Higher Net Returns Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Oregano Bioactive Lipid Compounds and Silver Nanoparticles on Broiler Production

Feed additives could be added in the diets of broiler chickens to improve performance and for sustainable broiler production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of feeding broiler chickens with oregano bioactive lipid compounds (OBLC) and silver nanoparticles (Nano-Silver) on growth, viability, economics, carcass criteria, silver retentions, and serum biochemistry. One-day-old, unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 320) were divided into four treatment groups. Ten replicates of eight birds each for each treatment were used. Treatments were: CONT (control diet), OBLC (CONT diet supplemented with 150 mg/kg OBLC), Nano-Silver (CONT diet supplemented with 4 mg/kg Nano-Silver), and CONT diet supplemented with OBLC + Nano-Silver at levels mentioned above were used for the study. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Supplementing OBLC and Nano-Silver individually or in combination improved (p < 0.01) body weight and feed conversion ratio when compared to CONT. The supplemented groups had a lower death rate than the CONT group, resulting in a higher net return. Supplementing broiler birds with OBLC, Nano-Silver, or their combination boosted dressing percentage and decreased abdominal fat when compared to CONT. Blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, and urea were lowered in broilers fed OBLC, Nano-Silver, or combination diets. Overall, the current study demonstrates that broiler chickens fed diets with OBLC and Nano-Silver, either alone or in combination, improved growth performance, liver functions, dressing percent, silver absorption and decreased abdominal fat. The best performance was observed in the combination of OBLC and Nano-Silver group compared to other treatments.

Alternatives to rice-wheat cropping system under partially reclaimed sodic soils

A field experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 at Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Lucknow to find out the alternate to rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Four cropping systems, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.)- wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)-berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), sweet basil (tulsi) (Ocimum basilicum L.)-matricaria (Matricaria chamomilla) and chilli (Capsicum spp.)-garlic (Allium sativum) were evaluated in the light of sustainability, potentiality and profitability. Maximum rice equivalent yield (14.21 t/ha) and production efficiency (61.25 kg/ha/day) were recorded with sweet basil-matricaria cropping system whereas, highest land use efficiency (78.35%) was observed under sorghum-berseem fodder based cropping system. Highest water use efficiency (150.72 kg/ha cm) was recorded with chilli-garlic cropping system followed by sweet basil-matricaria, but the total amount of water used was more (125.65 cm) in rice-wheat system. The water requirements of sorghum-berseem, sweet basilmatricaria and chilli -garlic cropping systems were 8.0, 19.8 and 31.8% less than the rice-wheat cropping system. Among the cropping systems evaluated, maximum energy input (27.50 MJ/ ha) and output (314.46 MJ/ha) were analyzed in rice-wheat system. Whereas, maximum energy use efficiency (11.99) was found with sweet basil- matricaria followed by sorghum-berseem (11.91) cropping systems. Highest soil ameliorative potential was established with sweet basil -matricaria cropping system than rest of the cropping systems. Highest net return (₹ 63222/ha) and benefit: cost ratio of 2.74 was deliberated with medicinal and aromatic crop based sweet basil-matricaria cropping system.

Techno Economic Benefits through Cluster Frontline Demonstrations of Redgram in Mahbubnagar District of Telangana

Redgram is the suitable pulse crop for the Mahbubnagar district of Telangana. The farmers are reaping poor yields and lesser net returns as they were nor aware of newly released medium duration Redgram varieties and not practicing the best management practices, keeping in view, Cluster front line demonstration in Redgram were organised in Mahbubnagar district of Telangana state using recent released variety PRG 176 (Ujwala). A total of 50 Front Line demonstrations were organized in cluster approach. Best management practices for Redgram production were demonstrated for getting higher net returns. The demonstrated variety PRG 176 having yield potential of 20 q/ha in light soils recorded average yield of 15.4 q/ha in demonstration field. The check variety recorded an average of 10.9 q/ha. The average gross cost, gross returns, net returns and benefit cost ratio recorded was Rs. 20,000/ha, 83430/ha, 63430/ha and 3.17 than the farmer practice Rs.21000/ha, Rs.67500/ha, Rs.46500 and 2.21 respectively. Cluster front line demonstration is one of the successful extension methods for the transfer of technology to reduce extension gap and adoption gap.

Influence of Different Spacing and Organic Manure on the Yield and Economics of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

Aim: The trail was taken to find out the influence of different spacing and organic manure on the yield and economics of the groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
 Study Design: Factorial randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was taken during the kharif season of 2021 at G.H. Raisoni University at Agronomy farm, Chhindwara, M.P.
 Methodology: The set of nine treatment combination consist of three different spacing and three different OM which is applied at 12 kg/ha of FYM, at 6 kg/ha VC and at 6 kg/ha of PM. The experiment was carried out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replication and the treatment combination is T1: S1O1 (30 cm x 10 cm + FYM), T2: S1O2 (30 cm x 10 cm + VC), T3: S1O3 (30 cm x 10 cm + PM), T4: S2O1 (30 cm x 15 cm + FYM), T5: S2O2 (30 cm x 15 cm +VC), T6: S2O3 (30 cm x 15 cm + PM), T7: S3O1 (45 cm x 10 cm + FYM), T8: S3O2 (45 cm x 10 cm + VC) and T9: S3O3 (45 cm x 10 cm + PM) and total number of plots is 27. At the time of experiment, the maximum mean of temperature was 41.60C whereas the minimum mean temperature was 5.680C. The economics of groundnut crop was calculated as per the fundamental market prices of the input and produced during the kharif season 2021.
 Results: Maximum no. of pods/plant (30.67), length of pod (2.72), no. of kernels/pod (2.07), seed index (43.22 g), shelling percentage (74.76 %), pod weight/plant (18.66 g), pod yield/plot (1.53 kg), pod yield (63.01 kg/ha), kernel yield (23.45 kg/ha), haulm yield (39.56 kg/ha) and harvest index (24.07 %) were recorded with T3–30 cm x 10 cm with Poultry manure at 30, 60 and 90 DAS.
 Conclusion: Based on this experiment, it was said that with spacing 30cm x 10cm in combination with poultry manure gives the maximum and significantly higher kernel yield (23.45 kg/ha), gross return Rs.1,72,022.00/ha) as well as highest net return Rs.99,367.00)/ha).

Impact of differential substitution of nutrients through organics on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Basmati rice in irrigated Shivalik foothills of J&K, India

A field experiment was conducted for two years at research farm of division of Agronomy at SKUASTJammuduring kharif 2015 and 2016 to assess the effect of differential substitution of nutrients throughorganics on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of basmati rice in irrigated Shivalik foothills of J&K. Thepooled data of two year study on basmati rice revealed that grain yield, straw yield and total nutrientuptake in basmati rice were significantly influenced by differential substitution of nutrients through organicsin irrigated Shiwalik foothills of J &K. Significantly higher pooled grain yield (30.38 q/ha) and straw yield(72.42 q/ha) of two year of basmati-370 were recorded with treatment 100% RDF which were foundstatistically at par with yields recorded with treatments T12, T16, T2 and T6 whereas significantly lowest grainand straw yield of basmati-370 were recorded with treatment 100 % NPK through FYM which was foundstatistically at par with treatment 100 % NPK through vermicompost and 100 % NPK through vermicompostand FYM (1:1) in grain and straw yield whereas significantly higher (75.37 kg/ha) total N uptake , total Puptake (13.13 kg/ha) and total K uptake (86.53 kg/ha) were recorded with treatment T11. Further, highestnet returns (Rs 66056/ha) and b:c ratio (3.18) in basmati-370 after two years were recorded with treatment100% NPK whereas lowest net returns (Rs 23213/ha) and b:c ratio (0.68) were recorded with treatment 100% NPK through Vermicompost in basmati rice.

​Effect of Date of Sowing on Growth, Seed Yield and Economics of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Varieties under Rainfed Conditions

Background: Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important rabi crop raised under rainfed areas of Haryana. Optimum time of sowing plays an important role in augmenting the productivity of Indian mustard. There is a need to find out the optimum time of sowing of Indian mustard to overcome the yield gap under present scenario of climatic conditions. Different cultivars may respond differently to different sowing time. The current study aimed to study the effect of date of sowing on growth, seed yield and economics of Indian mustard varieties under rainfed conditions. Methods: In this field experiments were conducted during rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Dryland Agriculture Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment comprising of 3 dates of sowing (16 October, 23 October and 30 October) and 4 varieties of Indian mustard (RH 30, RH 406, RH 725 and RH 761) was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Result: Crop sown on 23th October produced significantly taller plants over 30th October sowing. However, yield attributes viz., number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua and test weight was successively decreased with delayed sowing of the crop. Seed yield was highest (2499 kg/ha) when sown on 16th October as compared to 23th October and 30th October sowing. Highest net returns (₹ 92674/-) and BC ratio (5.23) was recorded in 16th October sowing over other dates of sowing. Among varieties, RH 725 produced significantly higher seed (2583 kg/ha) and stover yield (7415 kg/ha) over RH 30, RH 406 and RH 761. Variety RH 725 also recorded higher net returns of ₹ 95940/- and B:C ratio of 5.38 compared to other varieties.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Plant Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Brinjal

The present investigation was carried out with title “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Plant growth, Yield and Fruit quality of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)” at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif-2021-22 with a view to determine the effect of plant growth regulators application on brinjal hybrid variety Indam Supriya for its growth, quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. Under this experiment, overall 9 treatments was taken T1 Control (water spray), T2 (GA3 @ 5 ppm), T3 (GA3 @ 10 ppm), T4 (Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T5 (Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm), T6 (GA3 @ 5 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T7 (GA3 @ 10 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 50 ppm), T8 (GA3 @ 5 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm) and T9 (GA3 @ 10 ppm and Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm). From the above experimental finding it was concluded that the treatment T5 (Salicylic acid @ 75 ppm) was found to be best in the terms of growth yield and quality of brinjal. While, the highest net return was found in the T5 with Rs. 1,18,290 and the highest B:C ratio was found in the same with 2.3.

Influence of Panchgavya and Jeevamrit on Growth, Yield and Quality of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

The experiment was conducted on “Influence Of Panchgavya And Jeevamrit On Growth, Yield And Quality Of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)” during the period of October 2021 to March 2022 at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom, University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was planned in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications and nine treatments which comprised of T0-(RDF only), T1-(RDF + 2.5% Spray of Panchgavya), T2-(RDF + 4.5% Spray of Panchgavya), T3-( RDF + 7.5% spray of Jeevamrit), T4-( RDF + 10.5% spray of Jeevamrit), T5-(RDF + 2.5% Spray of Panchgavya+7.5% spray of Jeevamrit), T6-(RDF + 4.5% Spray of Panchgavya+10.5% spray of Jeevamrit), T7-(RDF + 2.5% Spray of Panchgavya+10.5% spray of Jeevamrit), T8-(RDF + 4.5% Spray of Panchgavya+7.5% spray of Jeevamrit), The treatments comprised of two different levels of panchgavya and jeevamrit in which the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF N:P:K::120:100:80) was common and based on the interaction of both the bio-fertilizer various observations were recorded on various growth, quality and yield contributing characters. Based on the results obtained from the present investigation, it is concluded that the interaction of panchgavya 4.5% and jeevamrit 10.5% that is treatment T8 was superior followed by the interaction of panchgavya 4.5% and jeevamrit 7.5% that is treatment T6. In this investigation, the T8 was found most suitable for cultivation and getting better yield per hectare of tomatoes and best returns in terms of the economics of the crop with high net returns and Benefit-cost ratio.

Effect of Zinc and Bio-fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at the experimental field of the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Nine treatments replicated thrice. To study the Response of Zinc and Bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of Wheat. The treatments consist of zinc 5, 7.5, 10kg/ha and bio-fertilizers Azotobacter (20 g/kg seeds), Azospirillum (20 g/kg seeds), Azotobacter (10 g/kg seeds) + Azospirillum (10 g/kg seeds). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). The results revealed that treatment-9 with application of [Zinc (10 kg/ha) + Azotobacter (10 g/kg seeds) + Azospirillum (10 g/kg seeds)] was recorded significantly higher plant height (96.10 cm), higher plant dry weight (20.31 g/plant), higher number of spikes/m2 (371.84), higher number of grains/spike (55.17), higher grain yield (5.697 t/ha), higher straw yield (12.59 t/ha) and highest harvest index (31.14 %). Higher gross returns (INR 152544.4/ha), higher net returns (INR 108712.4/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.48) were also recorded in treatment-9 [Zinc (10 kg/ha) + Azotobacter (10 g/kg seeds) + Azospirillum (10 g/kg seeds)].

Effect of Some Soil Conditioners on Water-Use Efficacy, Growth, and Yield of Date Palm Siwi Grown in Sandy Soil under Different Irrigation Regimes to Mitigate Climate Change

A field experiment was carried out at Al-Bahariya Oasis, Giza, Egypt, during three successive seasons to find out the effect of application of bentonite (BN) as a natural clay deposit at either 6 or 12 kg/palm tree and humic substances (HS) as organic amendment at either 0.75 or 1.0 L/palm tree incorporated with Bacillus polymyxa (BP) as a biofertilizers at 14 and 28 mL/L rates on growth, yield, and fruit weight of 10-year-old Siwi date palm cv. (Phoenix dectylifera L.). Siwi trees were cultivated in sandy texture soil at a distance of 8 × 8 m and were irrigated with 100%, 85%, and 70% of ET crop. Effects of the previous treatments on growth, date palm crop, soil properties, water relations, water-use efficiency (WUE), and economic return were also studied. The obtained results showed that the mean values of leaf length, leaflet length and width, fruit set%, bunch weight, yield/palm, yield/fed, fruit weight, flesh weight, and fruit pulp weight were increased in response to the different individual and combined treatments used in this study with various significance levels compared to the control treatment means in the studied three seasons. However, the superiority was for combining between amending the sandy soil with either low concentrations of BN (6 kg/tree) + HS (0.75 Liter/tree) + BP (14 mL/L) or high concentrations of BN (12 kg/tree) + HS (1.0 L/tree) + BP (28 mL/L) and irrigation with 85% of ETc water level, as such combinations attained the highest values in most of the mentioned values over both the sole and combined treatments in the studied three seasons. Furthermore, the results indicated that the highest monthly ETc values occurred during June and July months, while the lowest values occurred during December and January months. Additionally, water productivity (WP) increased considerably by reduction of water quantity (70% ETc) associated with soil conditioner treatment (BN.12 kg +HS 1 L + BP. 28 mL/L), and values were 2.17, 2.25, and 2.27 kg fruit/m3 of water irrigation during the growing seasons, respectively. The highest net return was attributed to irrigation with 85% of ETc water level along with the application of soil conditioners at high rates. Accordingly, it is advisable to apply the soil conditioners of bentonite (at 6 or 12 kg/tree) and humic substances (at either 0.75 or 1.0 L/tree) with B. polymyxa (at either 14 or 28 mL/L) plus irrigation with either 85% or 70% of ETc water level to obtain the best growth, highest yield, (WP), and gross return from var. Siwi date palm grown under an oasis agro-system.

Performance of Planters under Different Tillage Practices on Growth, Yield, Energy Use Efficiency, and Economics of Rabi Maize

Aim: To evaluate the performance of planters under different tillage practices on growth, yield, energy use efficiency, and economics of rabi maize.
 Study Design: Split-plot.
 Place and Duration of Study: Maize Research Centre, ARI, Rajendranagar between November 2021 and April 2022.
 Methodology: A field experiment was conducted at Maize Research Centre, ARI, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy (District) during rabi 2021-22 to evaluate the performance of planters under different tillage practices on growth, yield, energy use efficiency, and economics of rabi maize in sandy clay loam soils. The experiment was assigned in fifteen treatments, laid out in a split-plot design with three replications. Treatments included were three tillage practices,(i)M1=Conventional tillage, (ii)M2=Reduced tillage, and(iii)M3 = Zero-tillage in main plots and evaluated 5 planters viz., (i)S1=Multi-crop vacuum planter,(ii)S2 = Mechanical planter,(iii)S3 =Seed-cum- fertilizer drill,(iv)S4 - Bullock drawn plow and(v)S5 - Manual sowing were randomly placed in subplots of the main plot.
 Results: Interaction between planters and tillage practices realized significantly higher grain yield (10283 kg ha-1) when the rabi maize was sown with a Multi-crop vacuum planter under conventional tillage practice compared to bullock drawn plow. However, it was comparable with Mechanical planter and manual sowing under conventional tillage as well as under reduced tillage practices. Irrespective of the planters significantly lower grain yield was obtained under zero-tillage practice. Overall, the cost of cultivation was high with conventional sowing practices (bullock-drawn plow/manual sowing compared to mechanical sowing with improved planters. Higher net returns were observed with multi-crop vacuum planters under conventional tillage practice (Rs.1,43,179 ha-1).
 Conclusion: In case of labor shortage, sowing with a multi-crop vacuum planter or Mechanical planter instead of sowing with conventional practices like a bullock-drawn plow and manual sowing can save time, and labor, reduce drudgery as well production costs. Thus, we can effectively carry out important field operations viz., sowing, weeding, and harvesting in time without much delay through mechanization in maize.

Effect of Organic Manures and Biofertilizers on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort) cv. Pusa Srijana

The experiment was conducted on “Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on growth, flowering and yield of gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus Hort) cv. Pusa Srijana”. The observations were recorded on various growth, flowering and yield contributing characters. Based on the results obtained from the present investigation, it is concluded that the T7 (RDF + Vermicompost + Azotobacter @ 5Kg/ha+ PSB @ 5Kg/ha) was found superior followed by T6 (RDF + Vermicompost + Azotobacter @ 4.5Kg/ha+ PSB @ 4.5Kg/ha) and T5 (RDF + Vermicompost + Azotobacter @ 4Kg/ha+ PSB @ 4Kg/ha) in growth and flowering with higher yield factors. In this investigation the T7 was found most suitable for cultivation for better yield per hectare of corms, cormels and spike and best returns in terms of economics of the crop with high net returns and Benefit cost ratio.

STANDARDIZATION OF POMEGRANATE (PUNICA GRANATUM L.) WINE WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SUGAR CONCENTRATION

The present research work entitled “Standardization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) wine with different levels of sugar concentration”, the study was conducted in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments replicated four times. The treatments were T1 Pomegranate juice (500 ml) + 20 0brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T2 Pomegranate juice (500 ml) + 25 0brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T3 Pomegranate juice (500 ml) + 30 0brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T4 Pomegranate juice (500 ml) + 35 0brix + wine yeast (0.133%), T5 Pomegranate juice (500 ml) + 40 0brix + wine yeast (0.133%) Total soluble solids, pH and Specific Gravity decreased while the alcohol content, Acidity and the Sensory Qualities increased with increasing length of fermentation. From the above treatments, it is concluded that treatment T3 was found superior in respect of the parameters like Total Soluble Solids, Acidity, pH, Alcohol content, Specific gravity. With respectively Colour and Appearance, Taste, Aroma and Overall acceptability also T3 was found the best. In terms of cost benefit ratio and the highest net return, Cost Benefit Ratio was found in T3. Since Pomegranate contains good sugar proportion which makes it suitable for wine making, the production of wine from this fruit can help increase wine variety and reduce post-harvest losses. This study showed that acceptable wine can be produced from Pomegranate using yeast especially Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Economics of Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) Production Influenced By Split Application of Fertilizers

As a major commercial sector of agriculture, floriculture has emerged. One of the most often used types of jasmine that is grown commercially in India is Jasminum sambac. Time and rate of fertilizers applications can be a part of a successful, economical, and eco-friendly nutrient management plan. Given the aforementioned information, the current experiment was conducted with the aim of determining the impacts of split N, P, and K fertilizer application on the economics of jasmine (Jasminum sambac) production. The experiment was depicted under Randomized Block Designed with five replications and five treatments i.e. 50%N+100%P+100%K at last week of December and 50%N in last week of June (T1), 50%N+75%P+75%K in last week of December + 25%N+25%K in last week of March + 25%N+25%P in last week of June (T2), 50%N+50%P+50%K in last week of December + 25%N+25%P+25%K in last week of March + 25%N+25%P+25%K in last week of June (T3), 50%N+50%P+50%K in last week of December + 25%N in last week of March + 25%N+50%K+50%P in last week of June (T4) and 50%N+50%P+50%K in last week of December + 25%N+50%P+50%K in last week of March + 25%N in last week of June (T5) at Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, India on Jasminum sambac variety Baramasi during the year 2018-19. The highest net returns (Rs. 4,11,729/ha) and Benefit cost ratio (2.71) and were recorded with the application of (T3). The application of application of RDF (120:240:120 kg/ha) in three splits (application of 50%N+50%P+50%K in last week of December + 25%N+25%P+25%K in last week of March + 25%N+25%K+25%P in last week of June) increased yield with highest net return and BCR and therefore, was economically deduced best for the production of Jasminum sambac.

​Efficacy of Pre and Post-emergence Herbicides for Weed Management in Groundnut

Background: Herbicides are used in agriculture to reduce the density of weeds and improve the crop yield. Pendimethalin 30% EC is widely used pre-emergent herbicide to control annual grasses and certain broad leaf weeds; is no longer effective against established weeds like Cyperus and Commelina benghalensis, Acalypha indica and Phyllanthus spp. that are dominant in groundnut crop. Combination of Pendimethalin 30% and Imazethapyr 2% EC is a broad-spectrum herbicide that controls most broadleaf weeds and some annual grasses. The current study aimed to improve the profitability of farmers by effectively and economically by controlling the targeted weeds. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station (ZAHRS), Babbur Farm, Hiriyur, Karnataka during Kharif 2018, 2019 and 2020, to study the efficacy of pre and post-emergence herbicides for weed management in groundnut. The trial comprised of nine treatments involving two pre-emergence herbicides (Pendimethalin 38.7 CS 1.0 kg/ha PE and Pendimethalin 30 EC+Imazethapyr 2 EC 1.0 kg/ha PE (ready mix)) alone and in combinations with post-emergence herbicides (quizalofop-p-ethyl 50 g/ha at 15-20 DAS (PoE)), along with pre-emergence herbicides super imposed with hand weeding at 30 DAS and compared with two inter cultural operation at 15 and 30 DAS followed by manual weeding for intra rows and weedy check. Result: The experimental results revealed that, among the different herbicides treatments, the higher net return (Rs. 92,835/ha) and B:C ratio (2.70) were noticed in Pendimethalin 30 EC+Imazethapyr 2 EC 1.0 kg/ha PE (ready mix)+manual weeding at 30 DAS as compared to control plot (Rs. 2620/ha and 0.96, respectively) this has effectively controlled most of the weed flora present in the experimental field.

Evaluation of the Performance of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa) Transplanting at Different Dates with Nutrient Sources under the Method of SRI

Background: With growing fertilizer prices and fertilizer-related environmental concerns, Basmati 370 holds a unique position in the rice world due to its price, fragrance, quality and low fertilizer demands as compared to hybrid varieties; thus, shifting this crop to an organic or integrated nutrient management system is a feasible option. Methods: A field experiment was carried out at Jammu (J and K) during the Kharif season of 2014 to evaluate the performance of Basmati 370 transplanted at three different dates with five integrated nutrient sources. Result: The results of this investigation indicated that the rice transplanted on June 30 produced significantly higher dry matter accumulation (857.61 g/m2) with a concomitant increase in the grain yield (3.3 t/ha) over July 15 (3.0 t/ha) and July 30 (2.8 t/ha). The application of 100% RDF in the form of inorganic fertilizer recorded significantly higher grain yield (3.3 t/ha) and straw yield (5.6 t/ha) being at par with VC+FYM+NOC and GM+VC. The highest net returns were recorded on June 30 transplanting (₹80,501) with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.8. In the case of nutrient sources, higher net returns were fetched with 100% RDF (84,892) with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.4.

Effect of Different Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) c.v. (Harsh) under Prayagraj Agro Climate Condition

A field experiment on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) c.v. (Harsh) under Prayagraj agro climate condition” was conducted Prayagraj agro climate condition”was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the Summer season, 2021 at Horticultural Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj with a view to determine the effect of organic manures application on cucumber variety Harsh for its growth, quality and yield and to work out the economics of various treatments. Under this experiment, overall 10 treatment combinations were taken viz. T0 (Control), T1 (Farm Yard Manure 75% + Poultry manure 25%), T2(Farm Yard Manure 75% + Vermicompost 25%), T3(Farm Yard Manure 25% + Poultry manure 75%), T4(Poultry manure 75% + Vermicompost 25%), T5(Vermicompost 75% + Farm Yard Manure 25%), T6(Vermicompost 75% + Poultry manure 25%), T7(Farm Yard Manure 50% + Poultry manure 50%), T8(Vermicompost 50% + Poultry manure 50%) and T9 (Farm Yard Manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%).From the present investigation it was concluded that T8 (Poultry manure 50% + Vermicompost 50%) was found to be best among all treatment in terms of growth, yield and quality of cucumber i.e. T.S.S. The highest net return was found from T8 (Polutry manure 50% + vermicompost 50%) with ₹ 1,56,775 and the B:C ratio that is 1.92.

Location-specific integrated farming system models for resource recycling and livelihood security for smallholders

The present investigation was carried out in a holistic mode to study the interactions among the integrated farming system (IFS) components and to develop and design a sustainable IFS model which is technologically sound, economically viable, environmentally benign, and socially acceptable for the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains. For efficient utilization of farm resources and to enhance the income per unit area of land, 10 IFS models have been developed at the farmers’ fields of Patna, Nalanda, and Vaishali districts of Bihar, India, during 2016–2021, involving components like crops, poultry, cattle, goat, mushroom farming, fishery, and duckery in different combinations. Out of 10 different integrations, three primary cropping systems prevailing in the state were undertaken and seven other components were integrated in a synergistic mode. Each system was allocated an area of 0.8 ha (2,000 m²), viz., (i) rice–wheat, (ii) rice–maize, (iii) rice–maize–moong (crop), (iv) crop + vegetable + goat, (v) crop + fish + goat, (vi) crop + fish + cattle, (vii) crop + fish + duck + goat, (viii) crop + fish + duck, (ix) crop + fish + mushroom, and (x) crop + fish + poultry. To sustain the productivity of soil health, inorganic fertilizers combined with organic wastes, obtained from various components of IFS, viz., recycled pond silts, poultry manure, duck manure, goat manure and cow dung as farmyard manures (FYMs), composted residues, and vermicompost were applied to crops grown under different IFS models. The nutrient content of manure increased manifolds after recycling as compost and vermicompost. Residue recycling revealed that integration of crops with fish and duck resulted in higher fish productivity and higher net returns (increased by USD13) in comparison to poultry dropping fed fishes. Due to the recycling of droppings, viz., poultry, duck, goat, cattle, and plant wastes, an additional quantity of 56.5 kg N, 39.6 kg P2O5, and 42.7 kg K2O was added to the soil during the study. Crop integrated with fish + duck + goat had the maximum rice grain equivalent yield (RGEY), net returns, and employment opportunity (467 man-days/year) from 0.8 ha of land, followed by crop + fish + poultry integration. The sustainability index (0.77) and net energy gain (95,770 MJ) were also found highest with crop + fish + duck+ goat integration indicating the optimum efficiency of all the farming system integrations for the region.

Effect of Haulm Cutting, Size of Seed Tubers/Seed Pieces and Intra-Row Spacings on Tuber Yield and Economics of Potato Production

The field experiments were conducted during two consecutive rabi seasons (October – February) during 2019–20 and 2020–21 at ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India located in west central plains of India. Highest emergence of potato plants was recorded with the planting of 40 g whole tubers. Growth attributes viz. plant height (58.6 cm) and number of compound leaves (56.7) were recorded highest with 40 g seed piece/whole tuber. Planting of 120 g seed tubers, 10 cm intra row spacing and 114 days haulm cut recorded highest number of small tubers i.e. 3,43,000 ha-1, 3,07,000 ha-1 and 3,26,000 ha-1, respectively. Highest total number of tubers was recorded at 114 DAP haulm cut (9,08,000 ha-1), planting of 120 g seed tubers (9,62,000 ha-1) and 10 cm intra row spacing (8,53,000 ha-1). Highest total tuber yield was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut (59.1 t ha-1), 120 g planted seed tubers (55.5 t ha-1) and 20 cm intra row spacing (49.7 t ha-1). Highest cost of cultivation was recorded with the use of 120 g seed (Rs. 386483 ha-1) and intra row spacing of 10 cm ` 264261 ha-1. Highest net return (Rs. 364084 ha-1) was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut, planting with 40g seed size tubers (` 329822 ha-1) and intra row spacing of 20 cm (Rs. 322499 ha-1). Highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded with 114 DAP haulm cut (2.6) planting with 20 g seed size tubers (3.3) and intra row spacing of 20 cm (2.8).

Influence of Nitrogen and Boron on Growth and Yield of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Response of Nitrogen and Boron on growth and yield of Lentil. The treatments consist of nitrogen 10, 20, 30 kg/ha and boron 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 kg/ha. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). Results revealed that the higher plant height (36.40 cm), higher plant dry weight (22.70 g/plant), higher number of pods/plant (174.44), higher number of seeds/pod (1.72), higher seed yield (1.75 t/ha) and higher stover yield (2.67 t/ha) were significantly influenced with application of Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Boron 2.0 kg/ha. Higher gross returns (INR 89,059/ha), higher net returns (INR 59,652/ha) and higher B:C ratio (2.03) were also recorded in treatment-9 (Nitrogen 30 kg/ha + Boron 2.0 kg/ha).