Integrated Nutrient Management Research Articles

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Cultivars

The field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm-I, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow (U.P.) during the rabi season of 2021-22 to study the Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Cultivars. Three varieties and thirteen nutrients with three replications were evaluated in a Factorial Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that the maximum TSS (4.14), ascorbic acid (33.78), pH juice (7.15), dry matter content in leaves % (7.93), and dry matter content in root % (7.32) were noted in variety Kashi Mooli-40. The maximum fresh weight of leaves (269.86g), length of root (21.59cm), weight of root (159.44g), root yield kg/plot (4.01kg) and root yield (533.84 q ha-1) is observed in variety Kashi Mooli-40 and in case of nutrients the TSS (5.11), ascorbic acid (33.74), pH juice (7.26), dry matter content in leaves % (8.80), and dry matter content in root % (10.04) was observed in treatments N5 during growth characters. At the same time, the maximum fresh weight of leaves (272.50g), weight of root (171.23g) and root yield (572.93 q/ha) were recorded in treatments N5 (RDF 75% + Azotobacter + PSB).

A Polysaccharide-Based Integrated Nutrient Management System Enhances the Antioxidant Properties in Origanum dictamnus (Lamiaceae), a Valuable Local Endemic Plant of Crete

Origanum dictamnus L. (Lamiaceae), a local endemic plant of Crete (Greece), creates polysaccharide-containing subcuticular compartments presenting biological activity against phytopathogenic fungi, and, among others, significantly affects the fungal cell wall polysaccharides. This field study introduces a fertilization scheme for O. dictamnus, which was developed and refined to optimize the yield as well as critical herbal quality aspects. Five fertilization schemes were investigated, based on a polysaccharide-based Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), a mixture of conventional inorganic fertilizers (ChF) and two biostimulants (not algae) via foliar and soil application. Plant growth, together with leaf chlorophyll fluorescence and color (SPAD meter, DA meter, Chroma Meter) were determined. The leaf content of chlorophyll, three critical antioxidant compounds (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols) and nutrients were also assessed. Considering all three antioxidants together, the enhanced efficiency, non-toxic, water-soluble, polysaccharide-based INM by foliar application was the most stimulatory scheme, playing an important role in plant growth and development. The present field study provides, for the first time, baseline fertilization data improving key herbal quality features in O. dictamnus and unravels the attainment of high antioxidant properties. The latter may be exploited in favor of its further utilization as a raw material for tea preparation, medicinal purposes, natural food flavoring and/or food preservative.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient Use Efficiencies and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays. L): A Review

A young, unfertilized, dehusked maize ear that has just started to multiply is called baby corn (the baby phase of the maize cob). It is usually harvested when the silk is between two and three cm long, two to three days following silking. Depending on the agro-climatic circumstances, baby maize can be grown three to four times a year after maturing for 60 to 75 days. As a pre-kharif crop with a brief growing phase, baby maize provides a distinct benefit by making use of fields that would otherwise stay fallow during the periods when rice and wheat are turning over. Higherearnings can be made from the early harvest and selling of baby maize ears. Additionally, untranslocated photosynthates remaining in the green stover can be used as a good source of nutrient-rich green fodder for live stock, which boosts the production of dairy products and meat.
 As the crop with the highest nutritional content, baby maize needs exceptionally high-quality nutrients to be used efficiently and to increase yield. Although the production of baby corn can be increased by applying artificial fertiliser, doing so will eventually compromise the sustainability of the expanding field. Furthermore, farmers' financial stability and soil health can be preserved by replacing a portion of chemical fertilisers with organic sources of nutrients. However, the replacement of 25% and 50% of the nitrogen with organic sources (FYM/Vermicompost/Poultry Manure) had a greater positive impact on the production of baby maize, the yield of fodder, the quality and economics of the nutrient uptake, and the soil fertility status.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity and Quality of Rice

The present field experiment was conducted at crop research farm Nawabganj of C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology Kanpur, under the Central Plain zone of Uttar Pradesh, during Kharif season of 2018. The experiment comprised of 9 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications consisted of T1: Control, T2: 100 % RDF(120:60:60), T3: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as FYM, T4: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as CWC, T5: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as PM, T6: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as FYM + CWC, T7: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as CWC+ PM, T8: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as FYM + PM, T9: 75 % RDF + 25 % N as FYM + PM + CWC. On the basis of the results emanated from present investigation, it could be concluded that application of 75 % RDF + 25 % N as FYM + PM + CWC applied in rice to significantly increases yield attributes, yield and protein content. Results showed that maximum among the different fertility levels, application of T7 [75 % RDF + 25 % N as CWC + PM] significantly enhanced productivity parameters i.e. grain yield and straw yield over the control.

Sustainable intensification of climate-resilient maize–chickpea system in semi-arid tropics through assessing factor productivity

Global trends show that the rapid increase in maize production is associated more with the expansion of maize growing areas than with rapid increases in yield. This is possible through achieving possible higher productivity through maize production practices intensification to meet the sustainable production. Therefore, a field experiment on “Ecological intensification of climate-resilient maize–chickpea cropping system” was conducted during consecutive three years from 2017–2018 to 2019–2020 at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Results of three years pooled data revealed that ecological intensification (EI) treatment which comprises of all best management practices resulted in higher grain yield (7560 kg/ha) and stover yield compared to farmers’ practice (FP) and all other treatments which were deficit in one or other crop management practices. Similarly, in the succeeding winter season, significantly higher chickpea yield (797 kg/ha) was recorded in EI. Further EI practice recorded significant amount of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron after completion of third cycle of experimentation (0.60%, 235.3 kg/ha,21.0 kg/ha,363.2 kg/ha,0.52 ppm and 5.2 ppm respectively). Soil enzymatic activity was also improved in EI practice over the years and improvement in each year was significant. Lower input energy use was in FP (17,855.2 MJ/ha). Whereas total output energy produced was the highest in EI practice (220,590 MJ ha−1) and lower output energy was recorded in EI–integrated nutrient management (INM) (149,255 MJ/ha). Lower energy productivity was noticed in EI-INM. Lower specific energy was recorded in FP and was followed by EI practice. Whereas higher specific energy was noticed is EI–INM. Each individual year and pooled data showed that EI practice recorded higher net return and benefit–cost ratio. The lower net returns were obtained in EI-integrated weed management (Rs. 51354.7/ha), EI-recommended irrigation management (Rs. 56,015.3/ha), integrated pest management (Rs. 59,569.7/ha) and farmers’ practice (Rs. 67,357.7/ha) which were on par with others.

Effect of Biofertilizers and Nutrients on Mustard (Brassica juncea): A Review

This review explores the impact of biofertilizers and nutrients on mustard (Brassica juncea) cultivation. Mustard, a vital oilseed crop in India, faces challenges such as low productivity and environmental concerns due to excessive chemical fertilizer usage. The paper emphasizes the significance of integrated nutrient management, combining chemical and organic sources, including biofertilizers. The study evaluates the effects on various growth parameters, yield attributes, economic aspects, soil nutrients, and microbial properties. Biofertilizers applications, particularly Azotobacter, PSB and SSB, show promising results in enhancing growth metrics, yield, and nutrient uptake. The judicious combination of chemical fertilizers and biofertilizers demonstrates the potential for improving mustard crop productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.

Optimizing tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum</i> L.) growth, yield and soil quality with inorganic n and farmyard manure in Sudan Savanna of Nigeria

Field study was carried out in 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 dry seasons at the Nigeria Institute of Horticultural Research Sub-station Bagauda, Kano State, of Nigeria to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on tomato growth, yield and soil properties under irrigated conditions. Treatments consisted of combination of Nitrogen (N) urea + Farmyard manure (FYM) as follows: T1 = Control, T2 = 50% N (60 kg N ha-1) T3 = 100% N (120 kg N ha-1), T4 = 5 t ha-1 FYM, T5 = 10 t ha-1 FYM, T6 = 25% N + 7.5 t ha-1 FYM, T7 = 50% N + 5 t ha-1 FYM, T8 = 75% N + 2.5 t ha-1 FYM and T9 = 100%N +10 t ha FYM. A basal application of 60 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O at land preparation in all plots and nitrogen was applied in two splits at 2 and 6 weeks after transplant (WAT) while FYM was applied two weeks before transplanting (on air dry matter basis). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design and replicated four (4) times with the experimental plots (basins) measuring 3 × 3 m. Data were collected on some growth and yield parameters, and soil quality attributes after the experiment on each treatment plot. The result revealed that the application of 50% N + 5 t ha-1 of FYM significantly (p<0.05) improved soil organic carbon, total soil N and narrowed the C:N ratio. Crop growth response was significantly influenced by application of 10 t ha-1 FYM + 100% N when compared to control. However, yield and yield components of tomato significantly responded to combined application of 50% N + 5 t ha-1 FYM beyond which addition of N or FYM did not produced any significant increase in yield and yield components. It is concluded that combined application of 50% N + 5 t ha-1 FYM was found adequate for tomato productivity and improvement of soil organic status.

Influence of rice straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa) under rice (Oryza sativa)–potato-onion cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2019–20 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the influence of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of potato and onion (Allium cepa L.) in direct-seeded rice (DSR)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–onion cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, consisting of 4 rice residue and nutrientapplication treatments in potato in main plots and 4 nutrient application treatments in onion in subplots, replicated 4 times. Results showed that, growth and yield-attributing characters of potato increased significantly with the incorporation of rice residue and application of FYM. Tuber yield (34.0 t/ha) as well as nutrient uptake was significantly higher when rice residue was incorporated with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50 t/ha FYM in potato. Growth and yield attributes of onion were significantly higher with the application of 100% (RDF) + 50 t/ ha FYM along with the incorporation of rice residue in preceding potato and among the nutrient application treatments in onion, 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment was significantly superior to rest of the treatments. Significantly higher bulb yield was also obtained under these treatments. The interaction between rice residue and nutrient-management treatments in potato and nutrient-application treatments in onion was significant for bulb yield of onion, which was significantly higher with the combination of 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment in onion when rice residue was incorporated with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM in preceding potato (35.8 t/ha) than all other treatment combinations, but it was statistically at par with the application of 100% RDF alone in onion when preceding potato received the same level of nutrients. Thus, in DSR-potato–onion cropping system, 50 t FYM/ha could be saved in onion crop when previous potato crop was supplied with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM along with rice– residue incorporation without any yield reduction.

Organic farming practices in rainfed lowland rice in hill zone of Karnataka, India

A large-scale field trial was conducted at Agricultural Research Station (Paddy), Sirsi of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Sirsi, Karnataka, India, during 2004–15 on a fixed site, to study the effect of different organic farming practices on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) under inorganic and integrated nutrient-management practices. The trial consisted of 5 treatments, viz. T1 , Organic [75% N through organic manures + 100% organic plant protection (PP) measures]; T2, organic [100% N through organic manure + 100% organic plant protection (PP) measures]; T3 , integrated nutrient management [50% N through organic manures + 50% RDF + integrated PP measures]; T4 , inorganic treatment [recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) alone + inorganic PP measures]; and T5 , recommended practice (RDF + FYM 10 t/ha + integrated PP measures). The rice variety ‘Abilash’ was grown during the rainy (kharif) season with these treatments. At the end of 12th year, i.e. during 2015, the grain yield recorded in treatment T2 (6.418 t/ha) was the maximum and was found on a par with T5 (6.328 t/ha). How-ever, the straw yield was the maximum in T5 (7.577 t/ha), being at par with T2 (7.494 t/ha). The net returns realized were significantly highest with treatment T2 (`41,045/ha) compared to all the other treatments. The soil organic carbon (0.77%), available major (221.2, 22.0 and 67.0 kg/ha of N, P and K, respectively) and micro-nutrients (515.5, 100.8, 5.6 ppm of calcium, magnesium and zinc, respectively and 7.6 kg/ha of sulphur) were also higher with treatment T2 .

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

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

The Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Trifolium alexandrinum Varietal Performance in the Indo-Gangetic Plains: A Comparative Yield and Economic Analysis

The importance of selecting an appropriate berseem variety and implementing effective nutrient management practices is crucial for maximizing both the production and economic potential of forage crops. This was clearly demonstrated in a field experiment conducted during the rabi seasons of 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. The experimental setup was a factorial randomized block design incorporating five berseem varieties (Mescavi, HB-1, HB-2, BL-10, and BL-42) and five integrated nutrient management practices: 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) or NM-1, 75% RDF + plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or NM-2, 75% RDF + municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) or NM-3, 75% RDF + farmyard manure (FYM) + PGPR or NM-4, and 50% RDF + MSWC + PGPR or NM-5. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the physio-morphological responses, biomass yield, and economic efficiencies of different berseem varieties under various nutrient management practices. The experimental results highlighted the superior performance of the BL-42 variety in terms of growth and yield attributes compared to the other tested berseem varieties. Specifically, BL-42 showed an enhancement in total green fodder yield by 17.10%, 26.60%, 37.75%, and 28.04% over the varieties BL-10, HB-2, HB-1, and Mescavi, respectively. Moreover, the application of the 75% RDF + FYM + PGPR treatment (NM-4) significantly boosted the total green fodder yield by 13.08%, 14.29%, 34.48%, and 39.02% over the 75% RDF + MSWC, 100% RDF, 75% RDF + PGPR, and 50% RDF + MSWC + PGPR treatments, respectively. In terms of economic returns, BL-42 achieved a significantly higher gross return (GR) and net return (NR) of 194,989 ₹/ha and 145,142 ₹/ha, respectively, compared to the GR and NR of BL-10 (166,512 and 116,665 ₹/ha, respectively). Similarly, the nutrient management practice of 75% RDF + FYM + PGPR recorded the highest GR and NR (191,638 and 137,346 ₹/ha, respectively) compared to the 100% RDF treatment (167,593 and 120,716 ₹/ha, respectively). These findings underscore the critical role of variety selection and tailored nutrient management in optimizing both the yield and economic gains in forage crop cultivation. The significant differences in production and returns highlight the potential of targeted agronomic strategies to enhance the profitability and sustainability of forage farming.

Integrated Nutrient Management Boosts Inflorescence Biomass and Antioxidant Profile of Carlina diae (Asteraceae)—An Endangered Local Endemic Plant of Crete with Medicinal and Ornamental Value

Due to the combined climate and biodiversity crisis, the sustainable utilization of phytogenetic resources stands as a one-way alternative, while nutrient management strategies are gaining an increasing role in agriculture. Building on previous studies regarding the Endangered local endemic of Crete (Greece) Carlina diae (Asteraceae), with medicinal and ornamental value, this investigation focused on its pilot cultivation and fertilization (foliar or soil application). Foliar application comprised inorganic fertilization (conventional) or integrated nutrient management (INM). Soil application consisted of conventional inorganic fertilizers, biostimulants, or INM with biostimulants. Above-ground biomass content of nutrients, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and color parameters (SPAD meter, DA meter, Chroma Meter) were estimated. The leaf chlorophyll content, three key antioxidant compounds, and nutrient titers were also determined. The fertilization scheme did not influence plant growth and visually perceived quality (leaf color and shape). Notably, foliar INM fertilization increased biomass partitioning to inflorescences (harvestable organs for either medicinal or ornamental purposes) and decreased tissue water content (facilitating processing). Considering all three antioxidants together, INM with biostimulant appeared the optimum scheme, being associated with the highest (carotenoids, phenolics) or the second highest (flavonoid) content. In C. diae, therefore, INM fertilization was optimal for upgrading yield (foliar) and herbal quality in terms of antioxidant profile (INM with biostimulant), which might be embraced as an eco-friendly approach for high-quality yields.

DNA Barcoding and Fertilization Strategies in Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca, a Local Endemic Plant of Crete with High Medicinal Value.

Herein, we applied DNA barcoding for the genetic characterization of Sideritis syriaca subsp. syriaca (Lamiaceae; threatened local Cretan endemic plant) using seven molecular markers of cpDNA. Five fertilization schemes were evaluated comparatively in a pilot cultivation in Crete. Conventional inorganic fertilizers (ChFs), integrated nutrient management (INM) fertilizers, and two biostimulants were utilized (foliar and soil application). Plant growth, leaf chlorophyll fluorescence, and color were assessed and leaf content of chlorophyll, key antioxidants (carotenoids, flavonoids, phenols), and nutrients were evaluated. Fertilization schemes induced distinct differences in leaf shape, altering quality characteristics. INM-foliar and ChF-soil application promoted yield, without affecting tissue water content or biomass partitioning to inflorescences. ChF-foliar application was the most stimulatory treatment when the primary target was enhanced antioxidant contents while INM-biostimulant was the least effective one. However, when the primary target is yield, INM, especially by foliar application, and ChF, by soil application, ought to be employed. New DNA sequence datasets for the plastid regions of petB/petD, rpoC1, psbK-psbI, and atpF/atpH were deposited in the GenBank for S. syriaca subsp. syriaca while the molecular markers rbcL, trnL/trnF, and psbA/trnH were compared to those of another 15 Sideritis species retrieved from the GenBank, constructing a phylogenetic tree to show their genetic relatedness.

Optimization of Chemical Fertilizer through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Approach and its Effect on Growth and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment to test the optimization of chemical fertilizer use through Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) approach and its effect on growth and yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) was carried out at Rampur agricultural field of Doon (P.G) College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand during the rabi season 2021-2022. The experiment comprised of nine treatments of organic and inorganic nutrient combination, viz T1- Control (No Fertilizer), T2- Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) (80:60:40 kg/ha), T3- 100 % vermicompost (6.0 t/ha), T4- 75% Farm Yard Manure (FYM) (15.0 t/ha) + 25% RDF (20:15:10 kg/ha), T5- 50% RDF (40:30:20 kg/ha) + FYM (5.0 t/ha) + green manure (2.5 t/ha) + gypsum (10.0 kg/ha), T6-50% RDF (40:30:20 kg/ha) + vermicompost (3.0 t/ha)+ gypsum (5.0 kg/ha), T7- 75% RDF (60:45:30 kg/ha) + vermicompost (2.5 t/ha), T8- 75% RDF (60:45:30 kg/ha) + vermicompost (1.5 t/ha) + green manure (1.5 t/ha), T9- 75% RDF (60:45:30 kg/ha) + FYM (1.5 t/ha) + vermicompost (1.0 t/ha) + green manure (1 t/ha) + gypsum (10.0 kg/ha), laid out in randomized block design with three replication. The results of experiment revealed that there was increase in plant growth parameters in the treatment T9, followed by treatment T8 and T5, respectively. Moreover, the maximum seed yield (2240.39 kg/ha) was observed under T9 over control, where no fertilizer application was applied. The present investigation established the fact that integrated use both organic and inorganic fertilizer can be recommended to the farmers as one of the key strategies for enhancing crop response in terms of growth and yield of mustard.

Improvement of soil health and nutrient transformations under balanced fertilization with integrated nutrient management in a rice-wheat system in Indo-Gangetic Plains – A 34-year Research outcomes

The impact of integrated nutrient management seems crucial for the sustainability of crop production as revealed by studies on long-term experiments. It provided the opportunity to monitor long-term variations in crop yields and associated factors. The impacts of various nutrient management strategies on yields and soil attributes in a rice-wheat system have been researched under a long-term experiment that has been running since 1983 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Further, a positive correlation has been observed between crop yields and soil properties such as soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn). The negative correlation with K could be attributed to soil becoming deficient in K and necessitating the application of potassium fertilizer. The treatments receiving organic manures (green manure, farmyard manure and wheat cut straw) showed a better population of soil microorganisms in comparison to the treatments receiving chemical fertilizers, thereby proving as precursors of sustaining soil health. The best soil characteristics (water-soluble aggregates, exchangeable and non-exchangeable K, fixed and total K) after rice and wheat harvesting were found where 50 % of the recommended NPK was supplemented with farmyard manure (FYM). The build-up of trace elements particularly for Fe and Zn was also noticed. In crystalline Fe oxide bound fraction (CFeOX), Fe increased between 717.1 and 984.8 mg kg−1, while Zn increased between 2.64 and 3.08 mg kg−1. Furthermore, amorphous iron oxide (AFeOX), CFeOX, carbonate (CARB), organic matter (OM) bound and exchangeable (EXCH) Fe and Zn were higher in treatments where organic manures were supplemented with 50 and 25 % N. Farmyard manure showed an incremental trend, followed by wheat cut straw and green manure (GM). The incremental trend in soil quality was noticed with FYM followed by wheat cut straw and GM.

Influence of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield and quality of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Influence of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth, yield and quality of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

UNVEILING THE NATURE OF CARBON DECOMPOSITION ON DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURE SOURCES: THE IMPACT OF TEMPERATURE REGIMES IN A SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE

Organic sources are vital for crop nutrient management, but nutrient release from organic manure depends on temperature and other factors. We conducted a laboratory incubation study to investigate how temperature (15, 25, 35°C) affects the decomposition of common organic manure, which has not yet been explored in Bangladesh. The organic manures used in this study are poultry manure (PM), vermicompost (VC), bio-slurry (BS), cow dung (CD), water hyacinth compost (WHC) and rice straw compost (RSC), which were compared with a control treatment (only soil). Carbon mineralisation and CO2 emission from microbial respiration varied among organic manures and temperature regimes. The RSC- and WHC-treated soils had a higher C mineralisation than the other manures at 35°C. The mineralisation of C among the organic manures followed the order: RSC > WHC > CD > VC > BS > PM > control. Among the temperature regimes, C mineralisation followed the order 35°C > 25°C > 15°C. Manure mineralisation was associated with mineralisable C pools (carbon availability factor, Caf), and 16.4–36.5% organic C was released. Irrespective of temperature regimes, the highest easily mineralisable Caf was recorded in PM-amended soil, followed by VC-amended soil. RSC had the lowest Caf under all temperature regimes. The Caf values of all incubated manures were higher under a 35°C temperature regime. Compost preparation from organic manure and its utilisation as an integrated nutrient management component can play essential roles in mitigating climate change, reducing environmental degradation, and building more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.

Effect of Balance and Imbalanced Fertilization on Soil Physical Properties, Growth and Yield of Rice in Chhattisgarh, India

Effect of balance and imbalanced fertilization on soil physical Properties, nutrient uptake, growth and yield of rice in Chhattisgarh was studied under long-term fertilizer experiment during kharif 2019-20 at research farm of Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (C.G.). The experiment comprised of different levels or doses of NPK fertilizers alone and in combination with zinc sulphate, farmyard manure (FYM), blue green algae (BGA) and green manuring (GM) was laid out in randomized block design with four replications and ten treatments viz. Control, 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK+ZnSO4@ 10kgha-1,100% NP, 100% N, 100% NPK + FYM @5t ha-1, 50% NPK+BGA@ 10kg ha-1 and 50% NPK + GM @40kg ha-1. The results showed that the physical properties like total porosity, gravimetric and volumetric moisture content, hydraulic conductivity, infiltration rate, water stable aggregates and mean weight diameter of the soil were increased, while the bulk density was reduced significantly with the 100% NPK FYM treatment over all other treatments. However, the use of imbalanced (100% N and 100% NP) fertilizer, super optimal (150% NPK) and sub optimal (50% NPK) rate of inorganic fertilizer as compared to the unfertilized control showed significant effect on the physical properties of soil. Integrated nutrient management practice including FYM and recommended dose of NPK showed as best treatment with respect to growth and yield parameters like plant height, no. of tillers and no. of grains as compare to other treatments. The grain (5065 kg ha-1) and straw (7075 kg ha-1) yield of rice was registered higher in 150% NPK treatment followed by 100% NPK FYM treatment (4855 kg ha-1 and 6565 kg ha-1) and lowest in control treatment (2350 kg ha-1 and 2680 kg ha-1).

Energy and Economic Efficiency of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) under Upland Paddy Cultivation at High Elevations of North-East India

Background: The study looks at integrated nutrient treatments’ energy requirements and the link between energy input and output and economic benefits. The experiment was conducted during 2019 to 2020 to compare the energy budget and monetary returns under INM modules in upland paddy. Methods: A total of 12 organic, inorganic and INM modules were evaluated employing randomised block design. Fertilizers, organic manures, bio-fertilizers viz., Azospirillum lipoferum, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, potassium mobilizing bacteria, Glomus and zinc solubilizing bacteria were used. Result: Energy output and net energy were highest with INM treatments (T10 - 100% recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) + Farm Yard Manure + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB), while energy use efficiency, energy productivity and energy efficiency ratio were highest in control (T1) in 2019 and in 2020 recorded the highest in T11 (Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB). Other treatments, except T11 and T12 - FYM + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB, were at par. Although in T10 benefit cost ratio was lower than T9 (100% of RDF + Azospirillum lipoferum + PSB + KMB + Glomus + ZnSB), T10 produced maximum returns than other treatments. Due to its high returns, despite the need for non-renewable resources and low energy use efficiency, integration of various soil amendments were significant for maintaining production sustainability. However, long term experimentation needed to ascertain the overall benefit of INM practices in upland paddy in hilly regions of North East India.

Agronomic management: irrigation scheduling, mulching and integrated nutrient management influences growth, yields, quality, and economics of summer groundnut in a subtropical condition of India

In changing climate scenarios, practically sound and suitable agronomic management options are of utmost need for sustainable crop production. An experiment involving three irrigation scheduling, two mulching, and four integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments was undertaken for consecutive two years at the Research Farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in a split-split plot design with three replicates. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM on the performance of summer groundnut under sub-tropical conditions. Irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM had a significant influence on growth and developmental parameters, yield attributes, yields, shelling (%), harvest index, quality parameters, and economics. Scheduling irrigation at lower cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) hugely benefited crops through increased pod yield (8.3%) haulm yield (5%), kernel yield (8.4%), oil yield (8.6%), and net returns (12.7%) over higher CPE (100 mm). The use of paddy straw mulch enhanced pod yield, haulm yield, kernel yield, oil yield, and net returns by 8.2, 3.6, 8.3, 9.0, and 13.2%, respectively as compared to dust mulch. Among INM, 75% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) adjudged significantly better and recorded higher biological yield (16%), net returns (39%), and B:C ratio (16.2%) than 100% RDN. It is concluded that scheduling irrigation at 60 mm CPE along with paddy straw mulch and 75% RDN + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) can be adopted for better yield and economics of summer groundnut under sub-tropical conditions.