Higher Net Returns Research Articles

Cropping system typologies perform differently under climate stress in Manitoba, Canada: multi-criteria assessment

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A “business as usual” (BAU) rotation (wheat–canola–wheat–soybean) was compared with a “warm-season crop” (WS) rotation (corn–sunflower–dry bean–canola); a “biodiverse” (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop– corn/soybean intercrop—pea/canola intercrop–green fallow mixture); a “perennial grain” (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha−1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha−1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass, and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide-resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn–soybean intercrop, a cover crop, and fall-seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed.

Pyroxasulfone based tank-mix herbicide combinations for diverse weed flora control in wheat

Field studies were conducted to assess the efficacy of pyroxasulfone alone and its combinations with other herbicides at different time of application against a diverse weed flora in wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Applications of pyroxasulfone at 125 g/ha as pre-emergence (PE) or early post-emergence (EPO) at 20 days after sowing effectively controlled the grass weeds (Phalaris minor Retz. and Avena ludoviciana Durieu). However, pyroxasulfone alone exhibited poor control of broad-leaved weeds, such as Medicago denticulata Willd and Rumex dentatus L. To address the limitations in controlling broad-leaved weeds, tank mix combinations of pyroxasulfone at 125 g/ha with either pendimethalin at 1000 g/ha or metsulfuron at 4 g/ha or metribuzin at 300 g/ha proved highly effective. Pre-emergence pyroxasulfone application in combination with either metsulfuron (125 + 4 g/ha) or with metribuzin (125 + 300 g/ha) in wheat gave effective control of diverse weed flora and improved wheat productivity by 52.1% and 51.2%, respectively, over untreated control. Ready mix combination of clodinafop + metribuzin 60 + 210 g/ha applied as post emergence (32 DAS) provided >99% control of P. minor, A. ludoviciana, M. denticulata and R. dentatus L., however the phytotoxicity with this treatment produced 6.7% lower yield as compared to season long weed free conditions. Among the herbicidal treatments, pre-emergence application of pyroxasulfone + metsulfuron at 125 + 4 g/ha had the highest net returns followed by alone application of pre-emergence metribuzin at 300 g/ha.

Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Yield, Quality, Soil Fertility Status and Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic sources of nutrients on yield, quality, soil fertility status and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during the three consecutive years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz., T1:RDF 100:75:75 NPK kg ha-1 (control), T2:100 % N from FYM, T3:100 % N from Vermicompost, T4: 100 % N from Castor cake, T5:75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T6: 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T7: 75% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T8: 50% N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T9:50% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T10: 50% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1. Soil application of 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T6) and 75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T5) recorded significantly, higher bulb yield (467 and 417 q/ha) and also increase organic carbon as well as soil microbial population. Higher net return (₹445672 ) was observed in T6 whereas maximum BCR (5.96) recorded in T5.

Impact of Custom Hiring Centers on Cost, Profitability, and Efficiency in Crop Production in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study examines the impact of custom hiring centers (CHCs) on agricultural mechanization and productivity of groundnut of cultivation in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh in 2021. CHCs, established under the Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, aim to address challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing improved machinery. Through farm business analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and binary logistic regression, the study evaluates the adoption of improved farm machinery, changes in costs, profitability, and efficiency in crop production due to CHCs. Utilizing purposive sampling, data was collected from 160 beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in villages. Cost concepts were used to compare costs and returns in groundnut cultivation among CHC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Findings indicate that CHC beneficiaries demonstrate lower input costs and higher net returns, signaling improved efficiency and profitability. DEA analysis reveals higher technical, allocative and cost efficiency among beneficiary farms compared to non-beneficiary ones. Additionally, binary logistic regression identifies significant factors influencing farmers' decisions to hire machinery from CHCs, including machine labor, net income, hired human labor, irrigation, and yield. Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of CHCs in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, particularly among small-scale farmers. It suggests that policymakers prioritize expanding CHCs and promoting mechanization to further improve agricultural outcomes and address challenges faced by marginalized farmers.

Evaluation of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize in the hot semiarid region of India

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a severe threat to global agriculture, with their impact projected to escalate due to climate change and expanding international trade. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a native of the Americas, has rapidly spread across various continents, causing significant damage to several food crops, especially maize. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are vital for sustainable FAW control, combining multiple strategies for sustainable results. Over three consecutive years, 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22, the field demonstrations were conducted in semiarid regions of India, testing a four-component IPM approach viz., pheromone traps, microbial, botanicals and ETL based applications of insecticides against farmers' practices (sole insecticide application). IPM implementation led to substantial reductions in FAW infestation. Furthermore, egg mass and larvae infestations were significantly lower in IPM-adopted villages compared to conventional practices. Pheromone-based monitoring demonstrated a consistent reduction in adult moth populations. The lowest technology gap (10.42), extension gap (8.33) and technology index (12.25) was recorded during 2020–21. The adoption of IPM led to increased maize yields (17.49, 12.62 and 24.87% over control), higher net returns (919, 906.20 and 992.93 USD), and favourable benefit–cost ratios (2.74, 2.39 and 2.33) compared to conventional practices respectively during 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22. The economic viability of IPM strategies was evident across three consecutive years, confirming their potential for sustainable FAW management in the semiarid region of India. These strategies hold promise for adoption in other parts of the world sharing similar climatic conditions.

Impact of Drip Irrigation in Sugarcane Cultivation in Mandya District of Karnataka, India

This study investigates the impact of drip irrigation on sugarcane cultivation in Mandya district, Karnataka, considering the challenges posed by traditional flood irrigation methods and the increasing demand for water resources. The research compares the adoption of drip and flood irrigation, analyzing socio-economic characteristics, cropping patterns, and the comparative economics of sugarcane cultivation under both methods. Externality concept and Partial budgeting technique was emphasized to estimate the additional benefit derived from drip irrigation over flood irrigation. The study reveals that drip irrigation leads to higher water use efficiency, improved crop quality, and environmental sustainability. The adoption of drip irrigation in sugarcane cultivation results in significant economic benefits, with higher net returns and increased yields then farmers following flood irrigation. The findings highlight the positive externality associated with drip irrigation, contributing to water conservation, reduced labor costs, and increased agricultural sustainability with an additional benefit of around Rs. 41,000 derived due to drip adoption over flood irrigation in Sugarcane cultivation. As Karnataka faces evolving challenges in agriculture, the widespread adoption of drip irrigation emerges as a pivotal factor in ensuring the prosperity of sugarcane cultivation and addressing environmental concerns.

Effect of Different Crop Establishment Methods and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Finger Millet in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Organic agriculture appears to be a way to maintain desired crop production in future. In terms of nutrients, organic farming practices vary with the availability of local resources of manures and its quantity needs to be identified to meet the nutritional needs of finger millet. So, a field experiment was conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Sub-Station (OUAT), Malkangiri, Odisha during rainy season of 2019-2021 to find out the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield and economics of finger millet under different establishment methods. Three crop establishment methods (line sowing, transplanting and broadcasting) and six different organic sources of nutrients (FYM @ 5 t ha-1, VC @ 2 t ha-1, FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1, Compost prepared by Waste decomposer @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 and Gliricidia leaf manure @ 2.5 t ha-1) were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The recorded data revealed that significantly highest number of tillers (2.55 hill-1), fingers (5.52 ear head-1), finger length (6.53 cm) along with highest yield (1259 kg ha-1), net return (Rs. 14709 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.48) were obtained with transplanted condition. Growth and yield attributes of finger millet was significantly varied by application of different organic sources of nutrients and it was observed that application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1 recorded highest number of tillers (2.52 hill-1), fingers (5.76 ear head-1), finger length (6.72 cm) and grain yield (1327 kg ha-1) followed by application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1and both were statistically at par in respect to all above parameters. But, highest net return (Rs. 18923 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.65) was obtained with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1. So, transplanting of finger millet with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 should be recommended for the studied region as organic nutrient management.

Performance of lathyrus varieties under different establishment methods in Red and Laterite Zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted in split-plot design to study the performance of lathyrus varieties (Nirmal, Prateek and Ratan) under three different establishment methods (broadcasting, line-sowing and dibbling) at Regional Research Sub-Station, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Raghunathpur West Bengal during rabi season of 2020-21. Irrespective of varieties, lathyrus sown on line sowing and dibbling methods required 2.0 and 3.2 more days to complete life cycle over broadcast sowing. Though, broadcast sowing of lathyrus led to highest number of plants/m (34.2) at maturity stage compared to line sowing (26.8 plants/m) and dibbling (23.2 plants/m) method, but crop sown in line yielded highest (1401 kg/ha) with highest net return (INR. 21,745/ ha). Among three varieties, Ratan appeared suitable due to greater seed yield (1337 kg/ha), net return (INR. 19,723/ha) and B: C ratio (1.57) than Nirmal and Prateek in red and laterite zone of West Bengal.

Advanced technological adaptations can improve the energy-cum-carbon-efficiency of diverse rice production systems

Worldwide, there is an urgent need to develop energy-cum-carbon smart and cost-effective rice production systems for farmer's adoption. Data were collected from 280 farmer's fields representing the South Asia rice production system. Out of these 75 fields following transplanted rice (TPR), 55 fields of wet direct seeded rice (WDSR), 60 fields of drill sown direct seeded rice in line (DSR L), 60 fields of traditional direct seeded rice (DSR) and 30 fields of DSR + beushning (DSR + B). Results show that grain and straw yields in the TPR were 6056 and 7752 kg ha−1, respectively; however, they were neither profitable, energy efficient, or eco-friendly. At the same time, the grain and straw yields in DSR L were recorded by 5832 and 7757 kg ha−1, respectively. It was profitable with the highest net returns (1111.5 US$ ha−1), energy use efficiency (12.77), energy productivity (0.41 kg MJ−1), energy profitability (11.77 US$ MJ−1), energy output efficiency (1314.3 MJ day−1) environment friendly in terms of carbon efficiency 7.20, carbon sustainability index (6.20) and had most diminutive carbon footprint (0.14 kg CO2 eq kg−1 grain) with a comparable carbon credit. DSR L is productive, economically viable, energy efficient, and environmentally safer among rice production systems.

Maximization of Productivity and Water Saving through Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation (AWDI) in Rice under Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project (TN IAMP) Aliyar Sub Basin Farmers of Tamil Nadu, India

TN IAMP-II Aliyar sub basin scheme operated by Agricultural College and Research Institute (TNAU), Vazhavachanur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu state has conducted large-scale front-line demonstrations on Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation (AWDI) practice in transplanted paddy growing in 11 villages of Tiruvannamalai district at 100 farmer’s holdings during kharif season of 2019-20 and 2020-21. The data on productivity, economics and water saving in demonstrated plots were compared with Flood irrigation 1200 mm (Farmer practice). The demonstrated plot yield was 64.2 q / ha compared with farmer practice (51.7 q / ha). The yield increase was 24.3 per cent. The extension gap, technology gap and technology index were 12.6 q ha-1, 5.8 q ha-1 and 8.29 per cent, respectively. The higher gross return (Rs. 128,443 ha-1), higher net return (Rs. 74,319ha-1) and B: C (2.38) was observed in demonstrated plot compared to farmers’ practice plot (Flood irrigation). Higher yield and returns due to reduced cost of cultivation, higher grain yield, net returns and more water saving in AWDI (24.7%).Water depth of 5 cm was maintained in the demo plot (T2) over the farmer’s practice (T1) (Water depth 30.0 cm) and the field water level was measured by Field water Tube. Created awareness and motivated the farmers to adopt AWDI practices in TN IAMP Phase II Aliyar sub basin of Tiruvannamalai district.

Effect of Nitrogen on the Performance of Finger Millet in Eastern Ghat High Land Zone of Odisha, India

An experiment was conducted to find out performance of finger millet varieties to different levels of nitrogen under rainfed condition in kharif season of 2019 to 2021 at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Semiliguda, Koraput, Odisha, India. Four varieties of finger millet (Kalua, OEB- 602, Bhairabi and Arjun) and three different nitrogen levels (40, 60 and 80 kg/ha) along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The varieties were taken in the main plots and different nitrogen levels were assigned to the sub plots. The results revealed that highest number of tillers (6.1/hill), fingers (8.3/ear head), finger length (8.8 cm) along with maximum grain yield (2491 kg/ha), net return (Rs. 39464 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.94) were obtained with finger millet variety Arjun followed by Bhairabi. The application of 80 kg N/ha gave highest number of tillers (5.7/hill), fingers (7.7/ear head), finger length (8.4 cm) and grain yield (2399 kg/ha) with highest net return (Rs. 36237 per ha) and B: C ratio (1.86). From the present investigation, it can be concluded that finger millet variety Arjun can be grown with application of 80 kg N/ha along with 30 kg/ha each of phosphorus and potassium for maximum yield and economic return.

Performance of Upgraded Tenyi Vo pig on Diet Replaced with Dried Distillers Grain with Solubles

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding Dried distillers grain with solubles as ground nut cake replacement on body weight, gain in weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, and the economics of production of upgraded Tenyi Vo pigs (75 per cent). Total number of 20 upgraded Tenyi Vo pigs about 3 months old were divided into four treatment groups designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4, having five animals in each treatment as replicates. The animals were fed diet containing DDGS at 0, 6, 12, and 18 per cent as GNC replacement. The resultsrevealed that feeding of DDGS based diet did not have any significant effect on the final body weight, total weight gain or mean feed efficiency. Feed intake was observed to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in DDGS-based diet group. The total cost of production per kg of gain was observed to be at its maximum at 18 percent DDGS level. A Higher net profit per pig, net profit per kg of weight gain and benefit cost ratio were observed in the groups fed with 12 percent DDGS followed by 6 percent, 0 percent and the least at the 18 percent DDGS. Based on the above findings, replacement of GNC with DDGS at the rate of 12 percent was recommended for upgraded Tenyi Vo pigs (75 per cent) for achieving optimum body weight, weight gain, feed intake, FCE and a higher net return.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) in Bundelkhand

The present investigation was carried out at Organic Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Bundelkhand University, Karguanji, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2023 with a view to identify the effects of different combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers and its role in growth, yield and quality of Okra variety Pusa A4. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in RDF and application of organic nutrition. Under this experiment, overall, 9 treatment was taken T0 Control (water spray), T1 (Ash 100%), T2 (MOP 100%), T3 (MOP 50% + Ash 50%), T4 (Presmud 5 t/ha), T6 (Presmud 1.5 t/ha), T7 (MOP 50% + Presmud 50%) and T8 (Presmud 50% + Ash 50%). From the above experimental finding it may be concluded that the treatment T2 (MOP 100%) was found to be best in the terms of growth yield and quality of Okra. The highest net return was found in the T2 (MOP 100%) with (Rs 111378/ha) and the highest B: C ratio was found in the same with 2.11.

Assessment of precise nutrient management through nutrient expert on productivity and profitability of zero-till maize

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017 and 2018 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to evaluate the effect of tillage and nutrient-management options on yield, nutrient uptake, residual soil-fertility status, and enzymatic activities in maize (Zea mays L.). The zero-tillage with crop residue at 3.5 t/ha (ZT + R) and conventional tillage with crop residue at 3.5 t/ha (CT + R) enhanced the grain yield (6.2–17.0%) of maize compared to CT without residue (4.40 t/ha). High cost of cultivation was recorded in CT + R (44.8 × 103 `/ha), while high net returns were found in ZT + R (37.6 × 103 `/ha). In ZT + R, the addition of wheat residue enhanced N, P, and K uptake in grain by 19.41, 12.81 and 13.92%, respectively over CT. Available N (182 kg/ha), available P (13.8 kg/ha), and exchangeable K (318 kg/ha) were found highest with ZT + R. Nutrient expert system (NES) enhanced the grain yield (5.30 t/ha) and net returns (43.0 × 103 `/ha) compared to no application of nutrients (control) (3.35 t/ha and 17.9 × 103 `/ha) and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (4.70 t/ha and 34.8 × 103 `/ha). Higher activity of dehydrogenase (DHA) (25.9 TPF μg/g/h) and microbial biomass C (130 μg/g) were found with NES. An increase of 57.96–58.4% in N uptake was found with NES over RDF (80.0 kg/ha). The nutrient expert system (NES) and 125% of RDF left higher amount of residual N, P and K in soil than the control. Overall, nutrient expert system under zero-tillage with crop residue at 3.5 t/ha can increase the productivity and profitability in maize.

Effect of planting geometry and weed-management practices on yield of scented rice (Oryza sativa) varieties

A field experiment was conducted at the Shaheed Gundadhur College of Agriculture and Research Station, of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidhyalaya, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh during rainy season (Kharif) of 2019, to evaluate the effect of planting geometry and weed-management practices in transplanted scented rice varieties. Treatments consisting combination of 2 varieties, 2 planting geometry and 4 weed management practices were replicated thrice in a split-split plot design. The dominant weeds in transplanted rice were: Ludwigia peploides (Kunth) P.H. Raven., Spilanthes acmella (L.) C.B. Clarke ex Hook. f., Echinochloa colona L., Cyperus difformis L., Cyperus iria L., Commelina benghalensis L. and Fimbristylis miliacea (L.) Vahl. Significantly lowest population of different weed species, and the highest grain and straw yields, and harvest index were found with variety, ‘Tarunbhog Selection 1’ while the maximum test weight was observed with ‘Dubraj Selection 1’. The planting geometry of 20 cm × 20 cm recorded the minimum weed population and the highest yield and benefit cost ratio. Application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g/ha at 3 Days after transplanting (DAT) + 1 hand weeding (HW) at 25 DAT was found the most effective for broad-spectrum weed control and increased the rice grain yield. The highest net returns and benefit cost were recorded with the pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10 % WP @ 20 g/ha.

Evaluation of food and fodder based cropping systems for sustaining productivity, resource use efficiency and profitability in western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during 2015–16 to 2018–19 at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh to assess the potential yield (PY), sustainability and resource use efficiency (RUE) of 7 cropping systems (CS), viz. maize + blackgram–pea–sorghum; cluster beanwheat-teosinte; stylo-berseem-maize + cowpea; clitoria-mustard–greengram; rice–chickpea–okra; rice–wheat and sugarcane–wheat system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Among the different cropping systems, rice (Oryza sativa L.)–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was found to be most superior in terms of wheat equivalent yield (WEY) (19.77 t/ha/year) and sustainable yield index (SYI=0.894). The highest land use efficiency (LUE) was recorded with cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–teosinte (Zea spp.) cropping system (95.16%) with 347 days of ground cover. Production efficiency was registered maximum with maize (Zea mays L.) + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]–pea (Pisum sativum L.)–sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] system (66.91 kg/ha/ day), followed by rice–chickpea–okra system (62.25 kg/ha/day). Nevertheless, the highest net return (` 300.8×103 / year) was realized with rice–chickpea–okra system. Total soil organic carbon (SOC) content was highest (1.34%) under stylo-berseem- maize + cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping system in comparison to other cropping systems. Thus, it can be concluded that rice–chickpea–okra system proved more productive, remunerative (` 824/ha/day) and sustainable cropping system than the existing sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)–wheat/ rice–wheat cropping system in the western plain zone of Uttar Pradesh, India.

Integrated nutrient management and seed priming are viable options to enhance seed yield and quality in quinoa (Chinopodium quinoa Willd.)

A field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Jaipur during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management and seed priming on seed yield and quality in quinoa. Experiment was laid out in a split plot design with twelve treatment combinations comprising four nutrient management practices i.e. no fertilizer (NM0), N45P23K30+2% FeSO4 (NM1), N45P23K30+2% DAP (NM2); and NC125+VC1250+PSB10+KSB10+AZ10 (NM3) as main-plot treatments and three pre-sowing seed priming technologies i.e. no seed priming (SP0), 1.5% Trichoderma harziannum (SP1) and, 20% Pseudomonas fluorescence (SP2) as sub-plot treatments. Results showed that application of NM2 and SP1 exhibited significantly higher plant height (19.5 and 7.2%), number of branches (40.5 and 11.6%), seed weight (12.9 and 4.6%), total dry matter (TDM) (30.5 and 3.9%), chlorophyll content (47.4 and 3.8%) and crude protein content (27.6 and 1.8%) over control. Cumulative effect of these parameters was exhibited in terms of highest yield potential (24.64 and 23.14q ha−1) (28.5 and 9.4% higher) and excellent seed/seedling quality and energy parameters along with highest net return (₹61974 and 55501 ha−1) and B:C ratio (2.55 and 2.22) over control. A positive significant correlation for seed yield was also observed with plant height (0.983), seed weight (0.990), TDM (0.955), chlorophyll content (0.950), protein content (0.946) and seed/seedling quality parameters. Overall, application of N45P23K30+2% DAP spray at pre-flowering stage along with pre-sowing seed priming with 1.5% Trichoderma harziannum is recommended as suitable strategy to improve yield and quality in quinoa under semi-arid conditions.

Effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur Levels on Growth Attributes and Yield of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] in Vindhya Plateau Region of Madhya Pradesh, India

In the Rabi season of 2022, a field experiment was conducted in the Vindhya plateau region of Madhya Pradesh at the agricultural field of SAGE University Bhopal. The objective was to investigate the impact of nitrogen and sulfur nutrition on the growth and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The experimental soil, characterized as sandy loam with a slightly alkaline pH, exhibited good drainage. Despite having a moderate amount of available phosphorus and potassium, the soil had low levels of organic carbon and nitrogen, with a low electrical conductivity of 1.65 dS/m (1:2, soil: water).
 The experiment comprised 27 nitrogen and sulfur treatment combinations in a split-plot design with three replications. The treatments included three nitrogen levels (100, 120, and 140 kg ha-1) and three sulfur levels (20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1). The mustard variety Giriraj was cultivated, and the study focused on evaluating the effects of these treatments on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake.
 Results indicated that various mustard crop attributes, such as plant height, number of green leaves-1, branches plant-1, siliqua plant-1, seeds siliqua-1, and 1000 seed weight, as well as yields (biological, seed, and oil yield), exhibited significant increases with rising nitrogen levels from 100 kg N ha-1 to 140 kg N ha-1. Similarly, applying 60 kg S ha-1 resulted in maximum plant height, number of green leaves, dry matter production, oil yield, and the highest net returns among sulfur levels.
 The combination of 140 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg S ha-1 proved to be cost-effective, leading to increased yields, net returns, and a higher B:C ratio compared to other nitrogen and sulfur levels. Therefore, this study recommends the application of 60 kg S ha-1 and 140 kg N ha-1 for enhancing mustard crop yields, net returns, and the benefit-cost ratio.

Integrated Nutrient Management as a Low Cost and Eco-Friendly Strategy for Sustainable Fruit Production in Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.)

ABSTRACT Prolonged and excessive use of chemical fertilizers has resulted in serious harm to soil health and ecosystems. This study aimed to reduce the cultivation costs for apricot trees, nearly 1/3rd of which are spent on fertilizers. The research was conducted on fully grown apricot trees of the cultivar “New Castle,” in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatment combinations evaluated in triplicate and statistically analyzed using a randomized block design (RBD). Results revealed that treatment T12 [50% Nitrogen (Calcium Nitrate) + 50% Nitrogen (Urea) + Azotobacter + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria + Vermicompost] resulted in the highest percent increase in tree trunk girth (6.82%), highest leaf chlorophyll content (3.00 mg g−1 fresh weight), leaf area (58.29 cm), fruit set (61.00%) and total yield (61.9 kg tree−1). In terms of nutrient status, T12 had the highest leaf N (2.95%), leaf K (2.60%), soil N (386.33 kg ha−1), soil P (51.00 kg ha−1) and soil organic carbon (1.81%). The highest net return and profit over recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) was also recorded in treatment T12. The results of this study show that judicious fertilizer use along with integrated organic manure and bio-fertilizers can reduce cultivation costs, improve soil health, and increase fruit production with minimum ecosystem damage.

Effect of Organic Sources of Nitrogen on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economics of Vegetable Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in Organic Farming

An experiment was conducted on vegetable cluster bean variety Pusa Navbharat to find out the effect of organic sources of nitrogen on growth, yield and economics of vegetable cluster bean. This experiment was conducted in certified organic plot for the three years (2020, 2021, 2022) during semi rabi season at Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, AAU, Khambholaj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. There were eight treatments viz., T1: No manures (Control) , T2: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through FYM, T3: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through Vermi compost, T4: N equivalent of 20 kg/ha through Castor cake, T5: Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB), T6: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through FYM + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB), T7: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through Vermi compost + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB) and T8: N equivalent of 10 kg/ha through Castor cake + Bio NP (Rhizobium and PSB). Plant height, green pod yield, its related traits and crude protein content in pods were recorded every year and pooled analysis was carried out. There was significant difference observed for green pod yield and its related traits. Whereas, plant height and crude protein content in pods was remain non-significant for different organic sources of nitrogen. Application of N equivalent of 20kg/ha through FYM recorded maximum yield and its related traits with higher net return.