed by B+Mo (T5) (1973.0 kg ha-1), Mo+Ni (T7) (1912.7 kg ha-1) and B+Ni (T6) (1892.3 kg ha-1). Ni application alone had no increasing effect on yield, while B (1389.7 kg ha-1) and Mo (1526.0 kg ha-1) application alone increased the yield.

Response of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties to different levels of nitrogen and sulphur application under agro-climatic zone IIIa (Semi-arid eastern plain zone) of Rajasthan

Field studies were carried out to investigate the effect of different nitrogen and sulphur applications on growth parameters, yield and quality parameters of two row malt barley varieties conducted at research farm, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura for two consecutive rabi seasons 2015-16 and 2016-17 on loamy sand soil. The twenty seven treatment combinations consisting of 3 varieties (RD 2849, DWRUB 52 and RD 2668), 3 nitrogen levels (60 kg, 90 kg and 120 kg) and 3 sulphur levels (0 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg) were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results indicated that variety RD 2849 proved significantly superior to DWRUB 52 and RD 2668 with respect to yield (grain and straw yield (q ha-1)) and quality parameters (Starch content (%). In case of nitrogen and sulphur applications grain and straw yield (q ha-1), Crude protein content (%) and Starch content (%) of barley were improved. The highest grain and straw yield (q ha-1), Crude protein content (%) and Starch content (%) of barley obtained with 120 kg N ha-1 and 20 kg S ha-1 and it was found statically at par with 90 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg S ha-1 application.

English

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food crop in Malawi, with average yields of 1.8 -2.2 t ha-1 compared to potential yields of 5 to 10 t ha-1. In some areas, soil acidity is a serious constraint in crop production. The current recommendation is to apply 2.0 t ha-1 of lime as pre-plant broadcast and incorporated into soils with pHW < 5.5. A pilot study was conducted during 2015/2016 season at Bunda Campus (14° 35 S’;  33° 50 E’) to evaluate the response of reduced lime application rates of 0, 100, 250 and 500 kg ha-1 applied by  point placement or dollop method (mirodosing) in comparison to recommendation pre-plant broadcast application. A uniform fertilizer application of 69:23:0+4S was made on all plots. Gross Margin (GM) analysis, Value Cost Ratio (VCR) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were undertaken. A gross Margin analysis was done using prevailing input/out values of 2019 at exchange rate of Malawi Kwacha, MK 745 = 1USD. Results showed that the ‘no lime’ control (4.01 t ha-1) gave the lowest grain yield and was significantly (P<0.05) out-yielded by the rest of the treatments. The highest yield of 5.75 t ha-1 was observed from the 500 kg ha-1 application, while the recommended control of 2t/ha yielded 4.90 t ha-1. The BCR was >1.0 for all treatments at two price scenarios of US$0.201 kg-1 and US$0.268 kg-1 grain, but >2.0 only for 100, 250 and 500 kg ha-1 lime application rates. VCR ranged from 4.4 to 10.4, except for 2 t ha-1 treatment which had 0.78 and 1.05 at US$0.201 and US$0.268 kg-1 grain price, respectively.  The results demonstrated that there is potential in reduced lime application rates to increase yield of maize by microdosing of agricultural lime. This study has provided a solid basis for wider evaluation of the concepts for subsequent rolling out to famers. Key words: Dolomitic lime, soil acidity, microdose applications, aglime profitability. &nbsp

Effect of Phosphorus and Gibberellic Acid on Growth and Yield of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa)

The present study was carried out in the Horticulture farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh during October 2017 to March 2018 to study the Effect of phosphorus (P) and gibberellic acid (GA3) on growth and yield of tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa). Four phosphorus levels viz P0 = 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, P1 = 65 kg P2O5 ha-1, P2 = 85 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P3 = 110 kg P2O5 ha-1 and three GA3 levels viz. G0 = 0 ppm GA3, G1 = 115 ppm GA3 and G2 =145 ppm GA3. The experiment was laid out in the two factors Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Regarding P application, P3 gave the highest plant height (61.02 cm) and number of leaves plant-1 (7. 29.35) compared to control treatment but the highest yield parameters no. of spike ha-1 (368.60 thousand), bulb yield (25.88 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (14.21 t ha-1) were found from the treatment P2 whereas control treatment P0 showed lowest results. In case of GA3 application, G2 showed highest growth and yield parameter and the highest no. of spike ha-1 (362.30 thousand), bulb yield (25.38 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (14.00 t ha-1) were obtained from G2 whereas the lowest results were found from the control treatment G0. Treatment combine of P and GA3, the highest no. of spike ha-1 (405.60 thousand), bulb yield (31.45 t ha-1), and bulblet yield (16.01 t ha-1) were found from P2G2 combination whereas the lowest no. of spike ha-1 (189.60 thousand), bulb yield (14.57 t ha-1) and bulblet yield (9.05 t ha-1) was found from the control treatment combination of P0G0. In terms of economic analysis, the highest gross return (Tk. 471550), net return (Tk. 289337) and BCR (2.59) were also obtained from P2G2 whereas the lowest gross return (Tk. 227470), net return (Tk. 57703) and BCR (1.34) was obtained from P0G0. From the above results, it can be stated that that the P application @ 85 kg P2O5 ha-1 and GA3 application @ 145 ppm can be considered for higher yield and economic return in commercial cultivation of tuberose.

Response of malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties to nitrogen and sulphur application under Agro-climatic zone IIIa (semi-arid eastern plain zone) of Rajasthan

Field studies were carried out to investigate the effect of different nitrogen and sulphur applications on growth parameters, yield and quality parameters of two row malt barley varieties conducted at research farm, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura for two consecutive rabi seasons 2015-16 and 2016-17 on loamy sand soil. The twenty seven treatment combinations consisting of 3 varieties (RD 2849, DWRUB 52 and RD 2668), 3 nitrogen levels (60 kg, 90 kg and 120 kg) and 3 sulphur levels (0 kg, 10 kg and 20 kg) were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results indicated that variety RD 2849 proved significantly superior to DWRUB 52 and RD 2668 with respect to yield (grain and straw yield (q ha-1)) and quality parameters (Bold and Thin grain (%), Hectoliter weight (kg hl-1). In case of nitrogen and sulphur applications, chlorophyll content (%) at flag leaf stage and flag leaf area (cm), grain and straw yield (q ha-1), Nitrogen and Sulphur content (%) in grain and straw and bold and thin grain (%) and hectoliter weight (kg hl- 1) of barley were improved. The highest chlorophyll content (%) at flag leaf stage and flag leaf area (cm), grain and straw yield (kg hl-1), Nitrogen and Sulphur content (%) in grain and straw and bold, thin grain (%) and hectoliter weight (kg hl-1) of barley obtained with 120 kg N ha-1 and 20 kg S ha-1 and it was found statically at par with 90 kg N ha-1 and 10 kg S ha-1 application. DOI.10.25174/2582-2675/2020/85266

Response of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to varied nitrogen levels in Southern Telangana

Field experiments were conducted during kharif 2014 and 2015 at Agricultural Research Institute, Rajendranagar to determine the optimum nitrogen level for Bt cotton in alfisols in Southern Telangana. Significantly more number of days (31, 47 and 94) was taken to attain square initiation, flowering and boll development stage, respectively and higher drymatter production (9.2, 129, 182 and 239 g plant-1) was registered at square initiation stage, flowering, boll development and first picking stages, respectively with application of nitrogen at 225 kg ha-1. Higher earliness index (0.78) was registered when no nitrogen applied over 150 and 225 kg ha-1 with earliness index values of 0.75 and 0.74, respectively. Significantly higher seed cotton yield (1714 kg ha-1) was obtained with 225 kg N ha-1 and was followed by 150 kg N ha-1 (1704 kg ha-1). However, which were comparable with each other and significantly superior over no nitrogen and 75 kg N ha-1 application. The rate of increase in seed cotton yield with application of 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 over no nitrogen application was 54%, 74% and 75%, respectively. It can be concluded that, higher seed cotton yield with higher B:C ratio can be obtained with application of nitrogen at 150 kg ha-1 in Bt cotton in alfisols of South Telangana Zone.

Use of limestone and agricultural gypsum in cauliflower crop management and clubroot control in mountain farming

The effects of the dose and application method of limestone - broadcast or in furrow - and of agricultural gypsum on soil fertility, the control of clubroot, and cauliflower development in mountain farming areas were evaluated. Initially, four doses of broadcast limestone (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 Mg ha-1) and two cauliflower cultivars (Sharon and Piracicaba Precoce) were analyzed. A second experiment evaluated limestone (4.0 Mg ha-1) application treatments: broadcast and in furrow, broadcast limestone + gypsum (3.0 + 1.0 Mg ha-1), and broadcast gypsum (1.0 Mg ha-1). Soil fertility was improved, and significant increases were observed in the total and healthy root volume with increasing doses of limestone. With 4.0 Mg ha-1, a 58 and 85% increase in yield was observed in Sharon and Piracicaba, respectively, compared to the control. Treatments with limestone and limestone + gypsum, regardless of the application method, elevated pH (≥ 10%), base saturation (V%) (≥ 37%), and calcium (Ca) contents (≥ 100%), and reduced the levels of aluminum ions (Al3+) (≥ 60%) and clubroot severity (≥ 64%) and favored biomass accumulation (≥ 27%) and yield (≥ 9.2%). The application of limestone in the furrow yielded results similar to the broadcast application.

Effect of sulphur on yield and biochemical constituents in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown on Vertic Ustropept of Tamilnadu

A pot culture experiment was conducted with groundnut (CO 7) in a sulphurdeficient (7.19 mg kg-1) Inceptisol (Vertic Ustropept) at the Radioisotope(Tracer) Laboratory, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry,Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during October 2016 toJanuary 2017. The treatment structure comprised five levels of sulphur(0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1) along with the recommended fertilizer dose.The variation in yield and the changes in starch, sugars, cysteine, methionine,protein, and oil content with kernel development as influenced by thesulphur application were studied. The yield attributes viz., number of podspot-1, pod and kernel yield pot-1 and shelling percentage, were remarkablyinfluenced due to the application of sulphur up to 60 kg ha-1, which wascomparable with S @ 40 kg ha-1 and had an adverse effect with S @ 80 kgha-1. In all the stages of sampling (30 DAS, 15 DOP (75 DAS), 30 DOP (90DAS) and at harvest stage), starch, total sugars, reducing and non-reducingsugars of groundnut were found to decrease with increasing S levels withcontrol recording the highest value and S @ 60 kg ha-1 recording the lowestvalue. During crop growth, protein content and sulphur-containing aminoacids viz., cysteine, and methionine showed an increasing trend up to 60kg S ha-1 application and recorded comparable values with S @ 40 kg ha-1.Similarly, oil content in the kernel steadily increased with stages of kerneldevelopment. The highest oil content at all stages of kernel developmentwas recorded at 60 kg S ha-1.

Does a trade-off between yield and efficiency reduce water and nitrogen inputs of winter wheat in the North China Plain?

Increasing both grain yield and water use efficiency (WUE)/nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) of winter wheat is crucial to realize the sustainable development of agricultural production in the North China Plain (NCP). This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a trade-off between yield and efficiency could reduce water and nitrogen inputs of winter wheat in the NCP. Wheat yield, WUE and NPFP under three production levels, i.e. the potential, high-yield and high-efficiency (HH), and on-farm, and their gaps were investigated with APSIM-Wheat model. The results showed that simulated potential yields were close to observed potential yields with RMSE of 1150 kg ha−1 (NRMSE of 12 %) and simulated on-farm yields followed with observed yields with RMSE of 576 kg ha−1 (NRMSE of 8.8 %). Simulated yield gap between the potential and on-farm yields was 2565 kg ha−1 averaged across the NCP from 1981 to 2015 with the highest yield gap in the central part of NCP and the eastern Shandong province, and the corresponding gaps of WUE and NPFP were 0.45 kg m−3 and 10.9 kg N kg−1 with a large spatial difference. To narrow the gaps, about 33 mm additional irrigation and 5 kg N ha−1 reductions from the current irrigation (242 mm) and N fertilizer (267 kg N ha-1) application amounts were needed across the NCP. WUE and NPFP could be increased by 29 % and 43 % from the on-farm to the potential levels. However, if on-farm yield only attained 80 % of the potential, WUE and NPFP could be increased by 0.96 kg m−3 (60 %) and 19.3 kg kg−1 (77 %) across the NCP. Irrigation and nitrogen fertilization amounts could be reduced by averaged 127 mm and 89 kg ha−1 from current averaged irrigation and nitrogen fertilization amounts across the NCP. Especially, the irrigation schedule at on-farm level should be adjusted from three or four irrigations at (sowing), overwintering, jointing and flowering to two irrigations at jointing and flowering across the NCP. Our results suggested an explicit potential for wheat yield and water-nitrogen efficiency win-win by optimizing water and nitrogen management in the NCP.

Effect of different phosphorus levels on growth and productivity of field pea (Pisum sativum var. Arvense) cultivars in Agra region

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of phosphorus levels on growth and yield of field Pea (Pisum sativum var. Arvense) varieties at the research farm of Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Agra. The soil of experimental field was alluvial with calcareous layer at the depth of about 1.5-2 m, well drained and deficient in available nitrogen, low in organic carbon, medium in available phosphorus and fairly rich in potash content and was slightly alkaline in reaction. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with four replication of three pea cultivars i.e. KPMR-400 (V1), Rachna (V2) and KPMR-522 (V3) and four levels of phosphorus viz. 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. Thus there were twelve treatment combinations in the study. The crop stand per running meter, plant height, number of primary branches per plant was obtained significantly higher with the variety KPMR-522 (V3) as compared to other varieties at most of stages of crop growth. Variety ‘Rachna’ (V2) gave higher dry matter accumulation. ‘Rachna’ (V2) variety produced significantly higher length of primary roots and number of nodules as compared to all other varieties. Variety ‘KPMR-522’ (V3) resulted in highest biological and grain yield and prove its superiority over all other varieties except (V1) Variety. Variety affected harvest index significantly and higher harvest index was obtained with ‘KPMR-400’ (V1) as compared to all other varieties. Application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 Produced maximum number of branches per plant and dry matter accumulation. Primary root length was found significantly superior with the application of phosphorus @ 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Effective nodules per plant was recorded superior with the application of phosphorus @ 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 and most similar result with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Exactly same order of significance i.e. P3 (90 kg), P2 (60 kg), P1 (30 kg) and P0 (no phosphorus) P2O5 was noticed for grain yield (q ha-1), Stover yield (q ha-1), Biological yield (q ha-1), shelling percent and harvest index. Maximum grain yield (18.69 q ha-1) application of P 90 kg P2O5 ha-1, biological yield (68.02 q ha-1) recorded with the application of P2 (60 kg P2O5 ha-1) and Stover yield (52.05 q ha-1) with P1 (30kg P2O5 ha-1), non-significant shelling percent (74.14%) and significant harvest index (28.97%) was associated with the application of P3 (90 kg P2O5 ha-1).

Effect of mulch and nutrients on growth and yield in transplanted ginger

The conventional propagation method using ginger rhizome being slow, a suitable method of raising ginger seed material in portrays has been devised by Indian Institute of Spices Research and Kerala Agricultural University. The advantages of this technology are production of healthy uniform planting materials and reduction in seed rhizome quantity which eventually reduced cost on rhizomes. The experiment was carried out in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during April 2016 to January 2017. The ginger variety used was Karthika. Field experiment was laid out in split plot design with four levels of mulches in main plots and fertilizer levels in sub plots with four replications. Two nodded rhizome bits of ginger cultivar was raised in protrays were transplanted at 55 days in beds taken in the interspaces of coconut. Plants that received M1 (30 t ha1) in main plot resulted in maximum plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves/plant shoot weight, fresh yield and dry yield treatment T2 (150:100:100 kg ha1 and their interaction (m1t2) also resulted in highest plant height, number of tillers, number of leaves/plant, shoot weight, fresh yield and dry yield on all periods of observation The results of the study indicated that ginger transplants intercropped in coconut garden, that mulching @ 30 t ha1 ( half at transplanting and half 2 MAT) along with 150:100:100 kg NPK ha-1 and basal application of 30 t ha-1 of farm yard manure could be recommended for higher yield and growth.

Effect of co-application of phosphorus fertilizer and in vitro-produced mycorrhizal fungal inoculants on yield and leaf nutrient concentration of cassava.

The adaptability of cassava to low fertile and marginal soils facilitates its production in subsistent agriculture. As a result, smallholder farmers rarely apply fertilizers. The current yield gap is therefore very large, calling for application of fertilizers and soil amendments to improve its productivity. Field experiments were carried out to assess the potential of partially substituting Phosphorus (P) fertilizers by in vitro-produced arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) inoculants in cassava production in two agro-ecologies of Nigeria: Northern Guinea Savanna (Samaru) and Sudan Savanna (Minjibir). The experiments were laid out in a split plot design with P levels (0, 17.5, 35 and 52.5 kg P2O5 ha-1) as main plot and AMF inoculants (Control, Glomygel, Glomygel carrier, Mycodrip, Mycodrip carrier) as subplots. The results in Samaru showed that there was significant interaction between AMF and P in root fresh weight, total biomass and root to shoot ratio. The root fresh weights of the inoculated cassava increased proportionally with application of P. However, highest root fresh weight of cassava inoculated with Glomygel was observed at 35 kg P2O5 ha-1 recording 25% yield increase compared to 52.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 application. Interestingly, Cassava inoculated with Glomygel at 17.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 gave root fresh yield statistically similar to where 35 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied. This represented a 50% reduction in P fertilizer use. Also, cassava inoculated with Glomygel increased leaf nutrient concentrations, which strongly correlated with the root fresh yield. However, no effects of inoculant carriers were observed in yield and nutrient concentrations. Contrarily, there was no significant treatment effect in Minjibir for nearly all the measured parameters. Cassava yield was however, higher in Minjibir than Samaru probably due to soil fertility and structural differences, which resulted in few observable effects of AMF and P treatments at Minjibir. We conclude that under low P conditions inoculation with in vitro produced AMF inoculants could be employed to reduce P fertilizer requirements for cassava and improve yields, but the variability of the responses as a result of soil heterogeneity and the identity of the fungal strain in the inoculant require further investigations before recommending the practice.

Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Varieties as Influenced by the Application of Cow Dung and Poultry Manure in Jega, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Field trials were conducted at the Fadama Teaching and Research farm Jega, Kebbi state University of Science and Technology Aliero, during the 2017 and 2018 dry seasons, to study the Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Varieties as Influenced by Cow Dung and Poultry Manure Application. The treatments consisted of two (2) manure levels (Cow dung 12 t ha-1 and Poultry manure 6.6 t ha-1); each were designed to supply 120 kg N ha-1 using cow dung and poultry manure and three (3) varieties of okra namely LD88, NHAE47-4 and Dogo variety which were laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The results obtained revealed that yield parameters such as Number of pods per plant (13.08 and 14.11), Mean pod weight (17.59 g and 19.31 g), Mean pod length (6.13 cm and 6.83 cm), Fresh pod weight per plant (0.19 kg and 23 kg) and Pod yield (5.65 and 6.38 t ha-1) were significantly increased when the nitrogen dose of 120 kgN ha-1 was applied using PM 6.6 t ha-1 in conjunction with NHAE47-4 in both 2017 and 2018. Mean pod diameter (cm) was statistically similar with both the application of CD 12 t ha-1 and PM 6.6 t ha-1. Significant interaction effect was observed between variety and manure on Number of pod plant-1 (13.97 and 13.43), and Pod yield (6.21 and 7.29 t ha-1) in both 2017 and 2018 while Mean pod diameter (3.42 cm) in only 2017. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that in Jega, Kebbi state of Nigeria which falls within the Sudan Savannah agro-ecological zone, NHAE47-4 okra variety yields better than Dogo and LD88. Therefore, NHAE47-4 variety in conjunction with PM 6.6t ha-1 application could be selected for increased okra production in the study area.

Zinc and iron ferti-fortification in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes

The investigation was carried out to study the effect of zinc and iron ferti- fortification on plant height, yield and quality parameters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes. Among the groundnut genotypes, ICGV-00351 recorded significantly higher plant height and number of leaves at harvest (40.05 cm and 25.86 plant-1), nitrogen uptake by groundnut kernels, haulm and total uptake (68.69, 52.76 and 121.45 kg ha-1, respectively), gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio ( 122408 ha-181404 ha-1 and 2.99, respectively) as compared to other genotypes. Among micronutrients application, soil application @ 25 kg ha-1 and foliar application @ 0.5 % of ZnSO4 (S4) recorded significantly higher plant height and number of leaves at harvest (42.09 cm and 27.78 plant-1), nitrogen uptake by groundnut kernels, haulm and total uptake (76.43, 57.66 and 134.10 kg ha-1, respectively), gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio ( 128585 ha-1 87131 ha-1 and 3.10, respectively ) as compare to other treatments.

Impact of potassium levels and application timing on dry matter partitioning of Wheat crop in Peshawar valley

Abstract A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy research farm, KPK, The University of Agriculture Peshawar during season 2016-17. The experiment was carried out in RCBD having 4 replications. The treatment consists of potassium levels (0, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) and application time (full and split application). Wheat variety Pirsabak-2013 was sown at the rate of 120 kg ha-1 in rows 3 m long and 30 cm apart. The results showed significant effect (p≤0.05) of potassium levels on dry matter partitioning in different parts of wheat. Maximum dry matter partitioning in Leaf (116.28 and 156.51gm-2), Stem (227.85 and 386.53gm-2), Spike (22.95 and 214.05gm-2), and Total dry matter (407.31 and 757.09gm-2) at booting and anthesis stage, and Maximum dry matter partitioning in Leaf (345 gm-2), Stem (420.1gm-2), Spike straw (365.46gm-2), Grain (515.5gm-2) and Total dry matter (1646.1gm-2) at physiological maturity stage were recorded with potassium application at a rate of 90 kg ha-1. The interaction of potassium levels and application time had also a significant effect on total dry matter partitioning. Potassium 90 kg ha-1 with full dose application at booting stage produced maximum dry matter partitioning (413.18gm-2) and at anthesis and physiological maturity stage maximum dry matter partitioning (763.45 and 1648.3gm-2) were recorded with potassium 90 kg ha-1 and split dose application(half at sowing + half at tillering). Based on the results, among potassium levels, 90 kg ha-1 produced more dry matter partitioning as compare to other levels of potassium. So potassium level 90 kg ha-1 is recommended for high dry matter partitioning in different parts of wheat in Peshawar valley. Keywords: Application time; Dry matter partitioning; Peshawar valley; Potassium levels http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700158

Comparação entre métodos químicos de controle de buva com início de dessecação em período seco ou úmido

Diversas são as ocasiões onde o clima interfere diretamente na eficácia dos herbicidas aplicados para o controle de plantas daninhas. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o melhor momento climático para iniciar o controle químico da buva (Conyza spp.). Os experimentos foram conduzidos no município de Indianópolis/ MG. O experimento 1 foi realizado em esquema fatorial (2x5), tendo como primeiro fator as condições climáticas, período seco ou úmido, no momento da primeira aplicação do herbicida glifosato + 2,4-D (1.200 + 670 g e.a. ha-1), e o segundo fator a aplicação sequencial representada pelos tratamentos herbicidas (g e.a ou i.a. ha-1): glifosato + 2,4-D (1.200 + 670) ou paraquat (500), isolados ou associados ao diclosulam (29,4), fluroxipir (200) isolado, além da testemunha absoluta sem aplicação de herbicida. O experimento 2 visou comprovar o nível de dificuldade de controle da buva ao herbicida glifosato na área de ambos experimentos, em aplicações sequenciais, espaçadas 35 dias entre as mesmas, de doses (g e.a ha-1) crescentes de glifosato (0, 480, 960, 1.920 e 3.840), 2,4-D (670) e a associação de glifosato + 2,4-D (960 + 670). De forma geral, para se obter controle efetivo, iniciando a aplicação em período seco ou úmido, foi necessário realizar aplicação sequencial usando na primeira o glifosato + 2,4-D seguida de uma segunda aplicação, independente dos herbicidas testados. A população de buva presente na área demonstrou não ser controlada somente com aplicações do herbicida glifosato.

Rational Application of Fertilizer Nitrogen to Soil in Combination With Foliar Zn Spraying Improved Zn Nutritional Quality of Wheat Grains.

To alleviate human zinc (Zn) deficiency, it is worthy to develop rational agronomic managements to achieve high yielding and high resource-use efficiency wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains biofortified with Zn. Effects of application of three rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizer (75,200 and 275 kg·ha−1) to soil in combination with three foliar applications (deionized water, Zn alone, and a combination of Zn and sucrose) on grain yield, yield components, grain Zn concentration, protein, phytic acid (PA), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and carbon (C), as well as on Zn bioavailability, were investigated in four wheat cultivars (“Jinan 17,” “Jimai 20,” “Jimai 22,” and “Luyuan 502”) under field conditions. Enhanced N increased Zn and protein concentrations as well as bioavailability; excessive N input did not result in further improvements. Zinc spraying was more effective than soil fertilizer N application, the spray of Zn (with or without sucrose) increased grain Zn concentrations by 11.1–15.6 mg·kg−1 (27.1–38.1%), and increased grain Zn bioavailability, estimated using total daily absorbed Zn (TAZ) and molar ratios of PA/Zn) and PA × Ca/Zn, by 0.4–0.6 mg d−1 (28.6–42.9%), 23.1–27.4% and 24.0–28.0%, respectively. Remarkably, increases caused by ‘Zn + sucrose’ were higher than spraying Zn alone. Grain Zn bioavailability was more sensitive to the selection of cultivar than Zn concentrations. Among cultivars, the higher the grain yields and concentrations of antinutritional compounds, the lower the grain Zn nutritional quality would be. 200 kg N ha−1 application rate in combination with foliar spraying of “Zn + sucrose” maximized grain Zn concentrations of “Jinan 17,” “Jimai 20,” “Jimai 22,” and “Luyuan 502” to be 59.4, 56.9, 55.8, and 60.9 mg kg−1, respectively, achieving the target value for biofortification. Additionally, PA/Zn and PA × Ca/Zn of “Jinan 17,” “Jimai 20,” and “Luyuan 502” were <15 and 200, and TAZ was maximized to be 2.2, 2.0, and 2.1 mg d−1, respectively, indicating higher bioavailability. Therefore, optimal soil N and foliar Zn management together with suitable cultivars maintained high grain yield with lower N input and could substantially increase grain Zn nutritional quality simultaneously.

Yield potential and economics of rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) as influenced by different crop residues and green biomass composts

A field experiment was conducted on vertisols at Organic Farming Research Institute, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur coming under northern Karnataka during rabi season of 2015-16 to study the yield potential (q ha-1 ) and economics of rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) as influenced by different crop residues and green biomass composts. The experiment consisted of fifteen treatments, of which twelve treatments were based on nitrogen supply though different composts, one recommended dose of fertilizer, one recommended organic and inorganic fertilizers and another was absolute control. Significantly higher grain yield (39.9 q ha-1 ) and stover yield (13.2 tha1 ) was recorded with application of FYM @ 3 t ha-1 + RDF (50:25 N:P2O5 kg ha-1 )followed by recommended NP fertilizers (T13: 37.2 q ha-1 ) and Cotton stalks +Redgram stalks + Glyricidiasp. with C: N ratio of 30:1 compost @ 50 kg N equivalent (T12: 36.6 q ha-1 ). The lowest grain yield was recorded with absolute control (T15: 18.4 q ha-1 ). Significantly higher B:C (3.08) was recorded with RDF(50:25 N:P2O5 kg ha-1 ) + FYM @ 3 t ha-1 application followed Cotton stalks +Redgram stalks + Glyricidia sp. with C: N ratio of 30:1 compost @ 50 kg N equivalent (T12:2.90) over other treatments. Application of recommended FYM @ 3 t ha-1 15 days before sowing along with 50 kg of nitrogen and 25 kg of phosphorus per hectare at the time of sowing recorded higher dry matter production, grain and stover yield and net returns and benefit: cost ratio.

Effect of biochar and nutrient amendment on vegetative growth of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. var. Malz)

We tried to determine whether a commercially available, amended biochar could potentially increase the growth and yield of spring barley ('Hordeum vulgare' L. var. Malz) on loamy soil located in western Slovakia in 2014. Treatments (n=15) with three replications consisted of a control, raw biochar (RB) (0, 10, 20 t ha-1) and nitrogen-enriched biochar+compost (EB) (0, 10, 20 t ha-1) application, combined with 3 levels of mineral fertilization (0, 40, 80 kg N ha-1). The plots (4 m x 6 m) were organized in randomized block design. We examined above and below-ground biomass, crop height, number of plants per m2, grain yield and plant canopy development determined from digital image-derived vegetation indices. The positive effect of biochar application on the plant canopy development was observed. In case of the vegetation index, the difference between the treatments and control rose in the following order at all fertilization levels (0, 40, 80 kg ha-1): control < RB (10 t ha-1) < RB (20 t ha-1) < EB (10 t ha-1) < EB (20 t ha-1). Ten and twenty t ha-1 of EB without fertilizer increased root biomass by 126 and 52%, and above-ground biomass by 62 and 36%, respectively. We conclude that a single EB application of 10 t ha-1 or 20 t ha-1 (even if applied without N fertilizer) can increase plant biomass on loamy Typic Hapludalfs at least in the first cropping season.