Leaf Dry Matter Production Research Articles

Enhancing leaf area index and dry matter production in rice through enriched bio-digested bone sludge compost

Enhancing leaf area index and dry matter production in rice through enriched bio-digested bone sludge compost

Biomass Production and Partitioning Response of Coffee (Arabica Coffea L.) Seedlings to Different Poly-Bag Size and Biochar Based Media Preparations

Nursery experiment was conducted at Awada Agricultural Research Sub-Center, to investigate dry matter production and it’s partitioning into above and below ground parts of Arabica coffee seedlings treated under different ratio of biochar to top soil based media preparations and different poly bag size used to raise the seedlings. The treatment combinations with four levels of pot size (width by height) (7cm x13cm, 10cm x 16cm, 13cmx19cm and 16cmx 22cm) and five levels of biochar to top soil ratio (0:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) by (v/v) were used for the treatment were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that the main effect of poly bag size and biochar to top soil ratio of media preparation were significantly (P<0.01) affect leaf, shoot, root and total dry matter production and shoot to root ratio of coffee seedlings. The highest total dry weight (6.83g) was recorded from pot size of 16x22cm interacted with one to three (1:3) biochar to topsoil ratio followed by (6.57g) harvested from pot size of 13cmx19cm interacted with one to four (1:4) biochar to top soil ratio. Similarly, the root to shoot ratio of coffee seedlings was significantly (P = 0.017) affected by the combined effects of the two factors. Pot size 13cmx19cm interacted with one to four (1:4) biochar to top soil ratio exhibited the maximum (0.272g/g) RSR as compared to rest of growing media and all pot size interacted with one to four (1:4) biochar to top soil ratio have statically higher value similar to the largest value above mentioned parameters except shoot to root ratio. Thus, it is concluded that vigorous coffee seedlings with high dry matter content and optimum root to shoot distribution for better seedling production can be produced by optimum poly bag size of 13cmx19cm interacted with one to three (1:3) biochar to topsoil. But, further investigations should be continued under different media preparation for wider opportunities at different area coffee growing areas.

Effect of Dolomite on Growth, Productivity, Economics of Groundnut and Soil Properties in alfisols

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of dolomite on the growth, and productivity of groundnut and soil properties at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka during kharif 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting eight treatments (Control, Gypsum @ 500 kg ha-1, Dolomite @ 250, 500, and 750 kg ha-1, Cured dolomite with FYM @ 250, 500 and 750kg ha-1) with three replications. Results of the study showed that higher growth parameters viz., plant height (48.3 cm), number of branches per plant (8.5), leaf area (19.6 dm2 plant-1), leaf area index (6.53) and dry matter production per plant (40.48 g plant-1) at harvest were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1. Significantly higher kernel yield (19.8 q ha-1) and net returns ( 66,240 ha-1) were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1 which was found on par with application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 500 kg ha-1, dolomite @ 750 kg ha-1 and dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1. The same trend was observed in case of soil chemical properties viz., calcium and magnesium content in the soil after harvest of groundnut. Thus, it was found that application of dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1 was found better either with curing or without curing by using FYM.

Concurrent effect of phosphorus, nanoparticles and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria influences root morphology, soil enzymes and nutrients uptake in upland rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Phosphorus and zinc are important nutrient elements of concern in upland rice production. To determine the suitable combination of phosphorus, nanoparticles (NPs), and bio-fertilizer application as an alternative nutrient management approach in upland rice cultivation, a Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) column experiment was conducted under controlled conditions in 2015. The treatments consisted of three phosphorus levels, two foliar sprays of NPs (ZnO and TiO2), and PSB seed treatment. The results indicated that the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1), ZnO NPs (500 ppm), and PSB seed treatment (20 g kg−1) improved the root system architecture traits of rice (total root length: 3.73–6.74%, diameter: 8.57–22.22%, and volume: 3.40–3.70%) at depths of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm, compared to higher P + TiO2 NPs + no PSB. Consequently, this combination led to an enhancement in photosynthetic leaf area (by 3.3%), tiller numbers (by 7%), and dry matter production (by 35.5%). The favorable root growth resulting from the application of higher P and PSB enhanced zinc uptake by rice grains (by 38.44%) and straw (by 26.99%). Furthermore, the supplemental application of PSB improved the activity of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase and phosphatase. As a result, maximum phosphorus use efficiency (PUE; 31.5%) was achieved through the combined application of P (50 kg ha−1) × ZnO NPs × PSB. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of an integrated approach involving phosphorus, PSB, and metal oxides (ZnO NPs) as a fertilizer management strategy to enhance the total biomass and PUE of upland rice.

Impact of P Enriched Compost on Growth and Yield Attributes of Barnyard Millet in Red and Black Soils of Madurai District, India

A field study was conducted during the summer (kharif) season of 2023 at the Lalapuram village, Thirumangalam block of Madurai district, to assess the influence of phosphorus-enriched compost on the growth and yield parameters of barnyard millet in both red and black soils. The recommend dose of barnyard millet was 40: 20: 0 kg ha -1 of NPK in which the recommended dose of P (20 kg ha -1) was given in form of enriched compost and the enrichment was done at 1: 10 ratio of P source and compost. Three different types of compost such as farmyard manure compost, municipal solid waste compost and vermicompost were enriched with two different P sources such as single super phosphate @ 100 kg / t of compost and rock phosphate @ 100 kg / t of compost. Azophos, a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria based microbial consortium was added to the P enriched compost @ 2 kg / ton of compost. Among the different combinations, application of SSP enriched vermicompost @ 750 kg ha -1 along with microbial consortium performed better in both the soils. The growth and yield attributes of barnyard millet in black soil was better compared to that of red soil. SSP enriched vermicompost @ 750 kg ha -1 along with microbial consortium recorded the highest growth parameters in terms of no. of tillers per plant (8.71), Leaf area index ( 2.98 ), root length ( 20.7 cm) and dry matter production (5260.1 kg ha -1) at 60 DAS and yield parameters in terms of no of productive tillers (6.81), panicle length (21.4 cm), panicle weight (14.65 g), 1000 grain weight (3.24 g), grain yield (2350 kg ha -1) and stover yield (4420 kg ha -1). Hence, it was found that the application of SSP-enriched vermicompost coupled with azophos at 30 and 60 DAS of the crop growth stages, can curtail N and P fertilizer consumption by 50 and 100 percent respectively while fostering sustainable plant growth and enhancement of yield.

Effect of intercropping system on the growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.)

A study was conducted on the possibility of growing vegetables (such as fenugreek, radish and Amaranthus) in baby corn and to investigate the impact of intercropping and competition indices of the intercropping systems. Therefore, this experiment was conducted in farmer’s field of Nambal village, Mancherial district, Telangana during the year of 2022-23 to assess the performance of baby corn intercropping with different vegetable crops. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatments comprising baby corn as main crop along with radish, fenugreek and Amaranthus as intercrops and control (sole baby corn) replicated thrice. The results of the research revealed that sole baby corn registered the maximum plant height (172.39 cm), number of leaves (14.68), leaf area (639.75 cm2), leaf area index (6.26) and dry matter production (9.5 t/ha) which were at par with baby corn + fenugreek intercropping system. The yield parameters viz. number of cobs per plant (3.07), cob length (16.21 cm), cob girth (6.82 cm) and individual cob weight (76.72 g), cob yield g/plant (166.23 g) cob yield t/ha (7.3 t/ha) and green fodder yield (23.2 t/ha) were consistently greater in baby corn + fenugreek and at par with sole baby corn intercropping system.

Determining the Optimal Plant Spacing for Cotton Varieties to Enhance the Growth and Yield of Cotton Under HDPS in Karaikal Region.

Cotton has now become well-known and grown all throughout the world and all the states of India. India's seed cotton production per unit area is still significantly lower than that of several other cotton-growing countries throughout the world. Two of the most prominent factors leading to the country's low cotton crop productivity are a lack of plant population and the use of low-potential cultivars. it is important to investigate new strategies for cotton production. In April 2020, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different plant varieties and spacing on the growth and yield of compact-type cotton. The experiment followed a split-plot design with three replications, with four levels of cotton varieties (Suraj, Supriya, CO 15 and CO 17) in the main plots and seven levels of plant spacing (60 cm x 10 cm, 60 cm x 15 cm, 80 cm x 10 cm, 80 cm x 15 cm, 100 cm x 10 cm, 100 cm x 15 cm, and 75 cm x 30 cm) in the subplots. The results revealed that cotton crop growth such as plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production, was higher in CO 17 than in other varieties. Compared to the yield and yield component variety CO 17 recorded higher seed cotton yield with more bolls per plant and highest boll weight than others. Results revealed that the higher plant spacing of 1,66,666 plants (60 x 10 cm) observed significant maximum plant height. In contrast, the 100 x 10 cm plant spacing recorded the highest growth contributing characteristics, such as leaf area index and dry matter production. 100 x 10 cm spacing has recorded a significantly higher number of bolls per plant; the highest single boll weight and maximum seed cotton yield were recorded. Among the interaction varieties, CO 17 with a 100 x 10 cm plant spacing registered the highest leaf area index and dry matter production in growth, considering yield and yield parameters, recorded higher seed cotton yield, higher number of bolls per plant and boll weight during the cropping period.

Effect of Varied Phases of Lunar on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Rice Varieties

Aim: To understand and reason out the effect of lunar phases on the rice crop growth and development.
 Study Design: Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design.
 Place and Duration of Study: Field trial was conducted in the wetland farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during the Navarai season (Dec. 2021 – Apr. 2022).
 Methodology: Treatment consists of two factors viz., Sowing date (4 Nos.) weekly sowing with respect to lunar phases – New moon, first quarter, full moon and third quarter) and Varieties (4 Nos.) in which two organic (i.e. Kullakar, Karunkuruvai) and two conventional varieties (ADT 43, ASD 16). Normal cultivation practices were followed as per the Tamil Nadu Crop Production Guide 2021.
 Results: The pooled mean value revealed that the seeds sown at full moon gave significant positive influence on the growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter production compared to other sown dates. Whereas the treatments that had flowering stage synchronized with full moon phase were produced more yield and dry matter content.
 Conclusion: The rice varieties sown in full moon phase exhibited superior growth on compared to other lunar phases and the treatments had flowering synced with full moon phase resulted with more yield and dry matter production.

Effect of Sowing Windows and Nutrient Levels on Growth Parameters of Sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea)

Sunnhemp is the important multifaceted legume crop which is used as fodder, fibre and green manure. While incorporation into the soil, it supplies Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium at the level of 50-75 kgha-1, 15-20 kgha-1 and 40-65 kgha-1 respectively. In sunnhemp, the seed production was highly affected by improper agronomic management practices and less availability of quality seeds. Hence the present study was carried out to find the suitable agronomic practice for sunnhemp. A field experiment was conducted to study the suitable sowing windows and nutrient levels on growth parameters of sunnhemp during split-plot design with 12 treatments and replicated thrice. Three sowing dates were studied under main plots and four different nutrient levels under sub plot. Growth attributes such as plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production were recorded. From the above study, it is concluded that delayed sowing on February 2nd week and the application of nutrients at 30:60:30 NPK kg ha-1 recorded higher plant height and dry matter production at harvest over other treatments.

Evolution of Liquid Multinutrient Fertilizer for Hybrid Cotton

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of drip fertigation and foliar nutrition of liquid multi nutrient on growth, yield and quality parameters of hybrid cotton. Liquid fertilizer was formulated using micronutrient (Zn, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, Cu), Mg and S to meet the nutrient requirement of hybrid cotton. Field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and seven treatments. Drip fertigation was applied with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through water soluble fertilizer and Liquid Multinutrient (LMN). Treatment that received 100% RDF + LMN fertigation and foliar nutrition of LMN recorded the highest growth parameters (plant height, Leaf Area Index and dry matter production), yield parameters like number of sympodial branches/plant, number of bolls/plant, boll weight, seed cotton yield and quality parameters like staple length and ginning out turn per cent and in addition to that foliar nutrition of LMN containing Mg alleviated the Mg deficiency to the tune of 52% which in turn increases the above parameters. Fertigation and foliar nutrition of LMN enhanced the nutrient uptake of hybrid cotton that would economize the cost of fertilizer input.

Potential of Legumes Species Submitted to Phosphate Fertilization Levels: Morphological, Productive and Chemical Characteristics

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the morphological, productive and chemical characteristics of Crotalarias juncea, spectabilis and ochroleuca, and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) submitted to phosphate fertilization levels. The experimental design used was completely randomized in a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with four doses of phosphorus (0, 100, 200, 300 kg ha−1 of P2O5) and four legume cultivars (Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria spectabilis, Crotalaria ochroleucaanda and Cajanus cajan), with four repetitions. There was no interaction between the levels of phosphate fertilizer and the legume species for the productive characteristics studied. There was a positive linear effect for leaf dry matter production, stem dry matter production and total dry matter production as a function of phosphate fertilization. There was a positive linear effect for the levels of leaf crude protein, with enhanced levels of phosphorus. There was greater fertilizer efficiency in legumes, at a dose of 100 kg ha−1, with a response of 11.46 kg ha−1 for leaf dry matter production and 33.40 kg ha−1 for total dry matter production. Among legumes, Crotalaria spectabilis is recommended due to the higher total dry matter and leaf productivity, greater number of nodules, and better chemical composition and digestibility.

Growth, Nutrient Uptake, Yield and Quality Parameters of Nendran Banana (Musa Spp.): As Influenced by the Application of Boron in Typic Rhodustalf of Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT To determine the response of banana to boron (B) fertilization, two field experiments (main and a confirmatory trial) were conducted during 2018 and 2019 seasons in B deficient soils (Typic Rhodustalf) of Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India. The treatments consisted of soil and foliar application of boron replicated thrice in a randomized block design using banana cv. Nendran as the test crop. The results of field experiments revealed that banana plants responded well to soil and foliar application of B compared to control (recommended NPK alone). Among the treatments, soil application of 10 g borax plant−1 each at 3rd, 5th and 7th month after planting (MAP) in combination with recommended NPK in B deficient soils increased the availability of B in soil, its uptake by plants and also B fractions in soils than the rest of the treatments which ultimately resulted in an increase in pseudostem height, pseudostem girth, leaf area index, chlorophyll, and dry matter production. Similarly, soil application of boron enhanced finger length, finger girth, individual finger weight, and bunch weight of banana and the cumulative effect of these yield attributes favorably increased the fruit yield of banana (33.85 t/ha), which was 25% higher than control. Banana fruit quality traits, namely, total soluble solids, total sugar, ascorbic acid, and starch content, were also favorably influenced by B application. Thus, the results clearly indicated that soil applied B recorded comparatively higher banana yield than foliar application and control.

Effect of Various Sources and Levels of Sulphur on Growth, Dry Matter Production and Nutrient Uptake of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

A field experiment was conducted to assess the response of Indian mustard to various sources and levels of sulphur during rabi season of 2021 at College Farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The experiment was carried out with three sources of sulphur (ammonium sulphate, gypsum and bentonite sulphur) and three levels of sulphur (20, 40 and 60 kg S ha-1) with one additional treatment (control i.e., 0 kg S ha-1) in factorial concept and replicated thrice. Significant crop response was observed for plant height, leaf area index and dry matter production with application of ammonium sulphate among all the three sources. Among the levels of sulphur, the higher values of plant height, leaf area index and dry matter recorded on application of 60 kg S ha-1, which showed parity with 40 kg S ha-1. The similar trend was also noticed for seed yield and nutrient uptake (N and S).

Effect of irrigation depth on biomass production and metabolic profile of Lippia alba (linalool chemotype) essential oil

Water is a limiting factor in agricultural production. In the cultivation of aromatic plants, abiotic factors, such as water deficit, influence the yield and composition of essential oils. Lippia alba, linalool chemotype, is an aromatic species originally from South America in domestication, and it can be used in the cosmetics industry to develop natural products, such as flavorings, fragrances, and perfumes. So far, the effect of water deficit on the agronomic characteristics and the species' essential oil composition has not been evaluated. In this work, total aerial dry matter production, total leaf dry matter production, essential oil production, and chemical composition of the essential oil from the leaves of selected clones of L. alba were evaluated under four different irrigation depths, using an organic production system during four cutting cycles of 90 days. Nineteen compounds were detected in the essential oil of L. alba. The irrigation treatments altered the relative proportions of the compounds linalool, geranial, β-elemene, and germacrene D. The highest total biomass production of the aerial part was obtained with the 125% of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0) at 180 (second cut) and 270 (third cut) days after formation pruning. The irrigation depths of 100% and mainly the 125% ET0 at 180 days (second cut) favored the total dry matter production of leaves in Lippia alba, chemotype linalool, and the essential oil production. In general, a moderate water deficit generated an adjustment in the use of water resources with increased the essential oil production, in particular the linalool compound.

10Boron Is Mobile in Cowpea Plants.

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, but its production is usually limited by boron (B) deficiency, which can be mitigated by applying B via foliar spraying. In plants with nutrient mobility, the residual effect of foliar fertilization increases, which might improve its efficiency. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the concentration and mobility of the B isotopic tracer (10B) in different organs of cowpea plants, after the application of this micronutrient in the growing media and also to leaves. Treatments were designed based on B fertilization as follows: without B in the growth media, with 10B applied via foliar spraying (10B-L), with B in the growth media (substrate) and 10B via foliar spraying (10B-L + B-S), and with 10B in the growth media (substrate) without foliar spraying (10B-S), and a control without fertilization. A redistribution of 10B was observed in new leaves when the element was supplied via foliar spraying, resulting in greater leaf area, dry mass and dry matter production of aerial parts, and also the whole plant. 10Boron was redistributed when applied via foliar spraying in cowpea plants, regardless of the plant's nutritional status, which in turn might increase internal B cycling.

Yield and quality improvement in Bt cotton through foliar application of trifloxystrobin and tebuconazole

In agriculture, fungi can cause serious damage, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality and profit. Fungicides help in reducing the damage caused by fungus, reduce the yield loss and play a major role in quality improvement. The present investigation was carried out at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to evaluate the influence of trifloxystrobin 50% + tebuconazole 25% (Nativo 75WG) on the yield and quality improvement on Bunny hybrid Bt cotton. Nativo 75WG was applied on the leaves of cotton plants at 40-60 (DAS) and 60-80 (DAS) at the concentration of 250, 300, 350 g/ha and Carbendazim @ 500 g/ha. The observations recorded were related to yield and quality attributes in all treatments. The application of Nativo @ 300 g/ha showed a significant increase in boll weight (4.86 g), lint yield per boll (3.86 g boll-1) and lint per plant (138.48 g plant -1) than other treatments. With respect to seed cotton yield and harvest index (0.37 %), the Nativo @ 300 g/ha registered a higher yield (20.2 %) and HI than control under the irrigated situation. Foliar application of treatments during the flowering stage (40-60 DAS) and boll formation stages (60-80 DAS) had increased the quality parameters such as fiber length (2.5% staple length, 50 % staple length) and fiber strength. Further, the foliar spray of Nativo @ 300 g/ha applied to bunny hybrid Bt cotton had resulted in a higher yield (2920.15 kg ha-1) due to an increase in leaf area index, greenness of leaf and higher dry matter production of the plant.

GROWTH AND DRY MATTER (FODDER) PRODUCTION OF MAIZE (Zea mays L.) VARIETIES AS AFFECTED BY TIMING OF NITROGEN SECOND DOSE FERTILIZATION

ABSTRACT 
 Field trials were conducted in 2016 wet season at Institute of Agricultural Research IAR, Research Farm(Lat.11o 11’ N, Long. 07038’ E, 686m above sea level), Samaru-Zaria and Jaji Military Cantonment Farm located at 30 Km from Zaria along Kaduna – Zaria road (Lat. 10o 49’ 25” N, Long. 07o 34’ 10” E, 600m above sea level), both in Northern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria, to Investigate the growth of Maize varieties and dry matter produced at varying timing of nitrogen second dose fertilization. The treatments consist of three maize varieties (SAMMAZ 14, SAMMAZ 15 and SAMMAZ 16) and six times of nitrogen second dose fertilization 4 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 weeks after sowing (WAS). Treatments were factorially combined and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. SAMMAZ 16 outperformed SAMMAZ 14 and SAMMAZ 15 in terms of plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production. Time of nitrogen second dose application 6 WAS consistently produced the highest growth attributes of maize ;plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index and dry matter production compared to other timings evaluated. SAMMAZ 16 and 6 WAS in conclusion appeared to be the optimum for increased maize fodder (dry matter) production in the Savannah region where potential for livestock production is high.

Effect of applying a calcined kaolin-based particle film on the photosynthetic capacity and growth of young eucalyptus plants

In scenarios of climatic change when increased global temperatures can be expected, it is essential to search for technologies that favor sapling survival and growth after planting and increase yield in the field. Kaolin-based particle films (KBPF) have been applied as barriers against the deleterious effects of high levels of solar radiation. The objective of the present study was to assess the effects of applying purified calcined kaolin-based particle film to young eucalyptus plants. Five treatments were carried out: 0% (just water), 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% calcined kaolin applied to the adaxial part of the leaves. A complete randomized block design was used with five treatments and ten replicates. The plants were assessed for height, diameter at ground level, gas exchanges (net photosynthetic CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance and transpiration), instantaneous (WUE) and intrinsic water use efficiency (IWUE), chlorophyll a fluorescence (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm), concentration of active reaction centers in relation to the quantity of photons absorbed (RC/ABS) and the maximum ratio of quantum yields of photochemical and concurrent non-photochemical processes in PSII (Fv/F0), SPAD reading and leaf ontogeny. The 3% KBPF concentration showed the best responses in biometric assessments 80 days after planting (DAP) and were corroborated by the responses of the leaf, stem and shoot dry matter production as a whole. The leaf ontogeny assessments showed positive responses following KBPF application when considering leaf development, with 7% KBPF concentration resulting in the highest mean values. The mean specific leaf mass had negative response to high KBPF concentrations. At 60 DAP, the gas exchange variables during both assessment periods declined with an increase in KBPF concentration. Significant differences as a result of KBPF applications were found only at the start of the assessments (34 DAP) for both WUE and for IWUE. Leaf ‘greenness’ (SPAD reading) at 47 days showed a quadratic relationship in both periods. The variables of chlorophyll fluorescence showed a linear response at 34 DAP and a quadratic response 60 DAP. KBPF application increased height and diameter growth in plants treated with 3% KBPF but this response was not associated with photochemical efficiency and photosynthetic carbon assimilation values on a single-leaf basis. The best performance among the variables was provided by 3% KBPF application.

EFFECT OF COIR PITH COMPOST, BONE MEAL POWDER AND PANCHAGAVYA ON GROWTH, CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT AND DMP OF BARNYARD MILLET

To investigate the effect of different organic nutrient sources on growth, chlorophyll content and dry matter production of barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea (Roxb.) Link) in sandy loam soil, a pot experiment was conducted at the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Annamalai University during February-May, 2019. The weather at Annamalainagar was moderately warm with hot summer. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized block design (CRD) with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments of the study were T1– Control, T2 –100% RDF, T3 – Coir pith compost @ 10 t ha-1, T4 – Bone meal powder @ 1 t ha-1, T5 – Panchagavya @ 3 % (Foliar spray), T6 –T3 + T4, T7 – T4 + T5, T8 – T3 + T5 and T9 – T3 + T4 + T5. The results revealed that application of 100% RDF (N: P2O5: K2O @ 40:30:50 kg ha-1) (T2) recorded the highest plant height of 159.74 cm, number of leaves plant-1 (8.51), leaf area index (3.12), chlorophyll content (49.14) and dry matter production (472.30 g pot-1) at harvest stage. These were on par with T9 – CPC + BMP + PG.

Growth and competition between a native leguminous forb and an alien grass from the Cerrado under elevated CO2

AbstractThe increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]) due to climate change may alter the composition of communities and the functioning of ecosystems. Owing to greater nitrogen use efficiency, leguminous plants present more effective responses to increasing [CO2] than non‐legumes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological and growth responses of two species from the Cerrado, a native C3 herbaceous legume (Stylosanthes capitata Vogel.) and an invasive C4 grass (Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv) growing alone or in competition, in ambient (350 ppm) and high (1000 ppm) [CO2]. Competition with S. capitata reduced leaf development and dry matter production in M. minutiflora individuals, regardless of [CO2]. Stylosanthes capitata increased root system growth under high [CO2] and competition. This change allows greater soil exploitation, decreasing nutrient limitation to S. capitata development. The leguminous species S. capitata showed advantages in the competition for resources under high [CO2] concerning the invasive grass. Although invasive C4 species are initially better in the colonisation of the invaded areas, the C3 native species of Cerrado may adjust morphophysiological traits when growing at high [CO2] and develop strategies that enable it to more effectively compete for resources.