Higher Net Returns Research Articles

Integrated weed management in wheat under conservation agriculture-based maize-wheat-mungbean system

A field experiment was conducted on integrated weed management in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under conservation agriculture-based maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat–mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] system during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–2021 at the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design, with 4 main plots having different establishment techniques, viz. conventional tillage (CT)–wheat, zero tillage (ZT)–wheat, ZT–wheat with previous brown manuring in maize and stale seed bed (SSB)–ZT wheat; and 4 subplots, viz. unweeded check, weed-free check, 1 hand-weeding at 25 days after sowing (DAS) and clodinafop-propargyl (60 g/ha) + carfentazone (20 g/ha) as tank-mix at 25–30 DAS. The results revealed that, the yield attributes and yield of wheat were significantly influenced by the weed-management practices under different establishment techniques. The establishment method, ZT–wheat with brown manuring in previous maize resulted in the highest crop yield, followed by SSB–ZT wheat. Among the weed-management options, clodinafop-propargyl (60 g/ha) + carfentazone (20 g/ha) as tank-mix at 25–30 DAS resulted in the highest growth, yield attributes and economics, which remained at par with hand-weeding. The highest grain yield (4.85 t/ ha), straw yield (9.03 t/ha), and biological yield (14.32 t/ha) were recorded under ZT–wheat, with brown manuring in previous maize. A 16.5, 7.3 and 9.94% increase in grain, straw and biological yield, respectively, was recorded with clodinafop-propargyl (60 g/ha) + carfentazone (20 g/ha) as post tank-mix 25–30 DAS over unweeded check. The ZT–wheat showed 51.4% higher net returns over CT, followed by ZT–wheat and SSB–ZT wheat which showed 22.1 and 19.2% higher values, respectively, over CT. The highest benefit : cost (B : C) ratio was found in weed-free check which showed 21.9% higher value over unweeded check.

Residual effect of shredded cotton (Gossypium species) stalks and fertility levels on productivity, quality parameters and economics of sweet corn (Zea mays)

A field experiment was carried out during the winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 on sandy clay loam soil of College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to study the effect of incorporation of cotton (Gossypium sp.) stalk on soil-fertility status and yield of succeeding sweet corn (Zea mays L.). The treatments comprised 2 levels of residue management, viz. shredded cotton stalks incorporation and no incorporation, and 5 fertility levels, viz. control, 75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF, 125% RDF and 150% RDF, making 10 treatment combinations. There was no significant impact of residue incorporation on yield and quality parameters of sweet corn over the residue removal but NPK uptake was enhanced with cotton-stalk incorporation. However, higher net returns and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio were obtained with residue removal plots. An application of 150% RDF (300 : 90 : 75 kg NPK/ha) resulted in the significant increase in yield and was at par with 125% RDF (250 : 75 : 62.5 kg NPK/ha). Quality parameter, viz. crude protein (11.6%), was higher with the application of 150% RDF, being at par with 125% RDF. The higher gross returns, net returns and B : C ratio were obtained with 150% RDF. It would be, therefore, advisable to apply 125% RDF (250 : 75 : 62.5 kg NPK/ha) to sweet corn. The interaction effect between residue management and fertility levels was non-significant for all the parameters of sweet corn.

Productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)-based intercropping systems under diverse nutrient management practices in rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2014–2018, to study the productivity and profitability of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-based intercropping under divers nutrient management in rainfed condition. The experiment consisted of 3 intercropping, viz. C1, pigeonpea sole; C2 , pigeonpea + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]; and C3 , pigeonpea + maize (Zea mays L.); and 4 practices nutrient management, viz. N1 , recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); N2 , RDF + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium; N3 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha; and N4 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized-block design with 3 replications. Results revealed that, pigeonpea + blackgram system, showed higher yield of pigeonpea (1.71 t/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.29 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency, (5.84 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.33 %), available N (164.92 kg/ha), P (18.74 kg/ha), K (245.08 kg/ha) and S (11.30 ppm) and microbial population in cfu/g dry soil, and dehydrogenase activity (17.49 μg TPF/g/h), net returns (61.15 × 103 `/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.06) than pigeonpea sole and pigeonpea + maize systems. The combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha proved effective and resulted in significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (1.65 t/ ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.16 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency (4.94 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.34%), available N (161.59 kg/ha), P (18.37 kg/ha), K (241.96 kg/ha) and S (11.92 ppm) and microbial population and dehydrogenase activity (15.56 μg TPF/g/h) and net returns as compared to RDF alone. However, higher net returns (55.4 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment were recorded in combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The pigeonpea + blackgram intercropping and combined application of FYM @ 3 t/ha along with RDF + Rhizobium + PSB improved the organic carbon and increased available N, P and K content in the soil over initial soil value.

Effect of tillage on productivity and soil quality on diversified maize (Zea mays) based cropping system

An experiment was conducted during 2015–16, 2016–17 and 2017–18 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to assess the yield advantage and net returns under conservation agricultural practices. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with 4 tillage systems, viz. conventional tillage (CT), CT + residues at 3 t/ha, zero tillage (ZT) and ZT+ residues at 3 t/ha in main plots, and 3 crop rotations viz., maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize–fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graccum L.) and maize–vegetable peas (Pisum sativum L.) in sub-plots with 3 replications. Maize yield and system productivity were found at par with ZT + residue at 3 t/ha (5.08 and 10.30 t/ha) and CT + residue at 3 t/ha (4.69 and 9.62 t/ha). A higher values of soilbulk density was recorded under ZT and ZT + residue treatments at 3 t/ha at 0–5 cm soil depth at the end of the study period. Maize–fenugreek and maize–vegetable peas gave the higher maize yield in 2015 and 2016. The highest net returns were found in maize–vegetable peas than maize–wheat system.

Performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under different land configurations, irrigation methods and schedules in sandy-loam soil

A field study was carried out during the winter (rabi) season of 2017–18 at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, to study the effect of different land configurations, irrigation methods and schedules on growth, yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The results revealed that at maturity stage, plant height, branches/plant and 100-grain weight increased significantly in raised bed over flat-bed method of sowing. Plant dry-matter, pods/plant, grain weight/plant, grain and straw yields and net return and benefit: cost (B : C) ratio did not differ significantly due to land configuration treatment. Sprinkler irrigation resulted significant increase in growth characters (plant height, branches/plant and total plant dry-matter accumulation) and yield attributes (pods/plant, 100-grain weight and grain weight/plant), grain and straw yields and net return and B : C ratio as compared to check basin irrigation. Combination of sprinkler irrigation method and flat-bed sowing resulted in the highest grain yield (1,325 kg/ha). Under check basin irrigation, raised bed provided 7.8% higher grain yield than flat-bed method of sowing (1,083 kg/ha). Two irrigations at vegetative and pod-development stages resulted in significantly higher plant height, branches/plant, total dry-matter accumulation/plant, pods/ plant, grain weight/plant, grain yield and higher net returns and B : C ratio than single irrigation at either stage.

ASSESSING CHICKPEA PERFORMANCE IN RESPONSE TO SEAWEED EXTRACT APPLICATION

A commercial product derived from seaweed, known as Sagarika granules and Sagarika liquid which play a significant role in regulating plant growth, amino acids, as well as vital macro and micronutrients. The present investigation was carried out with the objective to assess the performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under influence of different doses and methods of application of seaweed extract on growth and yield of chickpea at the Agricultural Research Farm, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand during the Rabi season of 2022-23. The experiment consisted of nine treatments which were replicated three times and laid out in arandomized block design viz. Control (T1), 100% RDF broadcasted (T2), 100% RDF applied in furrow (T3), SWE @ 40 kg/ha broadcasted (T4), SWE @ 40 kg/ha applied in furrow (T5), 75% RDF + SWE @ 10 kg/ha broadcasted + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T6), 75% RDF + SWE @ 10 kg/ha applied in furrow + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T7), 50% RDF + SWE @ 20 kg/ha broadcasted + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T8) and 50% RDF + SWE @ 20 kg/ha applied in furrow + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T9). Application of 75% RDF + SWE @ 10 kg/ha applied in furrow + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T7) resulted in significantly higher grain yield, straw yield and biological yield. The grain yield and straw yield were also be found significantly higher by 25.4% and 26.4% over control. Similarly, higher net return and B:C ratio were recorded with the application of 75% RDF + SWE @ 10 kg/ha applied in furrow + foliar spray of SWE @ 0.25% (T7). Hence, it is concluded that application of 75 % RDF + SWE @ 10 kg/ha applied in furrows + foliar spray of 0.25 % of SWE exhibited higher yield and economics.

Effects of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present study was conducted on loam soil at Agronomy Farm, Mewar University, Gangrar, during the rabi season of 2021-22. Ten treatments consisting of Control, 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 25% N through FYM, 100% T3-100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost, 75% RDN + 25% N through FYM, 75% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost, 50% RDN + 50% N through FYM, 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost 50% RDN + 50% N through vermicompost, 25% RDN + 75% N through FYM, 25% RDN + 75% N through vermicompost and 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer in Randomize Block Design with three replications. The wheat cultivar of Raj-3077 was grown in the experiment.The highest yield attribute and yield were recorded with 100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost through compost which was statistically similar to the treatment of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 25% N through FYM and significantly higher than the 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer and control. Among the different combinations of organic manures with compost of nutrients, the replacement of 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer recorded significantly higher yield attributes and yield along with higher net return and B: C ratio. The treatments with compost of nutrients recorded higher nutrient content and nutrient uptake over 100% RDN + 25% N through vermicompost with inorganic fertilizer. On the basis present study, it may be conducted that the integrated use of the organic source of nutrients can enhance the productivity of the wheat system.

HYDROPONIC LETTUCE (Lactuca sativa L. var. Lalique) PRODUCTION USING COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

This study was carried out to assess commercially available nutrient solutions (Yamasaki, MaterBlend, Snap, Nutrihydro, and Hydroplus) in hydroponic lettuce production in comparison to organic fertilizers (Biovoltin) with water as a negative control. The crop experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture, Camiguin Polytechnic State College-Catarman Campus, Tangaro, Catarman, Camiguin, from January 25, 2022, until March 10, 2022. The study was laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design with seven (7) treatments and three (3) replications at eight plants per treatment. Results of the study showed that considering horticultural growth and root characteristics, lettuce grown on Masterblend produced taller plants, longer leaf blades, and wider canopy, SNAP exhibited broader leaves, and Yamasaki with the greater number of leaves, longer roots, higher root volume, root fresh and total fresh weight while all treatment exhibited a 100% survival rate. In terms of yield, Masterblend had the higher fresh head weight per plant, the weight of marketable head per box, and total yield, Yamasaki, Masterblend, SNAP, and Hydroplus had a higher number of marketable yields, and Hydro plus had a higher harvest index. SNAP was considered best overall in terms of sensory quality attributes and marketability. Using the SNAP solution resulted in higher net return, net profit margin, and return on investment, followed by Masterblend, Hydroplus, and Yamasaki. It can be concluded that using commercially available nutrient solutions affects the growth and yield of lettuce in a hydroponic production system. However, its potential used should be further tested for verification under different growing seasons to elicit substantial conclusions.

Production Potential of Fodder Crops in Sapota Based Hortipasture System under Shallow Degraded Soils in Transitional Tract of Peninsular India

An experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 for 3 consecutive years to study the performance of fodder crops in sapota based hortipasture systems under rainfed conditions on shallow degraded soils. The experiment comprised of 7 treatments viz., sole signal grass, signal grass intercropped with stylosanthes, sole grazing guinea, grazing intercropped with stylosanthes, sole stylosanthes, sole annual fodder sorghum and sole perennial fodder sorghum in 3 years old sapota orchard. The highest green fodder yield in the first year (19.1 t/ha) was observed in perennial fodder sorghum followed by sole signal grass in the second (23.5 t/ha) and third year (26.2 t/ha). Similar trend was observed in dry fodder yield (3.85, 5.76 and 6.58 t/ha in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, respectively). This was followed by intercropped signal grass with stylosanthes. The lowest green and dry fodder yield was observed in sole stylosanthes in all the 3 years (4.9, 8.6 and 9.3 t/ha green fodder and 1.98, 2.65 and 3.05 t/ha dry fodder, respectively). The highest net return (Rs. 31450/ha) and B:C ratio (2.93) in first year was observed with perennial fodder sorghum while signal grass intercropped with stylosanthes recorded higher net returns (Rs. 49940/ha and Rs.56990/ha) and B:C ratio (6.37 and 7.13) in 2nd and 3rd year respectively. There was significant improvement in the organic carbon content, available N, P and K content in the soil as compared to initial status in all the treatments.

Performance of maize and pigeonpea under different sowing dates and cropping systems

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2010–11 and 2011–12 at Dharwad, Karnataka, to study the effect of sowing dates and cropping systems on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under rainfed condition. Pooled data over 2 years indicated that, maize and pigeonpea sown during the first fortnight of June revealed significantly higher grain/seed yield compared to subsequent sowing dates except sowing during the second fortnight of June (7.06 and 1.15 t/ha respectively). Among the cropping systems, sole maize and pigeonpea gave significantly higher grain/seed yield (7.48 and 1.42 t/ha respectively) than the intercropping systems. Among the intercropping systems, maize + piegonpea system in (4 : 2) row ratio recorded significantly higher maize grain-equivalent yield (9.04 t/ha) followed by maize + piegonpea in row (2 : 2) ratio (8.48 t/ha). The later treatment resulted in higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio (` 56,787/ha and 3.17, respectively) than rest of the cropping systems. Among the interaction effects, intercropping of maize + pigeonpea in 4 : 2 row ratio sown during the first fortnight of June recorded significantly higher maize-equivalent yield (10.23 t/ha), net returns (` 66,665/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.16) over other system.

Performance of sequential application of pre and post-emergence herbicides for management of weeds in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2014 and 2015 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V.C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India, to study the performance of sequential application of herbicides in aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). Among the weed-management practices, hand-weeding at 20, 40 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in significantly lower density and dry weight of all categories of weeds, ensuing higher grain yield (5.57 and 5.42 t/ha, respectively); this was closely followed by pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 25 g/ha and by post-emergence application of bispyribac-sodium @ 25 g/ha at 20 days after sowing (5.20 and 5.12 t/ha, respectively) during both the years. However, the higher net returns (`48,210 and 47,040/ha, respectively) and benefit: cost ratio (2.62 and 2.58, respectively), during both the years were obtained from sequential application of herbicide treatment. Uncontrolled weed growth caused about 51% reduction in grain yield of aerobic rice during 2014 and 2015.

Effect of planting density and weed management options on growth and productivity of Indian mustard

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Kalyani, West Bengal, to study the effect of various planting density and weed-management options on growth and productivity of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss.]. The field experiment was conducted in split-plot design with 3 replications, having 30 treatments combinations including 3 planting densities in main-plot, viz. 30 cm × 15 cm, 30 cm × 20 cm and 30 cm × 25 cm; and 10 weed-management options in sub-plots which include pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha, oxadiargyl @ 0.08 kg a.i./ha, pendimethalin @ 1.2 kg a.i./ha, oxadiargyl @ 0.10 kg a.i./ha, pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 days after sowing (DAS), oxadiargyl @ 0.08 kg a.i./ha + one hoeing at 30 DAS, pendimethalin @ 1.2 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS, oxadiargyl @ 0.10 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS, weed free and control. Significantly lower weed density and dry-weight of weight observed with 30 cm × 20 and 30 cm × 15 cm plant spacing. Application of oxadiargyl @ 0.10 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS and pendimethalin @ 1.20 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS, greatly reduced different species of weeds and their dry weight. With various main-plot treatments, higher seed yield (1,838 kg/ha) of mustard was observed with the 30 cm × 20 cm planting and was statistically better than the other plant spacings. These treatments resulted in higher seed yield to the tune of 8.18 and 12.84% over the 30 cm × 15 cm and 30 cm × 25 cm plant spacings. Weed-free situation, resulted in the highest seed yield (2,230 kg/ha) and showed parity with pendimethalin @ 1.2 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS and oxadiargyl @ 0.08 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS. These treatments registered 93.5, 89.8 and 88.8% more seed yield over the control plots respectively. Economics revealed that, 30 cm × 25 cm plant spacing gave the maximum net returns (`29,280/ha) with benefit: cost ratio of 1.70. The highest net returns (33,850/ha) were observed from the treatment of pendimethalin @ 1.2 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS with a benefit: cost ratio of 1.74. This was closely followed by oxadiargyl @ 0.10 kg a.i./ha + 1 hoeing at 30 DAS.

Effect of different organic manures on production of Lepidium sativum under Morus based agroforestry system

Agroforestry is a sustainable land use system that integrates trees and shrubs on farmlands and rural landscapes to enhance productivity, profitability, diversity and ecosystem sustainability. In the present study effect of different organic manures on production of Lepidium sativum (a veterinary galactogogue/medicinal herb) under open conditions and Morus alba based agroforestry system was investigated. The experiment comprised of 8 treatments. It was observed that treatment T7 recorded higher plant height whereas other growth and yield parameter were recorded to be maximum in treatment T6. Highest number of branches, number of main stem, number of pods, yield parameters were observed in treatment T6 while the lowest was recorded in treatment T4. From the economical point of view, the treatment T3 resulted in higher net return (1154.27 USD $ ha-1) and BC ratio (2.44). Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 797-805, 2022 (December)

Popularization of Pearlmillet Production Technology through Front Line Demonstrations in the Transitional plain Zone of Luni Basin of Rajasthan

Front line demonstrations on pearlmillet were carried out by College of Agriculture Sumerpur, Pali (Rajasthan) to study the yield gaps between improved packages of practices (IP) verses farmer’s practice (FP) during Kharif seasons 2019-20 to 2021-22 at Rohit block of Pali district of Rajasthan. The improved technologies consisted use of high yielding hybrids, application of micro nutrients, integrated weed, pest and disease management. Yield attributes of improved practice (IP) and farmers’ practice (FP) were recorded, and percent yield increase, technology gap, extension gap, technology index, and FLD economics were examined. The results revealed that the highest seed yield was obtained in demonstrated plot with an average of 1481 kg ha-1 as compared to 1119 kg ha-1 and recorded an increase in the tune of 32.4 per cent. Higher net return (` 18642 ha -1) in the demonstration plots compared to farmers’ practice plot (` 13719 ha-1) was also net worth with an extension and technology gaps of 362 kg ha-1 and 1319 kg ha-1, respectively on mean basis. The demonstrations also recorded an additional return of ` 4922 ha-1 with additional investments of ` 2062 ha -1. It was attributed to scientific management and monitoring of demonstrations and use of low cost monitory inputs. The MSP of pearl millet during different years influenced the economic returns resulted into an incremental benefit: cost ratio of 2.6 under demonstrations on an average basis besides fluctuating rates of various inputs. By conducting front line demonstration of proven technologies, yield potential of pearl millet crop could be enhanced to a great extent with increase in the income level of the farming community.

POTENTIAL EFFECT OF BED-FURROW PLANTING IMPROVED THE WHEAT GRAINS PRODUCTIVITY UNDER DROUGHT STRESS

Limited water availability in future due to climate change may impact wheat yield and the food security. Therefore, it is necessary to find out the agronomic solutions to reduce the drought induce yield losses in wheat. Planting method affects wheat yield by changing the soil water status and root growth. This 2-year study was designed to evaluate the impact of various planting methods along-with water irrigation deficit regimes at different growth stages on wheat yield and net returns. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications using two-way factorial arrangements. The experiment consisted of five planting methods (PM) viz. conventional broadcasting-PM, ridge-PM, bed-furrow-PM, gap-chat-PM and line-PM; and three water regimes viz., well-watered condition, mild and sever-terminal drought stress (TDS). The results revealed that wheat crop grown under bed-furrow-PM had better morphological growth under well-watered condition, and the crop grown under the same planting method performed better for morphological traits under mild-TDS and sever-TDS during both years. Irrometer Tensiometer was used to check the moisture stress level during terminal drought conditions. Better performance of wheat under mild-TDS and sever-TDS in bed-furrow-PM was the outcome of better antioxidants enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities which was later translated into better wheat yield and high net returns under water stress than other planting methods. In conclusion, bed-furrow-PM is the most suitable method for profitable wheat production in arid and semiarid region under water limited scenarios.

Intercropping for nutrient retention, profitability, and quality bulb production of garlic (Allium sativum L.) under eastern Himalayan foothills region

A two years experiment was laid out to evaluate the effect of intercropping system for soil nutrient retention, profitability, and quality of garlic. The result revealed that the association of garlic and garden pea system recorded maximum garlic equivalent yield (5.99 t/ha). Highest protein content of the bulb (5.20%) was recorded by the garlic + garden pea system and the maximum reducing sugar (2.08%) was found in the garlic + coriander system. Garlic + garden pea intercropping system recorded significant maximum soil nitrogen (123.52 kg/ha) and phosphorus content (50.37 kg/ha) whereas significant maximum soil potassium content (158.45 kg/ha) was recorded in sole coriander plots. However, production economics suggested garlic + garden pea intercropping system was the most remunerative with the highest net return and benefit-cost ratio (Rs. 1, 52,209.23, and 2.67), respectively.

Overwintering Improves Ranunculus Cut Flower Production in the US Intermountain West

Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus L.) cut flower production in the US Intermountain West is limited by a narrow window of optimal temperature ranges in the spring. With the increasing number of Intermountain West cut flower growers, regional management recommendations are needed to improve ranunculus harvest timing and yield. The objectives of this research were to evaluate planting dates, winter insulation, tuberous root (TR) preparation, and cultivar selection for flower timing, yield, quality, and profitability in high tunnel and field production systems. Trials were conducted in a North Logan, UT (41.7665° N, −111.811° W, 1405 m elevation, USDA hardiness zone 5) high tunnel and field from fall 2019 to spring 2022. TRs were either pre-sprouted or directly planted into a high tunnel (left bare or covered with low tunnels) or field (left bare or covered with mulch, a low tunnel, or mulch and a low tunnel) from November to April. High tunnels advanced production by four weeks, nearly doubled total yield, and increased the proportion of quality (longer than 25 cm) stems by 50% compared to the field. Planting pre-sprouted TRs in the high tunnel in November delivered the earliest harvest (6 Apr.), highest marketable yield (286 stems per m2 ± 36 SE), and highest net returns ($54 per m2), with 39% greater marketable yield for ‘LaBelle’ than ‘Amandine.’ Insulation nearly doubled emergence and improved marketable yield by 49 stems per m2 ± 8 SE for November field plantings. Ranunculus production was optimized as a fall-planted high tunnel crop in the Intermountain West but may be fall-planted in the field with insulation, allowing growers to maximize production during more optimal, early-season temperatures.

Using Bio-Fertilizer as Alternative of Mineral Fertilizer at Cauliflower and Cabbage Crops

A screen house experiment at Central Laboratory for Agricultural Climate (CLAC) was carried out to investigate the effect of applied bio-fertilizer on vegetative growth, productivity and chemical contents of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis c.v. Balady) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata c.v. Ganzoury), which transplanting at 21th November (as late transplanting date) 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, and non-using mineral fertilizer. This investigation was arranged in randomized block design with three replications and three application from bio-fertilizer were done (T1) soaked seedling for two hours at specialized liquid media of (Azospirillum lipoferm, Azotobacter choococcum, Bacillus polymyxa and klebsiella pneumoniae) + liquid vinasse as a carrier before transplanting, (T2) added liquid vinasse as a carrier of the previous free nitrogen fixing group to the surface after transplanting and (T3) mixed T1+T2, plus, (T4) control treatment (the recommended dose of mineral fertilizer). Generally, results indicated that, treatments of bio-fertilizer enhanced all tested soil properties and both crops parameters compared to control treatment. Furthermore, the highest values of all properties and parameters were obtained with mixed T1+T2 treatment. In addition, the highest net return and found to be more economical with highest cost:benefit ratio were determined. 

​Production Performance and Economics of Forage Cropping Systems under Irrigated Condition of Western Maharashtra

Background: Green forages have important role in livestock sector as they are the main source of nutrition. Even then there is always deficit in green fodder supply as against the demand. Out of the total cultivated land at national level, area under fodder crops is about 4%. Under these circumstances the only way is to increase the productivity of fodder crops by adopting best forage cropping system. Growing of cereal-legume fodder crops, as intercrop, mixed crop and sequence crop increase the fodder production and also help to meet the balanced diet for livestock. Methods: A field study was conducted at Central Research Station of BAIF Development Research Foundation, Urulikanchan in three successive years from 2013-14 to 2015-16. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design with four replications and six different forage cropping systems. The experiment was conducted in light gravel soil. Result: Among the six different cropping systems studied, significantly higher green fodder yield of 792 q/ha/year, net monetary returns of Rs. 92891/ha/year and benefit-cost ratio of 1.92 was recorded in intercropping sequence of maize + cowpea (kharif), oat + berseem (rabi) and bajra + cowpea (summer). This cropping system has confirmed more fodder production from the cereal and legume inter crops with further additional benefits of provision of high quality fodder and net monetary returns.

Bio-Efficacy of Chemical Insecticides Against Defoliators Spodoptera litura and Achaea janata in Castor

Field experiments on bio-efficacy of chemical insecticides against defoliators Spodoptera litura and Achaea janata in castor was carried out at Main Oilseeds Research Station, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during consecutive three year i.e. 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-2018. All the treatments were significantly superior over untreated check. Results of the experiment indicated that lowest number of larvae per plant for S. litura and A. janata was recorded in the treatment of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006% (0.42 & 0.22 larvae/plant), which was at par with the most of the insecticidal treatments except the treatment of poneem after three days of the first spray. More or less similar trend was observed after 7 and 14 days of first spray as well as 3,7 and 14 days after second spray. The highest net return was recorded in treatment of indoxacarb 14.5 SC 0.0073% (Rs. 31870/-) followed by the treatment chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006% (Rs. 31080/-), spinosad 45 SC 0.009% (Rs.29240/-) and emamectin benzoate 5 % WG 0.002 % (Rs. 26232/-). Looking to the ICBR, the treatment of profenophos 40 % + cypermethrin 4% 44 EC noted the highest ICBR i.e. (1:11.60) followed by the treatment of chlorpyriphos 20 EC 0.05% (1: 10.20), indoxacarb 14.5 SC 0.0073% (1:9.30) and emamectin benzoate 5 % WG 0.002 % (1:7.30).