Ha-1 Treatment Research Articles

Effect of long-term organic practices on yield and nutrients uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L) in an acid Inceptisol

An investigation was carried out to the study the impact of long-term organic farming practices on yield and uptake of nutrients by rice in an acid soil of Assam. The seven treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1; Absolute control, T2; Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 , T3; Compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 , T4; Compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 + Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 ), T5; Enriched compost @ 2.5 t ha-1 , T6: Enriched compost @ 5 t ha-1 , T7: Azolla @ 0.5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 . Result revealed that significantly higher grain and straw yields were recorded as 34.5 and 57.1 q ha-1 with use of enriched compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 treatments. The grain yield of rice was increased by 14.6 and 43.1% over compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 and control, respectively and statistical similar grain yield was obtained with compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 +biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 treatment. Application of enriched compost @ 5 t ha-1 significantly improve total nitrogen phosphorus and potassium uptake by rice and found similar to compost @ 5.0 tha-1 + biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 (except total K uptake) as compared to other treatments. Total uptake of micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) by rice significantly enhanced with the use of organic farming practices over control. Thus, the dose of compost could be reduced by using enriched compost to obtain higher crop production with its quality.

Effect of long-term organic practices on yield and nutrients uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L) in an acid Inceptisol

An investigation was carried out to the study the impact of long-term organic farming practices on yield and uptake of nutrients by rice in an acid soil of Assam. The seven treatments were evaluated in randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of T1; Absolute control, T2; Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1, T3; Compost @ 5.0 t ha-1, T4; Compost @ 5.0 t ha-1+ Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1), T5; Enriched compost @ 2.5 t ha-1, T6: Enriched compost @ 5 t ha-1, T7: Azolla @ 0.5 t ha-1 + Biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1. Result revealed that significantly higher grain and straw yields were recorded as 34.5 and 57.1 q ha-1 with use of enriched compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 treatments. The grain yield of rice was increased by 14.6 and 43.1% over compost @ 5.0 t ha-1 and control, respectively and statistical similar grain yield was obtained with compost @ 5.0 t ha-1+biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 treatment. Application of enriched compost @ 5 t ha-1 significantly improve total nitrogen phosphorus and potassium uptake by rice and found similar to compost @ 5.0 tha-1 + biofertilizer consortia @ 3.5 kg ha-1 (except total K uptake) as compared to other treatments. Total uptake of micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu) by rice significantly enhanced with the use of organic farming practices over control. Thus, the dose of compost could be reduced by using enriched compost to obtain higher crop production with its quality.

Estimation of Crop Water Requirement of Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) for Drip Fertigation

The experiment was conducted at the research farm of ICAR- Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa, India during 2016–2019 to estimate the crop water requirement (CWR) of pineapple during different growth stages and compare the pineapple crop performance and economic viability at different irrigation systems. Crop water requirement of pineapple was calculated based on the consolidated weather data of 14 years and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of pineapple at different growth stages using Penman-Montieth equation using CROPWAT 8.0 software. In the experiemtal location, maximum crop evapotranspiration was found in the month of May (81 mm month-1) and the minimum was in the month of July (25 mm month-1). Crop water requirement was the highest in April (0.67 litre day-1 plant-1). During the period of monsoon, irrigation was withdrawn due to sufficienct soil moisture situation. Performance of pineapple crop under different systems of irrigation viz., surface irrigation, drip irrigation and drip fertigation was studied and found that the highest plant height (76.90 cm), D leaf width (5.45 cm), number of leaves (43), D leaf weight (150.3 g) and fruit weight (2.35 kg) were in drip fertigation. An estimated yield of 96.80 t ha-1 was recorded under drip fertigation treatment followed by drip irrigation (90.99 t ha-1) and surface irrigation (76.45 t ha-1) treatments. The cost economics analysis of pineapple production under different treatments revealed that the highest gross returns (` 14.5 lakhs), net returns (` 7.9 lakhs) and B:C ratio (1.2) were in drip fertigation treatment. Adoption of drip fertigation system in pineapple crop under west coast agro-climatic conditions of Goa is helpful to enhance the crop growth and yield of pineapple and fetch good economic returns.

Effect of Sowing Date and Phosphorus on Growth, Seed Yield and Quality of Fenugreek

The effect of sowing date (three sowing dates viz., S1= 01 November, S2= 15 November and S3= 30 November) and phosphorus levels (four phosphorus fertilizer levels viz., P0= Control, P1= 35 kg P ha-1, P2= 45 kg P ha-1 and P3= 55 kg P ha-1) on growth, seed yield and quality of fenugreek was investigated at Horticulture Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during 10 October 2020 to April 2021. Growth-related data was maximum on S1 (01 November) treatment but S2 (15 November) treatment showed the best result in case of seed yield. In case of growth characters, P3 (55 kg ha-1) revealed the best result but in case of seed yield, P2 (45 kg ha-1) treatment showed the best effect. Under this investigation, it was revealed that the maximum growth was obtained by S1P3 (01 November with 55 kg P ha-1) and the minimum growth was obtained by S3P0 (30 November with control) treatment combination. The maximum pods per plant (52.61), seeds per pod (12.87), weight of individual pod (147.11 mg), the weight of seeds per plant (7.67 g) and weight of 1000-seed (13.86 g), seed yield per plot (306.72 g), seed yield per hectare (2.13 t) and vigor index (570.27) was observed from the treatment combination S2P2 (15 November with 45 kg P ha-1). It was concluded that the combination of sowing date S2 (15 November) along with phosphorus application P2 (45 kg P ha-1) were given the better performance of all the yield contributing parameters and seed yield of fenugreek. So, S2P2 (15 November with 45 kg P ha-1) treatment combination can be repeated in different agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh.

PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN JAGUNG (Zea mays L.) YANG DIBERI PUPUK BOKASHI PADA LAHAN KERING

This study aims to determine the effect of the application of bokashi fertilizer on the growth of corn plants and the dose of bokashi fertilizer that gives a better effect on the growth of corn plants. This research was conducted in Lakalamba Village, Sawerigadi District, West Muna Regency and Agrotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University. The time of this research from July to November 2021. This study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) which consisted of five treatment levels and each treatment was repeated three times so that there were 15 experimental units. The five levels were no fertilizer (control), fertilizer dose 5 t ha-1 (6 kg/plot), fertilizer dose 10 t ha-1 (12 kg/plot), fertilizer dose 15 t ha-1 (18 kg/per plot) and fertilizer dose of 20 t ha-1 (24 kg/plot). The variables observed were plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, plant dry weight and root loss ratio (NPA). The 5 t ha-1 treatment was an efficient dose of bokashi fertilizer and significantly increased the nutrient contribution in dry land and supported the growth of maize on dry land.

Yield response of iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa Capitata group) to phosphorus fertilisation in a boreal soil

Cold soils and a short boreal growing season are assumed to necessitate high soil phosphorus (P) status and ample P applications to vegetable crops. Yet, a previous Finnish study indicated lower than anticipated yield responses of onion and cabbage. Here we report 2-year P trials with iceberg lettuce (cv. Skindel) transplanted in an open field in spring and midsummer on a clay soil with moderately low P status. During the spring plantings, P concentration in soil solution was followed using Plant Root Simulator (PRS) probes in P0 (0 kg P ha-1) and P60 (60 kg P ha-1) treatments. The PRS probes indicated initially 5 to 7-fold higher soil solution P concentration in the P60 treatment compared to P0 due to fertilisation, but thereafter P concentrations equalised. For spring plantings, P applications did not explain yield variation, giving statistically non-significant, maximum 14% higher yields over P0. In summer plantings, about 30% of the yield variation was explained by P applications, and the P60 rate gave 20–35% higher yields over P0. Mitscherlich type model integrating all data predicted a maximum 20% yield, 10% of the variation being accounted for. The model suggested that 32 kg P ha-1 brings 97% of the maximum yield, whilst the Finnish P fertilisation regulation allows 60 kg ha-1 for the given soil. No correlation between P applications and P concentrations of lettuce leaves was found. The results stress the need for empirical evaluation of P requirements of vegetable crops to avoid unnecessary P applications.

Influence of Sea Weed Extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted in Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj, (U.P), during the zaid season of 2022 with the objective to study the ‟Influence of sea weed extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) and Zinc on growth and yield of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)”. Pulses are an integral part of many diets across the globe and they have great potential to improve human health. Black gram crop grown in many parts of India. This crop is grown in the cropping systems as a mixed crop, catch crop, sequential crop besides growing as a sole crop under residual moisture conditions after the harvest of other summer crops under semi-irrigated and dry land conditions ,and the variety is shekar 2. The soil in the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, pH (6.9), low in organic carbon (0.112%), available N(278.93 kg ha-1), available P (10.80 kg ha-1) and available K (206.4 kg ha-1).The layout of the experiment was done in a Randomized block design with nine treatments which is replicated thrice. The 3 levels of concentration of sea weed extract (Kappaphycus alverzii) (2%, 3%, 4%) foliar application and three levels of zinc (15,20,25 kg ha-1) soil application.Growth and yield parameters namely plant height, dry weight, pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, test weight, seed yield, Stover yield, harvest index were collected from this experiment. Results revealed that significantly higher plant height (24.2cm), dry weight (4.9), pods/plant (21.2), seeds/pod (5.7), seed yield (637.0 kg ha-1), Stover yield (873 kg ha-1) were recorded with treatment combination of 4%K sap + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 (treatment 9). Maximum gross return (82819.00 INR/ha), net returns (55880.00 INR/ha), and benefit cost (2.07) were obtained highest in the treatment combination of 4%K sap + ZnSO4 25 kg ha-1 (treatment 9).

Participatory Evaluation of Herbicides in Wheat in Western Terai, Nepal

The yield losses due to weeds vary depending on the weed species, their density and environmental factors. For controlling weeds in wheat, the farmers rely on herbicides due to cost and time effectiveness. Keeping these facts in view a field experiment was conducted to identify appropriate herbicides for controlling weeds in wheat. The experiment was carried out at three locations of Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi during 2016/17 and 2017/18. Pendimethalin 30 EC, Sulfosulfuron 30 g a.i ha-1 and control treatments were evaluated in the field of six farmers in an area of 330 m2 for each treatment and were replicated six times. Wheat variety Tilottama was planted in the experiment. The fertilizer was applied at the rate of 100:50:50 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1. Weed populations were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing in an area of 0.25 m-2 at three spots of each treatment and growth, yield attributes and yield data of wheat were collected and data were analyzed using Genstat statistical package. In 2016/17 Pendimethalin 1 kg a.i. ha-1 and Sulsosulfuron @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 and control (no herbicide spray) treatments were significantly difference for plant height, spike m-2 and grain yield but not significant for spike length and 1000 grains weight at Bimiha, Bhagdari and Nadawa sites. Both herbicides were found effective in controlling weed population. Whereas in 2017/18 Pendimethalin 30 EC. 1 kg a.i. ha-1 as pre-emergence and sulfosulfuron 30 g a.i. ha-1 as post emergence herbicides were found effective to suppress weed population. Plant height, spike length and 1000 grains weight variables were not significant but spikes m-2 and grains yield were significant Based on the pooled results it could be concluded that Pendimethalin 1 kg a.i. ha-1 and Sulsosulfuron @ 25 g a.i. ha-1 herbicides were found effective in controlling weed population and increased yield attributes and yield in wheat crop over weedy check.

Effect of Micronutrients Application under Different Fertilizer Prescription Methods on Growth and Yield of BT Cotton

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of the application of micronutrients under different fertilizer prescription methods on growth and yield of Bt cotton at KVK farm, Chamarajanagara district, Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka (Zone 6). The experiment was laid out in randomised complete block design with thirteen treatments and three replications during Kharif 2016 and Kharif 2017. The micronutrients were given as soil application and foliar spray under UAS (B) and SSNM dose of NPK fertilizers prescription. The soil was slightly alkaline in reaction (pH: 7.95), low in zinc (0.32 mg kg-1) and boron (0.18 mg kg-1). The results indicated significantly higher plant height and more number of sympodial branches with UAS (B) Package, UAS (B) + Micronutrients, SSNM and SSNM + Micronutrients. However, significantly higher seed cotton yield (2329 kg ha-1) was recorded with NPK as per SSNM + MNM foliar application at 80 and 100 DAS followed by NPK as per UAS (B) package + MNM foliar application at 80 and100 DAS (2215 kg ha-1) and NPK as per SSNM + MNM soil application (2012 kg ha-1) treatments as compared to control. The supplementation of micronutrients with optimized major nutrient applications can bring about an overall augmentation in crop performance both in terms of growth and yield attributes, thereby resulting in a significant higher yield. Application of micronutrients through foliar spray has a significant and positive effect on the growth and yield in Bt cotton under black soils of Chamarajanagara district.

Evaluation of Elites Isolates of Bradyrhizobia Nodulating on Groundnut Varieties (Arachis hypogaea L.) at Assosa District of Western Ethiopia

A field experiment was conducted on Nitisols of Asossa Agricultural Research Centre during 2017/18 2018/19 cropping season to investigate the response of yield, partial budget analysis of ground nut varieties to bio-fertilizer and inorganic nitrogen. Two locally suitable varieties 4 groundnut rhizobial strains with control and 18 kg N ha-1, totally 12 treatments had combined in factorial RCBD. TSP fertilizer was applied uniformly to all plots at 46 kg P2O5 ha-1. The treatments consists of: two Varieties of groundnut (V1= Muniputer V2= Babile 2) and 4-strains with 18 kg N ha-1 and uninoculated (control) factorial treatment combination were tested. Analysis of variance for two factors randomized complete block design (Table 1) revealed highly significant difference (P < 0.001) due to the main effects of rhizobia and verities for the means of seed yield. On the other hand the interaction effects of rhizobia and varieties had non-significant (p>0.05) for the means of seed yield, nodule dry weight and straw dry weight. The highest (186.5) nodules per plants were recorded from the interaction effect of Dibate moderate and Maniputer variety, while less nodules per plant (76.25) were produced by Dibate moderate with Babile variety. The Dibate 2 rhizobia had the highest net-benefit of 67,655 Ethiopian birr. The lowest net benefit was obtained by the application of the Dibate moderate and none inoculant. The profitability of the study showed that application of Moderate 2 rhizobia which provided the relatively high net benefit (67,655 ETB), was recommended to apply bio fertilizers. The % MRR between any pair of undominated treatments denotes the return per unit of investment in fertilizer expressed as a percentage. Economic analysis revealed that maximum marginal rate of return was recorded with application of Dibate 2 (9257.2%). So we could be recommended Dibate 2 strain for ground nut production in Asossa district. The best recommendation for treatments is not necessarily based on the highest marginal rate of return, rather based on the minimum acceptable marginal rate of return and the treatment with the high net benefit, relatively low variable cost together with an acceptable MRR becomes the tentative recommendation.

Growth and Yield of Rice as Influenced by Rice Husk Biochar and Nitrogen Levels during Kharif Season

Aim: Impact of rice husk biochar and nitrogen levels on growth and yield of kharif rice.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a spilt plot design with different biochar doses in main plots and different nitrogen levels in subplots and was replicated thrice.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2020 and 2021 at the Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, ANGRAU, Lam, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
 Methodology: The experiment was performed with twenty treatments in a split-plot design. The main plot comprised four biochar treatments and a subplot with five different nitrogen levels. Rice variety "BPT-5204" was taken as the test variety. The crop and soil observations during the experimentation were recorded at regular intervals. The test examined the significance of the treatment impact.
 Results: Results of the experiment revealed that among the biochar treatments, the application of biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 treatment showed the highest plant growth parameters at harvest like plant height (104.8 and 107.0 cm), number of tillers m-2 (361.6 and 369.6), leaf area index (3.69 and 3.71) and yield parameters, i.e., the number of panicles m-2 (302.5 and 304.9), grain (5706 and 5860 kg ha-1) and straw yields (7347 and 7570 kg ha-1) and was found statistically at par with the application of biochar @ 5.0 t ha-1 treatment and significantly superior over rest of the treatments during kharif of 2020 and 2021. Plant height (106.2 and 108.1 cm), number of tillers m-2 (368.3 and 374.2), leaf area index (3.72 and 3.84), the number of panicles m-2 (284.9 and 289.6), grain yield (5865 and 5997 kg ha-1), and straw yield (7631 and 7848 kg ha-1) were significantly the highest with the application of 160 kg N ha-1, which was found statistically at par with 120 kg N ha-1 treatment and significantly superior over other treatments.

Influence of Phosphorus Fertilization and Seed Rates on Yield Components and Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

The experiment was carried out at the “Horticulture Farm” of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from November 2019 to March 2020 to study the influence of phosphorus fertilization and seed rates on yield components and yield of black cumin. The experiment consisted of two factors. Factor A: Four levels of phosphorus viz., P0= control, P1= 35 P kgha-1, P2= 40 P kgha-1 and P3= 45 P kgha-1and Factor B: Three seed rates viz., R1= 8 kg seeds ha-1, R2= 10 kg seeds ha-1and R3= 12 kg seeds ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were recorded on growth, yield components and yield of black cumin and significant variation was observed for most of the studied characters. Growth related data was maximum on P3 (45 P kgha-1) treatment but in case of seed yield, P2 (40 P kgha-1) treatment showed the best result. In case of growth characters, R1 (8 kg seeds ha-1) treatment revealed the best result but in case of seed yield, R2 (10 kg seeds ha-1) treatment showed the best result. The highest seed yield (1.27 t ha-1) was obtained from P2R2 (40 P kgha-1+ 10 kg seeds ha-1) treatment combination. On the other hand, the lowest seed yield (0.94 t ha-1) was obtained from of P0R3 (control + 12 kg seeds ha-1) treatment combination. So, it was revealed that the P2R2 treatment combination appeared to be best for achieving the higher growth and seed yield of black cumin.

Interaction Effect of Organic Manures and Alkali Water on Yield of Wheat

Field experiment were carried out to investigate “Interactive effect of organic manures and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water on yield of wheat” in rabi season (November-April) 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the Field of Agronomy, SKN Agricultural University, Jobner, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India using Split Plot Design. The treatment consists three levels of alkali water (2, 6,10 RSC mmol L-1), three organic manures (Control, FYM @15 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) in main plot and four levels of iron (Control, 50 kg, 100 kg and 150 kg FeSO4.7H2O ha-1) in sub plot were tested with three replications. Result showed that the irrigation with 10 mmol L-1 residual sodium carbonate (RSC) water significantly decreased grain (26.02 q ha-1) and straw yield (38.15 q ha-1) of wheat in comparison to lower levels of RSC in water in wheat crop. Application of organic manures significantly increased grain yield of wheat during both the years and in pooled analysis. The highest grain (34.06 q ha-1) and straw yield (51.60 q ha-1) were obtained under vermicompost application and the effect of vermicompost (M2) and FYM (M1) application remained statistically at par with each other Interactive effect of RSC water and organic manure application on grain and straw yields of wheat was found significant and maximum being with W2 (2 mmol L-1 RSC), M2 (vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1) treatment combination indicating the magnitude of reduction in yields (grain and straw) being less with vermicompost and FYM at all the levels of RSC water.

Effect of conjoint use of fertilizers and soil amendments on soil fertility and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The field experiment was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Oilseeds Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) to study the effect of fertilizer and soil amendment on soil fertility and yield groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. The pooled data revealed that the application of gypsum and phosphogypsum did not influence significantly the soil pH, EC, organic carbon and calcium carbonate content. However, the fertility status of soil in terms of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur as well as exchangeable calcium, magnesium was found significantly higher with the application of RDF-sulfur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1. The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, exchangeable calcium and magnesium contents were increased by 10, 23, 7, 122, 42, and 14% with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1 as compared to control, respectively. Significantly higher pod (2.0 t ha-1) and haulm yield (2.5 t ha-1) of groundnut was observed with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1. Similarly, the oil and protein contents were also increased with phosphogypsum level and maximum oil (51%) and protein (29.4%) contents were observed with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1 treatment. This treatment was statistically at par in terms of soil fertility, yield, oil and protein content of groundnut with RDF-sulphur free + 300 kg phosphogypsum ha-1.

Effect of conjoint use of fertilizers and soil amendments on soil fertility and yield of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The field experiment was conducted during 2017-18 and 2018-19 at Oilseeds Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola (Maharashtra) to study the effect of fertilizer and soil amendment on soil fertility and yield groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. The pooled data revealed that the application of gypsum and phosphogypsum did not influence significantly the soil pH, EC, organic carbon and calcium carbonate content. However, the fertility status of soil in terms of available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur as well as exchangeable calcium, magnesium was found significantly higher with the application of RDF-sulfur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1. The available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, exchangeable calcium and magnesium contents were increased by 10, 23, 7, 122, 42, and 14% with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1 as compared to control, respectively. Significantly higher pod (2.0 t ha-1) and haulm yield (2.5 t ha-1) of groundnut was observed with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1. Similarly, the oil and protein contents were also increased with phosphogypsum level and maximum oil (51%) and protein (29.4%) contents were observed with RDF-sulphur free + 400 kg phosphogypsum ha-1 treatment. This treatment was statistically at par in terms of soil fertility, yield, oil and protein content of groundnut with RDF-sulphur free + 300 kg phosphogypsum ha-1.

Is it Sustainable to Cultivate a Monoculture of Durum Wheat with Prolonged No-Tillage Management?

The prolonged effect of no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) treatment on durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.), continuously grown in Southern Italy, has been evaluated in experimental fields for sixteen years (1994/95-2009/10) to ascertain whether the yields and quality of the grain as well as some soil characteristics had changed. The average grain yield in CT (2.70 ± 0.96 t ha-1) and NT (2.63 ± 0.74 t ha-1) treatment was not significant. CT treatment showed higher values of plant height and grain weight (74.2 cm and 43.2 g) than NT (71.0 cm and 41.8 g). Regarding to the semolina quality, the values of the gluten index and the dough strength (W parameter) as well as the protein content and the yellow index were not significantly different for the NT and CT treatments. As for soil moisture, the NT treatment stored in the soil profile, and over time, about 13% more water than the CT one. In the upper soil layer of the NT treatment the SOC value (16.0 ± 2.2 g kg-1) was 13.2% higher than CT one (14.2 ± 1.2 g kg-1) while the CT treatment (13.7 ± 0.5 g kg-1) showed in the lower soil layer a SOC value of 30.2% higher than the NT one (9.6 ± 1.9 g kg-1). Hence the prolonged no-tillage adoption in conditions of continuous durum wheat cultivation, even with slight losses in yield but not in the quality of grain or semolina, would seem sustainable.

Evaluation of blended fertilizer rates for improving production of food barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia

Depletion of soil fertility, depletion of macro- and micro-nutrients and soil organic matter and inappropriate and imbalanced fertilizer application are among the most important factors that reduces the food barley production in Ethiopia. Therefore, the experiment was conducted to evaluate NPSB blended fertilizer rate effect on improving production of food barley in Semen Ari District, Southwestern Ethiopia during main cropping season. Control, (142 NPS + 159 Urea) kg ha-1, (150 NPSB + 41 Urea) kg ha-1, (200 NPSB + 72 Urea) kg ha-1, (250 NPSB + 102 Urea) kg ha-1 and (100 NPSB + 161 Urea) kg ha-1 treatments were used for the experiment which laid out in RCBD following three replication with spacing of 20 cm between rows; and HB 1307 improved food barley seeds were drilled on prepared rows. Full dose of blended and potassium fertilizers were applied at planting time and urea was applied in two split. The result revealed that food barley responded well to application of N, P, S and B than the unfertilized one. Application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea resulted in highest grain yield of 3806.3 kg ha-1, while the lowest grain yield of 1939.2 kg ha-1 was recorded from the nil. Moreover, the highest net benefit of 32124.56 ETB ha-1 and economic returns of 942.2% was recorded in response to application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea. Application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea gave 49.05% yield increment and 40.24% increment in economic return over the control. Therefore, we recommend application of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB + 161 kg ha-1 Urea for farmers and investor’s in study area and similar agro-ecologies as it was optimum for improving food barley production. Further studies and investigation should be done on plant nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency and over location. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(2): 10-17, Dec 2021

Calcium Fertilizer Effect on Rhizopus Tuber Rot and Anthracnose Disease Caused by Colletotrichum Gloeosporioides in Dioscorea Rotundata Var. Efuru

The response of Dioscorea rotundata var Efuru, one of the popular white guinea yam varieties in South West Nigeria to calcium soil amendment for control of Rhizopus stolonifer.Ehrenb., tuber rot and Anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. was investigated in this study. The field design was randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replicates.The mineral elements Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Potassium (K) in the soil of the experimental site were above the criticals reported for optimum yam production in South West Nigeria, but Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) were below. Soil amendment at 3MAP (months after planting) was with 0 kg ha-1 control, 3 kg ha-1 and 4 kg ha-1 Calcium from Calcium Nitrate. Anthracnose severity was not significantly different across treatments in any of the four periods of assessment. Severity score was resistant (1.00) at 4MAP, resistant (1.22) at 5MAP moderately resistant (2.00) at 6MAP, but moderately susceptible (2.89) at 7MAP.This implies that variety Efuru is susceptible late in the growth cycle. Future trials may accommodate additional (in addition to the 3MAP calcium soil amendment), calcium nitrate foliar spray at 6MAP and 7MAP with trial doses less than 100 mgl-1, as is reported for D. alata var. Alakisa, for reduction of anthracnose severity to resistant level. Shoot number per plant, mean values 2.45 and 2.71 at 4MAP and 6MAP respectively, were not significantly different across treatments. Shoot length at 4MAP (309.58cm) was significantly higher in the 4 kg ha-1 treatment than the control (277.80cm), but was similar across treatments at 6MAP. Mean tuber number per plant at 8MAP was similar across treatments and had overall mean of 2.39. Tuber yield at 8MAP, which was similar across treatments was the equivalent of 31.50 tons ha-1 (control), 30.10 tons ha-1 (3 kg ha-1) and 35.70 tons ha-1  (4 kg ha-1), which is similar to 34.20tons ha-1 reported as optimum for economic production of white guinea yam in South West Nigeria. Yield obtained in this study may be due to firstly Ca, Mg and K being above critical for optimum yam production in the soil site. And secondly even though N and P were below critical, N was supplied from the fertilizer and the requirement for P was invariably taken care of by the mycorrhizal associations of the roots. Tubers inoculated at 6MAP for 4 weeks with Rhizopus stolonifer were similar across treatments in infection (mean 1.37%) and weight loss (mean 16.88%). Infection in tubers inoculated at 8MAP for 4 weeks was high, that is 48.79% in the control, significantly higher than the 3kg ha-1treatment which was 0.57%, which was in turn higher than the 0.61 % of the 4 kg ha -1treatment. Mean infection of 0.59% in the two calcium treatments is a reduction of 98% of infection in the control. Thus3kg ha-1 and 4 kg ha -1 calciun soil amendment are appropriate for R. stolonifer rot control in Dioscorea rotundata var. Efuru. However, 3 kg ha-1 calcium soil amendment is to be preferred as it gave lower infection.Weight loss at 6MAP and 8MAP, overall means of 16.88% and 2.39% respectively were similar across treatments. Weight loss of 2% at 8MAP in the two calcium treatments is a reduction of over 88% of mean weight loss of 17.33% of the two treatments at 6MAP. Crude fibre and fat were higher in tubers of the calcium-fertilized plants than the control, but crude protein, ash and carbohydrate were higher in control tubers. Ca, Mg, K, Fe and Zn were higher in the calcium-treated plant tubers than the control but Mn and Cu were higher in the control. Calcium fertilization improved accumulation/acquisition of four of the seven mineral elements reported to be often lacking in human diets that is Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, in Dioscorea rotundata var. Efuru tubers.

Bio-efficacy of microbial insecticides against cabbage butterfly, <i>Pieris brassicae</i> (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in NEH region of India

The field experiments were conducted to study the bio-efficacy of microbial insecticides against Pieris brassicae Linnaeus in cabbage crop var. “Green Hero” in NEH region of India. The pooled data of two years indicated that Metarhizium anisopliae @ 1500 g/ha proved the most effective treatment in reducing the incidence of P. brassicae with a minimum mean leaf damage of 49.93 per cent as against 67.57 per cent in untreated control followed by Beauveria bassiana 10 SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 and M. anisopliae @ 1000 g ha-1 with a record of lower mean leaf damage of 51.68 and 51.85 per cent, respectively. The treatment M. anisopliae @ 1500 g ha-1 recorded maximum cabbage yield of 17.09 t ha-1, followed by B. bassiana 10 SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 treated plots (15.19 t ha-1) and M. anisopliae @ 1000 g ha-1 (15.02 t ha-1). The minimum yield (12.84 t ha-1) was obtained from the plots treated with Dichlorvos 76 SL @ 500 ml with an increased yield of 3.09 t ha-1 over control, but, did not differ significantly from rest of the treatments. The extent of avoidable yield loss due to the incidence of P. brassicae was estimated to be 45.98 per cent in untreated control which was reduced to 9.41-28.86 per cent in treated plots. Minimum avoidable yield loss being recorded in B. bassiana 10 SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 and maximum avoidable yield loss in Dichlorvos 76 SL @ 500 ml ha-1 treatments. The net profit of the treatments varied from Rs. 28,350.00 (Dichlorvos 76 SL @ 500 ml ha-1) to Rs. 77,150.00 (M. anisopliae @ 1500 gm ha-1) with the cost-benefit ratio of 1:11.12 to 1:13.19 in the treatments. Beauveria bassiana 10 SC @ 1000 ml ha-1 gave the highest benefit-cost ratio of 1:13.19, while the lowest was in Dichlorvos 76 SL @ 500 ml ha-1 with 1:11.12.

Impact of soil treatment with alkaline zinc carbonate on the quantity and quality of maize (Zea mays L.) yield

Our research conducted at the Department of Soil Management was aimed at investigating whether maize (Zea mays L.) would respond to a supply of zinc as a micro-element. We expected an increased yield and/or improvements in certain quality factors, such as a greater oil and starch contents. Soil fertilization experiments were performed with a basic zinc-carbonate active agent, under field conditions, in brown forest soil with clay illuviation, in a random block arrangement. Four iterations of the experiments were done in the vicinity of Zimány village in South-West Hungary. Maize served as our test crop. In 2010 we tested the first-year impact of the active agent, while in 2011 we evaluated its retard effect. In 2010 each of the examined quality attributes showed most improvement in response to the 100 kg ha-1 treatment, which corresponded to the largest dose applied in the study. Out of the examined yield elements the average values of the cob mass and the unfertilized cob length were greatest in 2011, because of the 25 kg ha-1 treatment, the lowest dose in the experiment, while with respect to the grain/cob ratio the 50 kg ha-1 treatment was found the most effective.