Haulm Yield Research Articles

Agro-Morphological Evaluation of Four Morphotypes of Chrysanthellum americanum L. VATKE in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of Burkina Faso

Aims: Chrysanthellum americanum L. VATKE is a herbaceous plant widely used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses (kidney stones, anemia, malaria, etc.). Knowledge of the growth potential, vegetative development and phytochemical potential of a number of Chrysanthellum americanum L. VATKE morphotypes could contribute to the development of the species. It is in this context that this study was initiated, with a view to gaining knowledge of the agro-morphological characteristics of Chrysanthellum americanum L. VATKE. Methodology: The study was carried out at the experimental station of the Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles Saria (INERA/Saria). Four morphotypes (MT1, MT2, MT3 and MT4) from a mixture of Chrysanthellem americanum seed collected from Bobo, Nandiala and Tema were grown in a Fisher design with three replications. Result: A total of 27 agro-morphological parameters, including 8 qualitative and 19 quantitative, were observed and measured. Morphotypes showed variation in achene color and stem habit. Significant differences between morphotypes were observed for parameters linked to growth, the phenological cycle of plants and yield. The MT3 morphotype was the best performer, with a wide plant spread (22.34±1.02 cm), longer (10.78±0.57 cm) and wider (6.28±0.21 cm) leaves, a high number of secondary branches (10.78±0.52), better achene (1.44±0.12 t/ha) and fresh haulm (10.08±0.31 t/ha) yields. Morphotype MT4 achieved the highest thousand achene weight (0.70 g), and morphotypes MT1 and MT4 recorded the highest fertile achene/flower frequencies (73%). Conclusion: For cycle length, morphotypes MT1 and MT2 were early with 71.33±2.40 JAS and 69.00±2.52 JAS.MT1 and MT2 could be domesticated in the Sudano-Sahelian zone due to their short cycle.

Estimation of Yield Losses for Major Diseases (late leaf spot) in High Incidence Areas on Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Late leaf spot (LLS, Phaeoisariopsis personata L.) is the major biotic constraint of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) productivity in hot spot location in Maharashtra, India. The aim of this study was to determine the yield losses due to attack of diseases, with and without using the fungicide tebuconazole. Management of LLS through fungicides was evaluated with eight treatments in randomized block design with three replications during Kharif, 2021, 2022 and 2023 at Oilseed Research Station, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India. Fungicidal spray impacted the development of Cercospora late leaf spot and reduced the disease intensity. No pod or haulm loss was observed when tebuconazole was sprayed at 25.9 EC (T4) at 50, 65, 80, and 95 DAS when compared to control treatment (T8), which showed losses of 35.95 % and 29.46 % respectively. It was followed by treatment T3 i.e. tebuconazole 25.9 % EC at 50, 65 and 80 DAS and treatment T5 i.e. Tebuconazole 25.9% EC at 65, 80 and 95 DAS. The pod and haulm yield loss in treatment T5 was 9.10% and 9.46%, respectively. The highest BCR was recorded by treatment T4 (4.67), followed by treatments T5 (4.51) and T3 (4.47), respectively. The results indicated that the use of fungicide significantly influenced disease management and, consequently, yield.

Land Configuration and Nutrient Management on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Green Gram under Sodic Soil

Background: Pulses, endowed with unique ability of nitrogen fixation constitute an important component of crop diversification and resource conservation in farming systems. Green gram [Vigna radiate], a drought resistant crop, is one of the thirteen food legumes grown in India and the third most important pulse crop after chickpea and pigeon pea It is a protein rich staple food which contains about 25 percent protein and plays a crucial role in enhancing soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation. Sodic soils typically exhibit poor nutrient availability as essential cations are displaced by sodium ions. They significantly influence green gram productivity, posing challenges to its sustainability, with the potential for sodification extending into subsoil layers, impeding plant root development and requiring remedial action. Appropriate land configuration and nutrient management could mitigating the challenges posed by sodic soils for pulse crops. Understanding the effects of land configuration and nutrient management on its growth, yield andeconomic viability is vital for sustainable agriculture. Keeping this in view, the field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different land configuration and nutrient management for their impact on plant height, dry matter production, grain yield, haulm yield, net income andBenefit Cost ratio with nutrient uptake under sodic condition. Methods: The land configuration factor consists of the three treatments viz., flat bed, ridges and furrows and broad bed furrow system. The second factor nutrient management comprising of five treatments like 100% RDF + 1% DAP, 100% RDF + 1% MAP, 75% RDF + 2% MAP, 100% RDF + 1% MKP, 75% RDF + 2% MKP. The RDF for green gram was 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O5 + 25 kg K2O per hectare. Result: Higher plant height, dry matter production, grain and haulm yield, protein yield, economic and nutrient uptake was recorded in broad bed furrow over farmer’s practice of flatbed method. N 4 - 100% RDF + 1% MKP foliar spray twice at (plant height, dry matter production, grain and haulm yield, protein yield, economic and nutrient uptake ) were observed than farmer’s practice. Hence, Broad bed furrow and nutrient management practice of 100% RDF + 1% MKP has the potential to enhance the productivity green gram under sodic condition.

Better growth and yield performance of lentil under different level of phosphorus,sulphur and zinc in sub-humid Southern plain of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan) to assess the impact of different levels of phosphorus, sulphur and zinc on growth parameters and yield of lentil. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and 18 treatment combinations. Phosphorus factor comprised of 3 levels, viz. 30, 40 and 50 kg P2 O5 /ha along with sulphur that comprised of 3 levels, viz. 15, 20 and 25 kg/ha; and zinc factor with 2 levels, viz. control and 0.5 % ZnSO4 foliar spray at 55 Days after sowing (DAS). Results revealed that the higher plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA) and primary branches/plant were recorded with application of 40 kg P2 O5 /ha in combination of 25 kg/ha sulphur and foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 at 55 DAS. The dry matter accumulation (0.838**) and plant height (0.871**) had a significant and positive correlation with the seed yield. The crop growth rate (CGR) enlaced by 10.49% and root-shoot ratio by 7.21% with application of 40 kg P2 O5 /ha over 30 kg P2 O5 /ha. Similarly, the CGR and root-shoot ratio of lentil were significantly enhanced by 11.95 and 5.19%, respectively with 25 kg/ha over 15 kg/ha sulphur application at 60-90 DAS. Likewise, the significantly increased CGR by 5.09% and root-shoot ratio by 3.72% with application of 0.5% ZnSO4 as foliar spray over control. Moreover, the effective nodules increased by 22.68% and fresh and dry weight by 20.9 and 8.0% respectively with 50 kg P2 O5 /ha during both the years. The effective nodules and fresh and dry weight of nodules/ plant increased by 13.59, 12.68 and 6.52% respectively with 25 kg/ha over 15 kg/ha suphur application while it was increased by. 6.71%, the by 6.39 and 4.08% respectively with 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 over control. Furthermore, significantly higher seed, haulm and biological yields increased by 9.34, 12.90 and 11.75%, respectively with 40 kg P2 O5 /ha followed by 50 kg P2 O5 /ha over 30 kg P2 O5 /ha. Similarly, the application of 25 kg/ha sulphur significantly enhanced seed yield, haulm and biological yields of lentil but it has no significant effect on the harvest index. The foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 increased the seed yield by 4.71 per cent, haulm yield by 7.30 per cent and biological yield by 6.45% over control. The plant growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of lentil were significantly enhanced with the application of P2O5 (40 kg/ha) and sulphur (25 kg/ha) along with ZnSO4 (0.5%) as foliar spray at 55 days after sowing as compared to other treatment combinations. These treatment combinations could be adopted to achieve better growth performances and bridging yield gap of lentil in sub-humid agro ecologies.

Better growth and yield performance of lentil under different level of phosphorus,sulphur and zinc in sub-humid Southern plain of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Instructional Farm, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan) to assess the impact of different levels of phosphorus, sulphur and zinc on growth parameters and yield of lentil. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and 18 treatment combinations. Phosphorus factor comprised of 3 levels, viz. 30, 40 and 50 kg P2 O5 /ha along with sulphur that comprised of 3 levels, viz. 15, 20 and 25 kg/ha; and zinc factor with 2 levels, viz. control and 0.5 % ZnSO4 foliar spray at 55 Days after sowing (DAS). Results revealed that the higher plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA) and primary branches/plant were recorded with application of 40 kg P2 O5 /ha in combination of 25 kg/ha sulphur and foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 at 55 DAS. The dry matter accumulation (0.838**) and plant height (0.871**) had a significant and positive correlation with the seed yield. The crop growth rate (CGR) enlaced by 10.49% and root-shoot ratio by 7.21% with application of 40 kg P2 O5 /ha over 30 kg P2 O5 /ha. Similarly, the CGR and root-shoot ratio of lentil were significantly enhanced by 11.95 and 5.19%, respectively with 25 kg/ha over 15 kg/ha sulphur application at 60-90 DAS. Likewise, the significantly increased CGR by 5.09% and root-shoot ratio by 3.72% with application of 0.5% ZnSO4 as foliar spray over control. Moreover, the effective nodules increased by 22.68% and fresh and dry weight by 20.9 and 8.0% respectively with 50 kg P2 O5 /ha during both the years. The effective nodules and fresh and dry weight of nodules/ plant increased by 13.59, 12.68 and 6.52% respectively with 25 kg/ha over 15 kg/ha suphur application while it was increased by. 6.71%, the by 6.39 and 4.08% respectively with 0.5% foliar spray of ZnSO4 over control. Furthermore, significantly higher seed, haulm and biological yields increased by 9.34, 12.90 and 11.75%, respectively with 40 kg P2 O5 /ha followed by 50 kg P2 O5 /ha over 30 kg P2 O5 /ha. Similarly, the application of 25 kg/ha sulphur significantly enhanced seed yield, haulm and biological yields of lentil but it has no significant effect on the harvest index. The foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSO4 increased the seed yield by 4.71 per cent, haulm yield by 7.30 per cent and biological yield by 6.45% over control. The plant growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of lentil were significantly enhanced with the application of P2O5 (40 kg/ha) and sulphur (25 kg/ha) along with ZnSO4 (0.5%) as foliar spray at 55 days after sowing as compared to other treatment combinations. These treatment combinations could be adopted to achieve better growth performances and bridging yield gap of lentil in sub-humid agro ecologies.

Aflatoxin B1 Contamination Association with the Seed Coat Biochemical Marker Polyphenol in Peanuts Under Intermittent Drought.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination (AC) increases as the severity of drought stress increases in peanuts. Identifying drought-tolerant (DT) genotypes with resistance to Aspergillus flavus colonization and/or infection may aid in developing peanuts resistant to aflatoxin contamination in the semi-arid tropics. The goal of this study is to identify DT genotypes with seed coat biochemical resistance to A. flavus infestation and aflatoxin contamination. Experiments were carried out at ICRISAT Sahelian Center; fifty-five genotypes were assessed under adjacent intermittent water-stressed (WS) conditions imposed from the 60th day after sowing to the maturity date and well-watered (WW) conditions in an alpha lattice design with two factors. The yield and its components, the incidence of A. flavus colonization, aflatoxin contamination, and seed coat total polyphenol (SCTPP) were investigated. Our findings show that the water deficit reduced the pod yield, seed yield, and haulm yield by up to 19.49%, 27.24%, and 22.07%, respectively, while it increased the number of immature pods per plant (IMPN) and the aflatoxin contamination by up to 67.16% and 54.95%, respectively. The drought tolerant genotypes ICG 2106, ICG 311, ICG 4684, ICG 4543, and ICG 1415 maintained a high yield, small number of IMPN under WS and low aflatoxin content variation between WW and WS. Our findings revealed that in the drought-tolerant genotypes ICG 1415, ICG 2106, ICG 311, ICG 4684, and ICG 4543, there was a significant relationship between the aflatoxin resistance and the seed coat total polyphenol under the two water treatments (r2 = 0.80; r2 = 0.82). This suggests that these drought-tolerant genotypes kept their seed coat intact and minimized the aflatoxin contamination under an intermittent water deficit.

Optimizing Nutrient Management for Enhanced Performance in Kadiri Lepakshi Groundnut

The study was conducted to determine the optimal fertilizer levels for Kadiri Lepakshi groundnut. The experiment consists of eight treatments and was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The present investigation was conducted at Integrated Farming System demonstration plot, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru Karnataka, during the summer of 2022 and Kharif 2023. Five plants from the sampling area were randomly selected and observations on growth and yield parameters were recorded at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) and at harvest. The results revealed that among the various nutrient levels, application of 100 % RDF combined with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 resulted in significantly higher values for plant height (32.95 cm), number of branches per plant (12.60) and dry matter production at harvest. This treatment also led to a substantial increase in the total number of pods per plant (59) and filled pods per plant (48) in groundnut, performing on par with the treatment that included 100% RDF, Gypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 (with 57 and 44 pods, respectively) when compared to other treatments. The similar trend was observed with respect to pod yield (2327 kg ha-1), kernel yield (1580 kg ha-1), and haulm yield (3594 kg ha-1). So, the application of 100% RDF with Phosphogypsum @ 750 kg ha-1 and Borax @ 10 kg ha-1 significantly enhanced growth attributes (plant height, branches per plant, and dry matter production) and yield parameters (pods per plant, filled pods, pod yield, kernel yield, and haulm yield) in groundnut. This indicates that Phosphogypsum is an effective source of calcium and sulfur for boosting groundnut yield.

Effect of Irrigation and Foliar Nutrition on Yield and Economics of Rice Fallow Blackgram

The present investigation, entitled “Effect of Irrigation and Foliar Nutrition on Yield and Economics of rice fallow blackgram” was carried out at the Agricultural College Farm, Naira, during the rabi season of 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in Strip-plot design with 3 main plots viz., M1- No Irrigation; M2-Irrigation at flower initiation and M3-Two irrigations one at flower initiation one at early pod development and 4 Sub Plots viz., S1- water spray; S2- 1%19:19:19(NPK); S3-2% Urea; S4-2% DAP; S5-4 ml Nano urea; S6-3ml Nano DAP with two replications for each treatment. The results showed that irrigation at flower initiation and early pod development stage and foliar spray of 2% DAP at flower initiation and early pod development stage recorded maximum seed yield, haulm yield and economics.

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer and Earthing Up Practices in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

To increase groundnut yields, integrated agronomic techniques must be implemented. The current study focuses on using starter nitrogen fertilizer in conjunction with earthing up for groundnut cultivation. Three replications and a factorial combination were used in the complete randomized block design of the experiment. Two types of earthing up (no earthing up and earthing up) and four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg ha-1) were used in the treatment combinations. For each of the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites, two undisturbed and two disturbed composite soil samples were collected at a depth of 20 cm before sowing. The data analysis showed that neither the combination application of N fertilizer and earthing up nor the individual independent applications of N fertilizer and earthing up had a significant effect on groundnut flowering and maturity. Groundnut plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yields were not significantly affected by earthing up alone or by the co-application of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up. On the other hand, the exclusive use of nitrogen fertilizer significantly affected groundnut plant height, the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, and haulm yield. Applying 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites enhanced the haulm yield by 70.53% and 78.76%, respectively, compared to the unfertilized plots. Individual applications of nitrogen fertilizer, earthing up, or a combination of both had a significant effect on groundnut pod and kernel yields. In comparison to plots that received a combined application of 45 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up, the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 trial sites exhibited increases in pod yields of 57.73% and 55.97%, respectively, when earthing up was combined with 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer. In the same way, applying 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer to the earthing-up soil in the Hamedo 1 and Hamedo 2 experimental sites boosted the kernel yields by 70.05% and 75.43%, respectively, in comparison to soil earthing-up plots that received 45 kg ha-1 nitrogen. The findings of the economic and agronomic analyses showed that applying nitrogen fertilizer and earthing up together greatly increases groundnut yields and revenues. Therefore, to increase groundnut yields and receive more financial advantages, farmers can consider the combined application of 15 kg ha-1 of nitrogen fertilizer and earthing-up.

Comparison of STCR and Conventional Fertilizer Approaches for Improved Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Greengram

The present study investigates the effects of various fertilizer recommendation approaches on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in greengram (BGS-9), conducted at ZARS, GKVK, Bengaluru during summer-2024. Soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer prescription equations were developed during kharif-2022 by following the methodology of Ramamoorthy et al., (1967) and were validated alongside post-harvest soil test value prediction equations. Results indicated that significantly higher seed yield (17.99 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in the STCR approach for the target yield of 15 q ha-1, where nutrients were applied through integrated approach based on actual soil test values (T3). The highest haulm yield (30.25 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in T2, which followed the STCR inorganic approach targeting 15 q ha⁻¹, based on predicted soil test values. Nutrient uptake results indicated that significantly higher nitrogen (110.73 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (11.39 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (140.06 kg ha⁻¹) uptake were recorded in STCR treatments, particularly in those with an integrated approach. These treatments also validated better nutrient recovery and agronomic use efficiency compared to low, medium and high (LMH) and package of practice (POP) approaches. The findings confirm the accuracy of predicted soil test values in fertilizer prescription, indicating that repeated soil testing between crops may be unnecessary. The STCR based integrated approach provided balanced nutrient application, leading to optimal yield and nutrient uptake. This study highlights the effectiveness of STCR methodologies for efficient nutrient management and improved productivity in greengram.

Assessment of Genetic Variability in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

The present study was carried out with thirty advanced breeding lines of groundnut for estimation of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among genotypes for all the studied characters indicating that there is substantial variability among the genotypes for these traits. High estimates of GCV and PCV was observed for pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, dry haulm yield per plant and number of mature pods per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean were recorded for number of mature pods per plant, pod yield per plant, kernel yield per plant, dry haulm yield per plant, number of immature pods per plant, plant height, harvest index and hundred kernel weight indicating the preponderance of additive gene action in expression of these traits and hence simple phenotypic selection would be effective for improvement of these characters.

Weed Management through Pre and Post-emergence Herbicides in Groundnut

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Banaskantha (North Gujarat Agro-climatic Zone of Gujarat) during June–October, 2021 to assess the effect of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on weed control in groundnut crop using Randomized Block Design with ten treatments and four replications. Among different weed management practices, two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS recorded significantly higher number of pods per plant, resulted in significantly higher pod yield and haulm yield (23.70, 1980 kg ha-1 and 3082 kg ha-1, respectively) which was found at par with interculturing and hand weeding at 15 and 30 DAS (22.90, 1892 kg ha-1 and 2950 kg ha-1, respectively), post-emergence application of sodium acifluorfen 16.5+clodinafop-propargyl 8 EC @ 165+80 g ha-1 (22.53, 1835 kg ha-1 and 2864 kg ha-1, respectively) and imazethapyr 35 WG+imazamox 35 WG @ 70 g ha-1 (21.93, 1800 kg ha-1 and 2811 kg ha-1, respectively) due to better weed control of weeds as indicated by significantly lower density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds as evidenced by correlation and regression analysis between total weed density at 60 DAS, at harvest with the pod yield. Whereas, significantly lower number of pods per plant, pod yield and haulm yield at harvest were observed under unweeded check (10.30, 846 kg ha-1 and 1333 kg ha-1, respectively) due to significantly higher density of sedges, grasses, broad leaf weeds and total weeds observed in unweeded check.

Simulation of Summer Groundnut for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits Using CROPGRO-Peanut Model

Field experiments were carried out at College farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The DSSAT v 4.6 CROPGRO-Peanut model was used to predict the phenology of groundnut crop under combinations of three sowing dates and four groundnut cultivars. The model was calibrated with a 2015 dataset of growth and phenological parameters for estimating the genetic coefficients of all four cultivar and was validated with a 2016 dataset of the same parameters. Result found that the model was able to reasonably simulate the pod yield, kernel yield and haulm yield with per cent error ranging (± 10.06) between observed and simulated value for all cultivars under different sowing dates Simulations of yield and yield attributing characters using the calibrated model were found to be quite accurate.

Efficacy of Pre and Post Emergence Herbicides against Complex Weed Flora, Yield and Economics of Blackgram under High Hills Wet Temperate Zone of Himachal Pradesh

Background: Implementing integrated strategies for weed management is essential in maximizing blackgram yield. Unchecked weed proliferation leads to substantial decrease in crop productivity. Methods: The current field experiment was conducted at Salooni, Himachal Pradesh, to evaluate the efficacy of different integrated weed management practices during Kharif 2022 and 2023. Eleven treatments targeting weed control were evaluated both at pre and post - emergence stages. Result: The predominant weeds were Echinochloa colona, Galinsoga parviflora, Cyperus species and other broad leaf weeds were Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium repens, Trianthema species, Ageratum conyzoides. Data on weed dynamics revealed that; after weed-free treatment, the application of Imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS; Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS and Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) recorded a significantly lower total weed count as compared to other treatments. Parameters related to blackgram growth and yield, including plant height, number of branches per plant, pods per plant, grain yield and haulm yield were significantly higher with weed-free treatment followed by application of imazethapyr 75 g/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS, remaining at par with application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE) and pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha as PE fb HW at 30 DAS. The most economically efficient weed control method was the combination of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + imazethapyr 75 g/ha (PE), as it resulted in the highest net returns and marginal benefit-cost ratio.

Budgeting of Primary Nutrients in Soil under Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequences in Alfisols

A field experiment was undertaken at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India to study the primary nutrients budgeting in rice-cowpea cropping system in an alfisols. Hybrid rice was tested under aerobic condition during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. Notably maximum grain (62.98 q ha-1) and straw (85.26 q ha-1) yield of rice was registered in treatment, which received 100% STCR dose through WSF at 8 DI. Rice has exhibited a notably higher total uptake of N, P, and K in the treatment with 100% STCR dose through WSF at 8 DI (220.68, 44.97, and 137.41 kg N, P, and K ha-1, respectively). In fertigation with 100% RDF through WSF at 8 DI, a significantly greater seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1) of cowpea were observed. At 4 DI, 100% RDF through WSF showed a closely higher total uptake of N, P, and K by cowpea (68.94, 14.67, and 61.39 kg N, P, and K ha-1, respectively). The maximum net positive balance (148.42 kg N ha-1) was noticed in 100% RDF applied through WSF at 8 DI and minimum net positive balance 53.86 kg N ha-1 was recorded in 100% RDF-CF. During 2016-17, after the completion of second year residual crop cowpea, the maximum net positive balance (148.42 kg N ha-1) was noticed in 100% RDF applied through WSF at 8 DI and minimum net positive balance 53.86 kg N ha-1 was recorded in 100% RDF-CF. The maximum net positive balance (38.27 kg P2O5ha-1) was recorded in 100% STCR dose -WSF 8 DI and minimum net negative balance (15.70 kg P2O5 ha-1) was recorded in 100% RDF-CF. The maximum net positive balance of potassium (98.27 kg K2O ha-1) was recorded in 100% RDF-WSF 4 DI and minimum net positive balance (24.61 kg K2O ha-1) was recorded in 100% RDF-CF 8 DI treatment.

Effect of Fertigation of Water-Soluble Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Cowpea and Nutrients Availability in Soil under Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence

A investigation was carried out to study the Growth and yield of cowpea and primary nutrients availability in soil as influenced by fertigation of water-soluble fertilizers under rice-cowpea cropping sequence. Hybrid rice was tested under aerobic condition during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. The results indicated that, the treatment, 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher growth and yield determinants, higher seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1) of cowpea. Significant higher organic carbon (0.57 %) was recorded with the application 100% STCR dose with WSF through fertigation at 8 DI and higher available N (146.38 kg N ha-1 ), P2O5 (122.67 kg P2O5 ha-1 ) and K2O (130.17 kg K2O ha-1 ) content in soil recorded 100% water soluble fertilizers (WSF) applied at 4 DI. However, exchangeable calcium [3.51 cmol (p+) kg-1], magnesium [2.55 cmol (p+) kg-1], available sulphur [12.50 ppm] in soil were recorded with 100% conventional fertilizers applied plots through PoP. Significantly higher DTPA extractable Fe (18.45 mg kg-1) noticed with 100% STCR of WSF at 8 DI. However, significantly higher DTPA extractable Zn (1.44 mg kg-1) and Cu (0.57 mg kg-1) was recorded with the application of 100% RDF with WSF at 4 DI. Significantly higher DTPA extractable Mn (22.78 mg kg-1) noticed with 100% STCR of WSF at 4 DI.

Tillage and Weed Management on Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Greengram under Maize-greengram Cropping System in Conservation Agriculture

Background: The cropping systems in any agro-ecological zone in the globe are driven by a number of critical issues, including rising food demands, the depletion of land and the degradation of land resources. The goal of traditional cropping methods has been to maximise crop yields. Cropping systems that take into account the new social, economic and ecological or environmental considerations are urgently needed nowadays. Due to their adaptability to diverse cropping patterns and capacity to fix nitrogen, legumes can offer prospects for continuous increases in productivity. Legume-based crop rotations help to maintain of organic matter, increase of soil nitrogen, nutrient balance, maintenance of soil physical qualities and disruption of soil-borne disease cycles. Conservation tillage is centered on minimum tillage, permanent raised beds, zero tillage with low soil disturbance and the preservation of protective plant cover or plant residues on the soil surface to prevent soil losses, stimulate microbial population and retain moisture and nutrients. Methods: Field experiment were conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21 at the Main Research Station (MRS), GKVK, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore On sandy loam soil to study the performance of Weed management in maize-based cropping system in conservation agriculture. The experiment was laid out under split plot design with five main plots on different tillage treatments i.e., Conventional tillage, Zero Tillage, Minimum Tillage, Minimum Tillage and Permanent raised bed and three sub plots of different weed management practices i.e., Chemical weed management practices, Integrated weed management practices and Unweeded Control replicated thrice. Result: Among tillage practices, permanent raised bed recorded the least total weed density and weed dry weight at harvest when compared to other tillage practices and also high seed yield, haulm yield and B: C ratio due to less weed infestation, good root growth, adequate aeration and nutrient availability compared to other tillage practices. Permanent raised beds had significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake than zero tillage. Among weed, management practices, Integrated weed management (Pendimethalin-750 g/ha (PE) + Hand weeding at 30 DAS) recorded the least total weed density and weed dry weight at harvest compared to unweeded treatment and also high seed yield, haulm yield and B: C ratio due to less weed infestation, compared to unweeded treatment. Integrated weed management resulted in significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake compared to unweeded (control).

Residual Effect of Water Soluble Fertilizers on Productivity and Nutrients Uptake of Cowpea in Aerobic Rice-cowpea Cropping Sequence under Fertigaton

A field experiment was under taken at University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, Karnataka state, India to study the residual effect of fertigation of water soluble fertilizers on productivity and nutrients uptake of cowpea under aerobic rice-cowpea cropping sequence during Kharif 2015-16 and 2016-17 with 16 treatments replicated thrice in randomized block design. Significantly higher plant height (58.47 cm), number of branches plant-1 (11.71) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (70.60 g) were recorded in fertigation with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI. Likely, similar treatment 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizer at 8 DI was recorded significantly higher number of pods plant-1 (16.58), pod length (16.67 cm), seeds per pod (16.10), test weight (11.93 g), seed yield (12.94 q ha-1) and haulm yield (26.17 q ha-1). While higher total uptake of N, P and K by cowpea (68.94, 14.67 and 61.39 kg N, P and K ha-1, respectively) was recorded in 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T5) than all other treatments. 100% RDF through WSF at 8 DI (T8) was recorded notably higher total Ca, Mg and S uptake by cowpea (50.71, 24.71 and 12.09 kg Ca, Mg and S ha-1, respectively). Significantly higher uptake of total Fe, Zn and Cu by cowpea crop (680.23, 91.30 and 38.27 g ha-1, respectively) was recorded with 100% RDF through water soluble fertilizers at 8 DI (T8). Total uptake of Mn was recorded higher by cowpea was observed (181.67 g ha-1) in 100% STCR dose through water soluble fertilizers at 4 DI (T11).

Agronomic potential of maize stover biochar under cowpea–maize sequential cropping in Northern Uganda

Biochar is a nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture but its potential adoption in some parts of sub-Saharan Africa is still minimal. In this study, we evaluated the agronomic potential of maize stover biochar in cowpea-maize sequential cropping in Uganda under field conditions. The treatments included; the common farmer practice of no inorganic fertilizer and no biochar (CTR), inorganic fertilizer (F), 10 t ha−1 biochar (B10), 40 t ha−1 biochar (B40), 10 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB10), and 40 t ha−1 biochar + inorganic Fertilizer (FB40), arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results showed that cowpea seed yield was not significantly affected by biochar and fertilizer application but the haulm yield was significantly improved only in FB40 treatment. Maize grain and stover yield was significantly improved only in the FB40 treatment but biochar showed a high potential to also improve yield even without inorganic fertilizer. The potential for biochar to improve maize yield either in the presence or absence of fertilizers could be attributed to the residual soil fertility from cowpeas. In both seasons, biochar significantly improved soil pH, EC, SOC, total N, available P, exchangeable K and Ca, irrespective of fertilizer application. However, exchangeable Mg did not significantly vary among the treatments. This study further revealed that in cowpea-maize rotation, optimum yield could also be possible with sole biochar application. Therefore, instead of burning the maize stovers after harvest, farmers should convert the residues into biochar and return it to the soil so as to achieve sustainable food systems.Graphical

Evaluation of Five Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L.) Varieties Under Varying Fertilizer Rates and Establishment Methods for Growth and Yield in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Global sesame seed market is projected to have USD 7.24 billion in consumption value by 2024. However, its supply has not been able to match the demand due to several constraints to its production. This study was conducted at the Prince Abubakar Audu University Research and Demonstration Farm, during the 2023 cropping season to evaluate five sesame varieties for growth and yield under varying fertilizer rates and establishment methods. Treatment consisted of five sesame varieties, two establishment methods, and three fertilizer levels respectively combined factorially to obtain a total of thirty factorial treatment combinations and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Results showed that varieties differed significantly (P < 0.05) in growth, yield and yield characters. YANDEV55 produced the widest leaf area at 9WAS, NCRIBEN-02M produced the highest number of leaves per plant (36) at 12WAS. The same variety (NCRIBEN-02M) consistently produced the tallest stems (42.48, 56.10, 80.48 & 93.46 cm) at 3, 6, 9 & 12WAS. YANDEV55 produced 73.6 % germination which was highest amongst others. E8 produced the highest number of capsule/plant (23.3) and number of seeds/plant (1428.94). NCRIBEN-05E performed optimally in yield characters such as total plant biomass yield (2908.0g/plot) and final seed yield (887.9kgha-1). NCRIBEN-02M had the highest haulm yield (33.0g/plot) while NCRIBEN-01M had the longest days (54.16) to 50% anthesis. Seed/capsule and Harvest index were not significantly affected by varieties. Broadcast method produced significantly widest leaf areas of 53.9 and 40.5 cm2 at 6 and 12 WAS respectively, higher number of leaves (18.0) at 3WAS. Drilling method of crop establishment produced the highest biomass yield (2894.6g/plot) and final seed yield (879.2 kgha-1). Similarly, fertilizer rates affect growth and yield characters; 100 kg NPKha-1 produced the widest leaf area, tallest plants and highest number of leaves/plant at all stages of sampling. These were at par with values obtained when plots were treated with 150kg NPKha-1. Alternatively, highest number of capsules/plant (22.4), seeds/capsule (62.46), seeds/plant (1502.73), total plant biomass yield (2879.7g/plot), haulm yield (33.0g/plot), final seed yield (870.7kgha-1) and longest number of days to 50% anthesis (53.6) were all obtained when plots were treated with 150 kgha-1 but was at par with 100kg NPKha-1. Fertilizer rates did not affect the establishment count and harvest index. The best variety with respect to yield/ha is NCRIBEN-02M, Application of 100 kg NPK/ha appears maximum for optimum yield of the crop, drilling appears to produce higher yield than broadcast for some varieties with an overall marginal increase of 8.4 % over broadcast and thus recommended for Anyigba environment. An economic study of the cost implication for both operations (drilling and broadcast) could be embarked upon to ascertain the veracity of this assertion, more so that broadcast requires higher seed rate than drilling. Significant interaction of varieties x establishment method was also an indication that very high yielding varieties (NCRIBEN-02M and NCRIBEN-01M) do better when drilled compared to broadcast. Significant positive relationship between some growth, yield and yield characters is an indication that effective crop improvement through selection can be carried out by selecting for those characters that correlated positively with yield.