Increase In Net Return Research Articles

Analysis of yield gap and economic performance of Bengal gram through frontline demonstrations in Davanagere district of Karnataka

ICAR-Taralabalu Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Davanagere has organized front line demonstrations on integrated crop management of Bengal gram in 77 hectares covering 158 farmers in 9 villages for 8 years. The average yield of 3 demonstrated varieties was 744.38 kg/ha. and that of local check was 522.5 kg/ha. The average increase of demonstration yield over local check yield was 40.51 per cent. The average technology gap for 3 varieties was 355.62 kg/ha. and extension gap was 221.88 kg/ha. In 6 years out of 8 years under study technology gap was more than extension gap. The average technology index for 8 years was 31.57 per cent. The average gross return for demonstration and local check was Rs. 27557.76 and Rs. 19359.00, respectively. The average increase in gross return of demonstration over local check was 41.58 per cent. Average increase in net returns compared to demonstration over local check was 77.23 per cent. The frontline demonstrations on Bengal gram helped farmers to realize higher yield and income.

An economic feasibility assessment of autonomous field machinery in grain crop production

A multi-faceted whole farm planning model is developed to compare conventional and autonomous machinery for grain crop production under various benefit, farm size, suitable field day risk aversion, and grain price scenarios. Results suggest that autonomous machinery can be an economically viable alternative to conventional manned machinery if the establishment of intelligent controls is cost effective. An increase in net returns of 24% over operating with conventional machinery is found when including both input savings and a yield increase due to reduced compaction. This study also identifies the break-even investment price for intelligent controls for the safe and reliable commercialization of autonomous machinery. Results indicate that the break-even investment price is highly variable depending on the financial benefits resulting from the deployment of autonomous machinery, farm size, suitable field day risk aversion, and grain prices. The maximum break-even investment price for intelligent, autonomous controls is nearly US$500 000 for the median days suitable for fieldwork when including both input savings and a yield increase due to reduced compaction.

Quantifying the yield gap minimization in lentil (Lens culinaris) under Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLD) conducted in Uttar Pradesh

On-farm cluster front line demonstrations were conducted for lentil crop across the nine districts of Eastern Plain Zone (Faizabad, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Azamgarh, Ballia, Chandauli, Mau, Gazipur and Jaunpur) and six districts of Bundelkhand Zone (Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur, Banda, Jaloun and Chitrakoot) of Uttar Pradesh during rabi season of (2015- 16) in Indian sub-continent. In Eastern Plain Zone an area of 120 ha and in Bundelkhand zone 230 ha area each with plot size of 0.40 ha (1 acre) were included under these demonstrations with active participation of 930 farmers from both the zones. Data were analyzed in terms of yield gap, yield advantages and yield gap minimized for district level, state level and potential yield level of winter pulse crop lentil (Lens culinaris L.). The profitability analysis was also done for these demonstrations. The district level yield gap was computed highest in Bundelkhand (133-296%) followed by in the districts of eastern plain zone (128-158%). The obtained yield advantages helped to minimize the extension gap to maximum extent in districts of eastern plain zone (43-66%). Similar trend was observed in state level yield gap minimization (%) in both the zones of Uttar Pradesh. The potential yield gap minimized (%) at farmer level through demonstration of lentil was computed to be higher (31-52%) for most (3) of the districts of Bundelkhand and remaining districts (2) could witness 15 to 30 percent yield gap minimization except for Banda (7.64%) whereas in other districts of eastern plain zone, the potential yield gap could be minimized only to the extent of 5.43 to 15.43% and for the district Jaunpur, the gap was minimized to as lower extent as 1.62%. The major economic indicators like gross cost (Rupees/ha), gross return (Rupees/ha), net return (Rupees/ha), and B:C ratio were computed both for farmers field and demonstrated plot. The percentage increase in net return over farmers' existing plot and demonstration plot was highest in the district of Mau (219.27%), Sultanpur (115.70%), Jhansi (110.34%), Faizabad (105.57%) and other districts ranged from 18.29 to 88.12% in both the zones of Uttar Pradesh. The above study is, thus, the indicated the practical implications and usability of CFLD in minimizing the yield gap of lentil at the farmers’ fields..

Technology gap, constraint analysis and improved production technologies for yield enhancement of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under arid conditions of Rajasthan

Agriculture is the mainstay of livelihood in arid region of Rajasthan and improvement in the agricultural productivity is one of the most important strategies to reduce poverty, ensuring food and livelihood security in the region. Moreover, the region is highly prone to recurrent drought owing to its harsh and frequent climatic aberrations which limit the scope of sustainable crop production and encourage the degradation of natural resources. Therefore, majority of farming community is engaged in subsistence farming due lack of adequate resources and because of poor and instable crop production, socio-economic status of the farmers is very poor. This has necessitated improvement in agricultural production by imposing improved production technologies. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) are the most important food grain crops grown during rainy season under conserved moisture or limited irrigation condition of the region, but average productivity of both the crops is very low. In addition to unfavourable climatic conditions, use of traditional practices is also important factor responsible for low yield. The present study was therefore conducted in five villages of three districts of arid region of Rajasthan during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to understand socio-economic profile of the farmers and also to study the effect of improved production technologies on the yield and economics of barley and chickpea. The results revealed that majority of the respondents (37.93%) had middle level of education and 55.17% of total respondents belong to medium farm size category. None of the respondents has used improved production technologies as per the recommendations for the cultivation of barley and chickpea crops, indicating 100% adoption gap. Further, all the respondents (100%) viewed low price of crop produce as major constraint followed by lack of marketing facility (96.55%), non-availability of improved seed (89.65%), high cost of cultivation (81.03%) and lack of effective extension agencies (81.03%). The grain yield of barley and chickpea showed remarkable improvement due to adoption of improved production technologies. Increase in the grain yield of barley and chickpea recorded as 19.37 to 24.83% and 28.63 to 38.07% respectively, over farmer’s practice. Increase in net return was obtained up to 43.78% due to improved production technologies of barley and 50.11% in chickpea. However, socio-economic status and livelihood of the farmers can be improved due to the adoption of improved production technologies of crops in arid region of Rajasthan.

Evaluating alternatives to rice-wheat system in western Indo-Gangetic Plains: Crop yields, water productivity and economic profitability

Serious water deficits, diminishing profitability and deteriorating natural resources are threatening agricultural sustainability in many regions of South Asia. High water input and low water productivity of conventional irrigated rice–wheat (RW) systems has led to the depletion of surface water and ground waters in northwest India. Conservation agriculture (CA) practices with precision irrigation management and replacing rice with low water requiring maize crop may help to achieve sustainable crop production in the western Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. A three-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of CA-based management (tillage, crop establishment, residue management mungbean integration), precision water management on crop and water productivity, and economic profitability in RW and maize-wheat (MW) systems. The treatments for RW systems included: i) conventional till rice-wheat with irrigation scheduling at critical growth stages (CTRW); ii) CTRW + mungbean (CTRW + MB); iii) Zero-till RW with residue retention (+R) scheduling precise irrigation (PI) based on soil matric potential approach (ZTRW + R + PI); and iv) ZTRW + MB + R + PI. A similar set of treatments was evaluated for MW systems, except the crops were established on raised fresh beds (FB) and permanent beds (PB). Treatment PBMW + MB + R + PI recorded 38% higher system productivity, saved 1660 mm of irrigation water, increased irrigation + rainfall water productivity (WPI+R,) by 270% and increased net returns by 84% compared to CTRW. ZTRW + MB + R + PI recorded 24, 41 and 37% (3 yrs’ mean) higher system productivity, WPI+R and net returns, respectively, compared to CTRW. System productivity was increased by 19 and 33%, WPI+R by 223 and 29% and net returns by 84 and 57% with ZTRW and PBMW compared to CTRW, respectively irrespective of MB integration and residue management. On average, inclusion of MB in cereal systems (RW/MW) contributed an 18% increase in system productivity and a 15% increase in net returns. CA based sustainable intensification of MW systems (PBMW + MB + R + PI) is a better alternative to RW system (ZTRW + MB + R + PI) as it provides opportunities for saving 79% of precious water, enhancing crop and water productivity by 12 and 145%, respectively along with high (34%) economic benefits thereby helping to arrest decline in ground water table in the North-West IGP of India.

AN ANALYTICAL STUDY FOR EFFECT OF REDUCING WATER VORACIOUS CROP AREAS ON THE CROPPING PATTERN STRUCTURE AND ITS WATER NEEDS

AN ANALYTICAL STUDY FOR EFFECT OF REDUCING WATER VORACIOUS CROP AREAS ON THE CROPPING PATTERN STRUCTURE AND ITS WATER NEEDS

Quantifying the contribution of microbial inoculation and zinc fertilization to growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in different methods of cultivation

A field experiment was conducted at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi in winter (rabi) season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 with the aim to quantity the contribution of two microbial inoculations and zinc (Zn) fertilization to growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment was conducted in split-plot design (variety HD 2967) involving three different methods of cultivation, viz. conventional wheat (CW), system of wheat intensification (SWI) and zero tillage (ZT) as main plot and nine nutrient management options as subplot in each method of cultivation involving recommended dose (N120 P25.8), 75% recommended dose (N90 P19.35), 75% recommended dose + Anabaena sp (CR1) + Providencia sp (PR3) and 75% recommended dose + Anabaena- Pseudomonas (An-Ps) biofilmed formulation with and without Zn which make total eight options along with one absolute control (N0P0Zn0). Zinc was applied to soil @ 5 kg Zn/ha through zinc sulphate heptahydrate. Results of two years study revealed that, contribution of CR1 + PR3 consortia and An-Ps biofilmed formulation to yield improvement is 360 and 370 kg/ha with Zn and 190 and 230 kg/ha without Zn fertilization; while increase in net return was Rupees 5 370 and Rupees 5 520/ha respectively with Zn and Rupees 3 080 and Rupees 3 650/ha without Zn, respectively. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) is more in all inoculated treatments than uninoculated treatment with highest in 75% recommended dose (N90P19.35) + An-Ps biofilmed formulation + Zn (372 μg/g soil) at 90 days after sowing. Total nitrogen uptake was increased by 37.5 and 39.8 kg/ha due to application of CR1 + PR3 consortia and An-Ps biofilmed formulation along with Zn, respectively. Zinc fertilization increased grain yield and net returns by 180 kg/ha and Rupees 2 340/ha, respectively with treatment containing recommended dose (N120P25.8). Total uptake of Zn at harvest was significantly higher in treatment containing recommended dose (N120P25.8) with Zn (327.7 g/ha) than same treatment without zinc application (289.2 g/ha). Zero tillage wheat recorded significantly higher yield (4.56 tonnes/ha) than both conventional (4.33 tonnes/ha) and SWI (4.31 tonnes/ha) methods of cultivation which leads to higher net return in ZT wheat (Rupees 53.86 × 103/ha) than other methods of cultivation. Uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and soil MBC was significantly higher in zero tillage wheat. In nutshell, application of any one inoculation along with 75% recommended dose (N90P19.35) + Zn fertilization was promising nutrient management option by considering their quantifiable contribution and among cultivation methods ZT method found superior than CW and SWI method.

Influence of crop establishment methods on yield, economics and water productivity of rice cultivars under upland and lowland production ecologies of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains

A field study on assessment of crop establishment methods on yield, economics and water productivity of rice cultivars under upland and lowland production ecologies was conducted during wet seasons (June–November) of 2012 and 2013 in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design (SPD) and replicated four times. The main-plot treatments included three crop establishment methods, viz. dry direct-seeded rice (DSR), system of rice intensification (SRI) and puddled transplanted rice (PTR). In sub-plots, five rice cultivars of different groups like aromatic (Improved Pusa Basmati 1 and Pusa Sugandh 5), inbreds (PNR 381 and Pusa 834) and hybrid (Arize 6444) were taken for their evaluations. These two sets of treatments were laid-out simultaneously in two production ecologies, upland and lowland during both years. In general, lowland ecology was found favourable for rice growth and yield and resulted in 13.2% higher grain yield as compared to upland ecology. Rice grown with SRI method produced 19.4 and 7.0% higher grain yield in 2012 and 20.6 and 7.1% higher in 2013, over DSR and PTR. However, PTR yielded 13.1 and 14.5% higher grain over DSR during 2012 and 2013, respectively. On an average, Arize 6444 produced 26.4, 26.9, 28.9 and 54.7% higher grain yield as compared to PS 5, P 834, PNR 381 and IPB1, respectively. Further, the interaction of production ecologies × crop establishment methods revealed that, in upland ecology, SRI recorded significantly higher grain yield as compared to PTR and DSR, but in lowland, grain yield resulting from SRI was similar to the yield obtained with PTR and significantly higher than DSR. The latter two methods (PTR and DSR) yielded alike in lowland ecology in both study years. The production ecologies × crop establishment methods × cultivars interaction on grain yield showed that the growing of Arize 6444 cultivar using SRI method in upland ecology resulted in the higher grain yield (8.87 t/ha). But the cost of production was also highest in SRI followed by PTR and DSR across production ecologies and cultivars. Cultivation of hybrid (Arize 6444) involved higher cost of production than all other cultivars. Irrespective of crop establishment methods and cultivars, gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were significantly higher in lowland compared to upland ecology. Owing to higher grain yield, SRI method fetched significantly higher gross returns and net returns over PTR and DSR. Average increase in net return with Arize 6444 was 68.8, 41.0, 37.7 and 33.1% over IPB 1, PNR 381, P 834 and PS 5, respectively. There was a saving of 30.7% water in SRI and 19.9% in DSR over PTR under upland ecology. Similarly in lowland ecology, water saving of 30.2% was observed in SRI and 21.2% in DSR over PTR. Due to higher yield and saving on water, SRI returned significantly higher total water productivity (TWP) (5.9 kg/ha-mm) as compared to DSR (3.5 kg/ha-mm) and PTR (3.6 kg/ha-mm) under upland ecology. In lowland ecology, also SRI (6.2 kg/ha-mm) resulted in higher TWP as compared to other two methods. However, DSR gave significantly higher TWP as compared to PTR. Among cultivars, hybrid Arize 6444 recorded the highest TWP in both upland and lowland production ecologies across crop establishment methods. Hence, growing of hybrid Arize 6444 with SRI method can enhance rice productivity and water-use efficiency in lowland and upland production ecologies of Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains and in other similar regions.

Energy efficiency, productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) based cropping systems for selected conservation practices

ABSTRACTA field experiment was conducted in split plot design to examine the energy efficiency, productivity, and profitability of 6 rice based cropping systems for selected conservation agricultural (SCA) and the conventional (CNV) practices during the years 2010 to 2012. Results revealed that rice crop grown in wet season with SCA resulted in higher net energy, energy output: input ratio, energy productivity, and net returns as compared to CNV. Also, in the dry season, higher yield, net return, net energy and the net economic water productivity (NEWP) were noted for the SCA. Among the dry season crops, sunflower recorded highest net energy (57.2 GJ ha−1) followed by horsegram and cabbage. The NEWP was highest for babycorn (US $ 0.198 m−3), followed by cabbage and sweetcorn. However, the per cent increase in net return, net energy and the NEWP for SCA as compared to the CNV was highest for horsegram followed by sunflower. Despite having low system productivity, rice-sunflower and rice-horsegram cropping systems were more energy efficient with high net energy of 194.4 and 169.4 GJ ha−1, respectively. These two systems were low water demanding and helped in buildup of soil organic carbon, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Evaluating pest-regulating services under conservation agriculture: A case study in snap beans

Although conservation agriculture (CA) practices including strip-tillage (ST) and cover cropping are promoted largely for their potential benefits for soil quality, uncertainty surrounding their short-term effects on pests often constrains adoption. Quantification of ecosystem services or dis-services associated with pests is an important step in identifying research and policy priorities for improving the performance of CA practices. Using insect, weed and yield data from snap beans in a three year vegetable rotation, we estimated the value of pest-regulating services associated with the adoption of CA, and compared it to establishment and management costs associated with implementing CA.Experimental factors included tillage (full-width tillage [FWT] or ST), cover crops (winter rye [R] or none [NR]) and weed management intensity (low or high). The value of pest-regulating services associated with adoption of CA practices was estimated based on pesticide cost savings associated with reductions in pest densities given action thresholds typical of commercial snap bean production in the North Central United States. CA practices had no detectable impact on snap bean yields relative to FWT-NR, but resulted in significant tradeoffs in weed and insect abundance. For example, in at least one of two years, ST-R had lower densities of potato leafhopper, Powell amaranth and winter annual weeds, but greater densities of tarnished plant bug and large crabgrass compared to FWT-NR. CA practices had variable effects on natural enemies including ladybeetles, spiders and parasitoids, with no consistent impacts relative to FWT-NR. We estimated that CA practices resulted in net pest-regulating dis-services with costs of $33ha−1 for FWT-R, $25ha−1 for ST-NR, and $14ha−1 for ST-R. Under partial adoption of CA (ST-NR), pest-related costs were completely offset by savings in tillage costs, resulting in estimated short-term increases in net returns of $26ha−1. In contrast, complete adoption of CA (ST-R) resulted in greater pest and cover crop management costs that outweighed savings due to reduced tillage, resulting in estimated short-term losses of $165ha−1. In production systems for which effective, low-cost pesticides are unavailable (e.g. low-income countries) or prohibited (e.g. organic systems), the economic impact of pest regulation services is likely to be greater than our estimates suggest. Although CA practices provide several potential long-term ecosystem services at both the farm and landscape level, short-term impacts on pests and yields relative to the costs of implementation are likely to be the major determinant of grower adoption.

Maize-common bean/lupine intercrop productivity and profitability in maize-based cropping system of Northwestern Ethiopia

Cereal-legume intercropping is common in Ethiopia but intercropping of common bean and lupine with maize is a recent practice in maize based cropping system of Northwestern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the appropriate legume species and planting arrangement for higher productivity and profitability of the cropping system. Field experiments were conducted at two sites in Northwestern Ethiopia during the 2012 and 2013 main cropping seasons. Intercropping of common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.), narrow-leaf lupine ( Lupinus angustifolius L.), and white lupine ( Lupinus albus L.) with maize ( Zea mays L.) were conducted under two intercrop planting arrangements (IPA), single row of legume in between maize rows and paired rows of legume in between paired rows of maize and sole cropping of maize as check treatment in randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated that maize grain yield was 16% and 13% more on maize-narrow leaf lupine intercropping with paired and single row IPA, respectively, relative to sole crop maize. Maize equivalent yield and land equivalent ratio were on average 18% and 42%, respectively, higher with intercropping compared to sole cropping. Maize-bean with single and paired row IPA, and the maize-narrow leaf lupine with the paired row IPA produced 28%, 23%, and 20% more maize equivalent yield compared to sole crop maize, respectively. The associated increases in net return were 22%, 17%, and 15%. The results indicated enhanced productivity and economic return of maize-common bean intercropping, which could be scaled up for increasing household food security. Keywords : Cropping system, Economic return, Maize equivalent yield, Land equivalent ratio, Paired row, Single row.

Commercial Vegetable Farming: An Approach for Poverty Reduction in Nepal

Poverty reduction of farmers from Kapilbastu and Kaski districts were evaluated with respect to the vegetable farming where PRISM (Prosperity Realization through Irrigation and Smallholder Markets) technology was implemented. After the implementation of PRISM there has been considerable increase in vegetable farming area in both districts. Numbers of vegetable crops grown were increased with respect to yield and net return from both the winter and summer vegetables. With the opening of organized markets and large scale increase in income, farmers were attracted towards vegetable cultivation that provided wide range of vegetables for consumers as well. Earlier farmers cultivated vegetables only when there would be fallow land after the harvest of main season cereal crops while after the adoption of new technology farmers grew vegetables all the yearround. Among the popular vegetables during summer was cucumber in the hills and okra in the Terai covering more land than other vegetables crops in the study area. These cropshelp farmers achieve net return of NRs.25240.6 and from NRs. 20425.4 per Ropani in Kaski and Kapilbastu, respectively. Land area under vegetables crops were increased by 6 times in Kaski and 12 times in Kapilbastu. This increase in net return has been found as a result of creating better marketing system developed by the activity of the PRISM. Similarly, involvement of household in summer season vegetable was not enough and farmers hired labor for commercial vegetables cultivation.Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN), Vol.4, 2016, page: 92-106

COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF ONE SYNTHETIC BIOSTIMULANTS AND MICROBIAL BIOSTIMULANT (Azospirillum lipoferum) ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE FRUITS.

Foliar sprays with synthetic biostimulants or microbial biostimulants PGPR (plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) were used . They contain amino acids, macro and micro elements, humic acid and vitamins . Also its direct effect in release stimulants, nutrients, antibiotics, biosides and sidrofores or activation of these microorganisms in plant rhizosphere in activation and improving plant growth. This study was carried out during 2013 and 2014 seasons on 10 years old Washington navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck) trees budded on sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) rootstock, grown in a private orchard located at Motobus, Kafr El Sheikh Governorate, to study the effect of synthetic stimulants (Furdose) and microbial biostimulant (Azospirillum lipoferum )on fruit set, dropping, yield and fruit quality. Furdose as a commercial synthetic biostimulant and microbial biostimulant Azospirillum lipoferum were used as foliar application alone or in combination at two stages, before flowering(first mach) or after fruit set(first may) or before flowering and after fruit set. The obtained results revealed that, fruit set and drop percentages, yield and fruit quality were u significantly affected by Furdose and Azospirillum lipoferum treatments alone or in combination in both seasons . The data cleared that, both stimulators enhanced fruit set percentage, yield and fruit quality of Washington navel orange trees . Azospirillum lipoferum alone or combined with Furdose was more effective on improving the productivity and fruit quality .The T6 (foliar spray of A. lipoferum after fruit set), T7 ((foliar spray of A. lipoferum before flowering and after fruit set) and T10 (foliar spray of Furdose plus A. lipoferum before flowering and after fruit set) were the most effective treatments on yield and fruit quality. It increased fruit set, yield and fruit quality in terms of fruit number, fruit kg/tree, fruit firmness, soluble solids content, reducing and total sugars and vitamin C. Fruit drop was decreased without significant differences among them in both seasons. Thus spraying with Azospirillum lipoferum after fruit set T6 ( foliar spray of A. lipoferum after fruit set) ) gave 112.4 and 115.7 kg/tree compared with T7 (foliar spray with Azospirillum lipoferum before flowering and after fruit set) 108.7 and 121.4 kg/tree and T10 ((foliar spray the combination of them before flowering and after fruit set) 114.7 and 130.3 kg/tree during both seasons, respectively . The use of ( Azospirillum lipoferum ) is recommended for increasing fruit yield and quality such as firmness, SSC, V.C and total sugars which may be increase the fruit ability to handling stages and longest shelf life, and gave the highest of net return per feddan and the increase in net return over control. when used alone or with synthetic biostemulants ( Furdose) compared with the use of synthetic biostemulants ( Furdose) alone .

Yield and Forage Value of a Dual‐Purpose bmr‐12 Sorghum Hybrid

ABSTRACTGrain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for rainfed production systems with 2.7 million ha grown in the United States in 2013. The brown‐midrib (bmr) mutations, especially bmr‐12, have resulted in low stover lignin and high fiber digestibility without reducing grain yield in some sorghum lines. However, the effect of the bmr trait on beef cattle (Bos taurus) performance when grazing crop residue is unknown. Our objectives were to validate previous small‐plot results reporting no grain yield difference between near‐isogenic bmr‐12 (BMR) and wild‐type control (CON) A Wheatland × R Tx430 sorghum hybrids in a field‐scale experiment and to determine if BMR stover enhances beef production in a grazing experiment. Four replicated paddocks (2.3 ha) were planted in 2006 and 2008 near Mead, NE. Crossbred yearling steers (240 ± 17 kg hd−1) grazed (2.6 steers ha−1) paddocks following grain harvest for 72 d in 2006 and 61 d in 2008. Forage was sampled 4, 30, and 60 d after grazing began. Grain yield of BMR was 6% less (P = 0.01) than CON with no difference in stover neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content, but BMR stover had higher in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) (31%; P < 0.0001), steer average daily gain (ADG; 0.18 kg hd−1 d−1; P = 0.001), and body weight (BW) gain (29 kg ha−1; P = 0.002), resulting in an estimated increase in net return of $133.84 ha−1 due to BMR. Results suggest that the A Wheatland × R Tx430 bmr‐12 hybrid is an effective dual‐purpose sorghum crop for both grain and beef production.

Economic Evaluation of Implementing Strawberry Season Extension Production Technologies in the U.S. Intermountain West

Strawberry production in the U.S. Intermountain West is limited by harsh climatic conditions and competition from domestic producers and imports. Using season extension methods to combat climatic conditions may be effective but generally increases production costs. This study evaluates the economic returns to implementing high tunnels, low tunnels, and in-ground supplemental heating to strawberry production (Seascape and Chandler cultivars) in northern Utah. The high tunnel provided a net return of $1,943.57 or $15,548.56 per hectare assuming eight high tunnels per hectare. The addition of low tunnels within the high tunnel led to a positive increase in net returns for ‘Seascape’ but not for ‘Chandler’ production. Supplemental in-ground heating increased net returns by up to 50% for both cultivars, primarily as a result of higher pre-season yield and market pricing. Study results find that season extension technologies can successfully increase net returns to strawberry production through early and increased yields, when strawberries are sold primarily through local direct markets.

Feeding strategies and manure management for cost-effective mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms in Wisconsin

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy farms are a major concern. Our objectives were to assess the effect of mitigation strategies on GHG emissions and net return to management on 3 distinct farm production systems of Wisconsin. A survey was conducted on 27 conventional farms, 30 grazing farms, and 69 organic farms. The data collected were used to characterize 3 feeding systems scaled to the average farm (85 cows and 127ha). The Integrated Farm System Model was used to simulate the economic and environmental impacts of altering feeding and manure management in those 3 farms. Results showed that incorporation of grazing practices for lactating cows in the conventional farm led to a 27.6% decrease in total GHG emissions [−0.16kg of CO2 equivalents (CO2eq)/kg of energy corrected milk (ECM)] and a 29.3% increase in net return to management (+$7,005/yr) when milk production was assumed constant. For the grazing and organic farms, decreasing the forage-to-concentrate ratio in the diet decreased GHG emissions when milk production was increased by 5 or 10%. The 5% increase in milk production was not sufficient to maintain the net return; however, the 10% increase in milk production increased net return in the organic farm but not on the grazing farm. A 13.7% decrease in GHG emissions (−0.08kg of CO2eq/kg of ECM) was observed on the conventional farm when incorporating manure the day of application and adding a 12-mo covered storage unit. However, those same changes led to a 6.1% (+0.04kg of CO2eq/kg of ECM) and a 6.9% (+0.06kg of CO2eq/kg of ECM) increase in GHG emissions in the grazing and the organic farms, respectively. For the 3 farms, manure management changes led to a decrease in net return to management. Simulation results suggested that the same feeding and manure management mitigation strategies led to different outcomes depending on the farm system, and furthermore, effective mitigation strategies were used to reduce GHG emissions while maintaining profitability within each farm.

Nutrient uptake, sugarcane yield and economics of high sugar early genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum sp hybrid complex) under various planting seasons and fertility levels in Bihar

A field experiment was conducted for 3 consecutive years (2006-2010) in two seasons (autumn and spring) on sandy loam soil of Bihar, Pusa (Samastipur), to find out the impact of early maturing high sugar genotypes and level of N-P and K fertilization on performance of sugarcane (Saccharum sp hybrid complex). The performance indicated significant superiority of CoSe 95422 to CoP 9301 in terms of germination (35.5 and 34.4 %), tillers (152 700 and 141 400/ha), cane length (204 and 201 cm) and cane diameter (2.32 and 2.25 cm) in autumn and spring season, respectively. CoSe 95422 exhibited significantly higher dry matter accumulation and leaf area index at all the growth stages during both the cropping seasons. Net assimilation rate increased substantially at the initial crop growth stages and declined thereafter. Genotype CoP 9301 achieved higher NAR (6.34 and 5.66 g/m2/day) during June- August, though it was failed to reach the level of significance during August-October. Number of millable canes exhibited marked variation among the genotypes in both the seasons. CoSe 95422 produced significantly highest cane yield during autumn (81.0 tonnes/ha) and spring season (73.2 tonnes/ha) respectively. The percentage increase in mean cane and sugar yield by autumn planted sugarcane over spring planted sugarcane was 9.7 and 11.27 %, respectively. However, maximum sugar yield was obtained by CoSe 95422. Further, it showed significantly higher N (206.8 and 176.5 kg/ha), P (18.5 and 16.9 kg/ha), K uptake (239.4 and 204.0 kg/ha), net return (` 55 430 and ` 46 500) and benefit: cost ratio (1.86 and 1.75) during autumn and spring season, respectively. Fertility level had significant impact on drymatter accumulation and leaf area index across the season as well as stages of growth. Significantly higher tillers (140 300 and 131 000/ha), cane length (208 and 204 cm), cane diameter (2.34 and 2.26 cm), millable cane (102 100 and 100 300/ha) and cane yield (85.2 and 77.6 tonnes/ha) were obtained with the application of 187.5 N + 46.4 P + 62.3 K kg/ha in autumn and spring season, respectively. Though all of these parameters except cane diameter in spring season were statistically similar to 150 N + 37.1 P + 49.8 K kg/ha. A significant increase in cane and sugar yield was observed up to 150 N + 37.1 P + 49.8 K kg/ha. The magnitude of increase in cane yield at 187.5 N + 46.4 P + 62.3 K, 150 N + 37.1 P + 49.8 K kg/ha over 112.5 N + 27.8 P + 37.4 K kg/ha were 37.6 and 30.9%, respectively, during autumn season. Whereas, these increased 35.7 and 28.0% respectively during spring season. Though, significant variation in sugar yield up to 150 N + 37.1 P + 49.8 K kg/ha was noticed during both the season. There was a significant increase in net return by increasing level of N+P+K/ha during both the season. Though, marked variation in benefit: cost ratio (1.87 and 1.75) was observed only up to 150 N + 37.1 P + 49.8 K kg/ha during autumn and spring season, respectively.

Biomass yield, essential oil yield and quality of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Her.) as influenced by intercropping with garlic (Allium sativum L.) under subtropical and temperate climate of India

Rose scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L. Her.), a perennial herb is grown for the production of high value essential oil that finds extensive use in flavouring and fragrance industries. Geranium is propagated through rooted stem cuttings or fresh terminal stem cuttings .at a row spacing of 60cm. Its initial growth rate is very slow, to utilize the uncovered inter row space and other applied and natural growth resources and to enhance the productivity, attempts were made to work out the optimum row ratio of garlic (Allium sativum L.) intercropped with geranium to get bonus yield of garlic without affecting oil yield of geranium. Field experiments were conducted for two growing seasons (October–June) of 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 under subtropical climate at Lucknow and temperate climate at Purara. Intercropping of two rows of garlic between the two rows of geranium planted at 60cm row spacing and 30cm plant spacing produced 1860 and 2400kgha−1bonus yield of garlic bulb without any significant reduction in geranium essential oil yield. It resulted in 59 and 60.5% increase in land use efficiency and 29.3 and 81.3% increase in net return over sole geranium at Lucknow and Purara, respectively.

EVALUATION OF SELECTED Azospirillum SP. ISOLATES FOR IAA PRODUCTION AND THEIR POTENTIAL IMPACT ON IMPROVING GROWTH, YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF 'ANNA' APPLE TREES

Foliar spray with the diluted PGPR(plant growth promoting rhizobacteria) cultures had utmost importance due to its content and release of stimulants, nutrients, antibiotics, biocides and siderofores. Potentiality of these microorganisms, in plant rhizosphere, in activation and improving of plant growth as will as increasing plant tolerance to different plant biotic and abiotic stresses have been proved. However, microbial types and even microbial strains varied for their potentiality to adapt, inhabit and release of stimulants and phytochemicals. A number of Azospirillum sp. isolates were isolated from phyllosphere of apple, orange, lemon, mango and guava trees, grown at El-Bostan area, Egypt. These isolates were used in spray of apple trees with the dose of 20 and 40 L/feddan compared to water spray control. Foliar spray of apple trees with all Azospirillum isolates notably induced the plant growth and increased fruit yield, but did not significantly affected fruit quality. However, the used isolates largely varied in their efficiency and potentiality. A3 isolate was the superior followed by A7 which attained the highest increases in shoot length, shoot diameter, leaf area, leaf dry weight leaf content of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll as will as fruit yield over those of control treatment. But, the quality parameters, i. e., SSC (soluble solids content), acidity, firmness and color did not show consistent significant variations. The treatments of spray with Azospirillum isolates attained high increase in net return (L E/fed), the spray with the treatments of A7D (isolated from mango phyllosphere and used with the rate of 40 L/fed.) and A7R, which isolated from mango phyllosphere and used with the rate of 20L / fed.) were the superior treatments which achieved increases in net return over that of control (water spray) by 6120 and 6200 L E/fed respectively, followed by A3R (isolated from phyllosphere of apple and applied with 20 L/fed.) which gave 5595 L E/fed. It is noted that the microbial culture dose of 40 L/fed had no significant differences than the application of 20 L/fed. Therefore, we recommend the spray with an efficient Azospirillum isolate like A3 or A7 with the dose of 20 L/fed, and it is also of importance to condense studies on isolation and evaluation of these microorganisms to select the most efficient strains for use, as inoculants, in spray of apple trees.

Economic implications of replacing synthetic nitrogen with clovers in a cool-season annual pasture production system

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> The objective of this research was to determine the effects of white clover additions to wheat-ryegrass pastures on steer performance and pasture production economics. Over 4 yr, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.) Husnot] pastures were established either with white clover (WRG + CL) or with commercial N fertilizer (WRG + N). Each fall steers (243 ± 14.3 kg) were placed on pastures at a stocking density of 3.7 steers/ha. In the spring, a second set of steers (243 ± 20.8 kg) was placed on pasture with stocking density adjusted as necessary to maintain equivalent forage mass across pastures. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with year as the block and pasture as the experimental unit. In the fall ADG (0.99 ± 0.13 kg/d) and total BW gain per calf (54.7 ± 6.4 kg) did not differ (P ≥ 0.16) by treatment. Spring BW gain per steer (80.8 ± 9.9 kg) did not differ (P = 0.37) between WRG + N and WRG + CL, although steers grazed WRG + CL pastures 10 d longer (P < 0.01) than WRG + N. During the spring, ADG on WRG + N was 0.23 kg/d greater (P < 0.01) than that on WRG + CL. Grazing days per hectare did not differ (P = 0.67), but WRG + N tended (P = 0.10) to produce greater BW gain per hectare. Net return per hectare of WRG + CL was $140/ha greater (P = 0.03) than that of WRG + N. Reduced N fertilization cost with subsequent reduction in cost of gain led to increases in net return even in light of reduced productivity with WRG + CL.