Low Fertility Status Research Articles

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Properties of Lowland Rice on Vertisols of Fogera District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Declining land productivity due to low soil fertility status as a result of continuous cultivation, inadequate use of organic and inorganic fertilizers is a major cause for decline crop productivity. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center (FNRRTC) during the 2021 cropping season to determine the effects of integrated use of farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen fertilizer on soil properties and yield of lowland rice on the vertisols of Fogera district. The treatments were factorial combination of three levels of FYM (0, 5, and 7.5 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and four levels of Nitrogen (0, 46, 92, and 184 kg ha<sup>-1</sup>). The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Representative soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm before treatment application and after crop harvest, and analyzed following the standard laboratory procedures. All collected soil data were analyzed by using SAS software (version 9.4). After crop harvest the results showed that soil pH, OC, TN, CEC, Exc. K, Ca, Mg and Av.P were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of FYM. The combined applications of FYM and N fertilizer also significantly (p<0.01) affected CEC, OC and Exc.Mg. The highest soil CEC, OC and Exc.Mg were recorded from the combine effects of 7.5 t/kg with 92 kg/ha. From the results of this experiment, it could be concluded that combined application of FYM and inorganic N fertilizers improved the chemical and physical properties, which may lead to enhanced and sustainable production of rice in the study area.

Effects of Farmyard Manure and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Low Land Rice (Oryza sativa L.) on Vertisols of Fogera District, Northwestern Ethiopia

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major cereal crop in Fogera district; however, the current yield is decreased due to low soil fertility status as a result of continuous cultivation, inadequate use of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Fogera National Rice Research and Training Center (FNRRTC) during the 2021 cropping season to determine the effects of farmyard manure and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and yield components of lowland rice on vertisols of Fogera district. The treatments were laid out as factorial combination of three levels of FYM (0, 5, and 7.5 t ha-1) and four levels of Nitrogen (0, 46, 92, and 184 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged at (RCBD) with three replications. The phenological, yield and yield components of rice data were collected during the growth period. All collected phenological, yield and yield components of rice data were analyzed by using SAS software (version 9.4). Analysis of the results revealed that application of FYM at 7.5 t ha-1 combined with 92 kg N ha-1 increased grain yield by 218.25% compared to the negative controls. The highest rice grain yield (7533.1 kg ha-1), biomass yield (14553.1kg ha-1), number of grains per panicle (153.27) and harvest index (51.89%) were obtained from the application of 7.5 t ha-1 FYM with 92 kg ha-1 N. Therefore, combined applications of 7.5 t ha-1 FYM with 92 kg ha-1 N is the recommended treatment that economically feasible for rice production and soil fertility improvements on the Vertisols of the study area, which provided the net benefit of (166,838.02ETB ha-1) with an acceptable MRR of 3122.99%.

Soil Fertility Status of the Two Eruptions of Mount Tangkuban Parahu and Mount Tampomas in Tanjungsari District Sumedang Regency

Soil fertility is one of the important factors to optimize plant growth and productivity. This study aims to analyze the status of soil fertility through soil physical analysis (texture) soil chemistry (pH H2O and KCl, C-organic, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, P2O5, and K2O) in several land units of Tanjungsari District, Sumedang Regency. The method used to determine sample points is purposive sampling method by considering several land units, namely soil type map, soil parent material map, topography map (slope), land use map, and rainfall data. Soil fertility status is determined by the matching table method between the results of soil chemical analysis with soil fertility status index that refers to the Soil Research Center (PPT) 1995. The results of the matching table data analysis showed that the research area almost entirely included low fertility status criteria except for the pine forest land unit on a moderately steep slope including medium fertility status criteria. The factors of base saturation, k-potential (K2O), and C-organic are the limiting factors of soil fertility status in the Tanjungsari District of Sumedang Regency, including the low to medium category.

Soil Fertility Level In The Aek Kundur River Area Regardless Of Factory Waste Disposal

Soil fertility is the ability of the soil to provide the nutrients needed by plants in adequate quantities and in a form that can be absorbed by plant roots. The aim of this research is to determine the level of soil fertility in the Aek Kundur river area regarding factory waste disposal in Lingga Tiga Village, District. West Bar. This research was carried out in June 2024 in Lingga Tiga Village, Bilah Hulu District, Labuhanbatu Regency with an altitude of 28 meters above sea level with coordinates N: 98022'44.34" E: 02032'34.23". Analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soil was carried out at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra using an exploratory-descriptive survey method. Research results on the physical properties of the soil in Lingga Tiga Village have a clayey clay texture and in Liga Tiga Village have a clay texture. Furthermore, the chemical properties of the soil in Lingga Tiga Village have criteria, namely neutral pH, low organic C, moderate P2O5 and low soil fertility status in the Aek Kundur river area against factory waste disposal. For this reason, fertilization treatment is needed to improve soil fertility status.

Compost and Mineral Fertilizer Application Affects Soil Microbial Activity and Nutrient Mineralization in an Ultisol

ABSTRACT Organic additions help improve soil biophysical qualities, but they are insufficient to supply nutrient demand and could result in unintentional nutrient immobilization in soils, particularly soils with low fertility status. A 16-week laboratory incubation study was conducted to determine how the method of application of compost and inorganic fertilizers influence microbial respiration, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) mineralization. Topsoil (500 g, 0–15 cm) was amended with compost (0, 5, and 10 g kg−1) and either inorganic N (50 kg N ha−1) or P (30 kg P ha−1). Two soil amendment strategies, applying compost and inorganic fertilizer separately to opposite sides of the soil using a divider and mixing them evenly throughout the soil, were compared for their effects on microbial activity and nutrient mineralization. The cumulative amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) evolved were measured fortnightly using the static CO2 absorption method and inorganic N and P mineralization. N mineralization was unaffected by the method of compost and inorganic fertilizer application (p > .05), while at the end of day 42, available P in separate applications of compost and mineral N fertilizers was 33% greater than combined applications. Compost and inorganic P fertilizer had favorable N priming effects, but compost and inorganic N had negative effects. The different N priming effects of compost and inorganic N and P fertilizers may be attributable to microbial nutrient demand. The data suggest that composting with conventional fertilizers may change microbial nutrient demand and crop nutrient availability.

Evaluation of Soil Fertility Status on Oil Palm Cultivation Land (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) In Pulo Padang Village

Declinen soil fertility on crop cultivation land has become a problem that must be considered. As an effort to rehabilitate these lands, it is very necessary to carry out appropriate actions. One way is to evaluate soil fertility by looking at the soil chemical characteristics of land that has been managed intensively. The aim of this research is to determine the chemical characteristics of the soil and the status of soil fertility on agricultural land in Pulo Padang Village, Rantau Utara District, Labuhanbatu Regency. The method used in this research was a survey method and soil sampling which was carried out by purposive sampling on oil palm plants which were composited, air-dried and chemical analysis of the soil was carried out in the laboratory. The results of research on soil chemical characteristics show a soil pH value of 5.0-5.2 with acid status, C-organic 1.42-1.67% (Low), Total Nitrogen 0.13-0.15% (low), P2O5 with a value of 283-400 mg/100g (Very High ), P available 36.2-126.6 ppm (Very High), Base cations can be exchanged Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+ namely 7.19-8.13 cmol/kg (Medium), 3.22-3.93 cmol/kg (High), 0.17-0.30 cmol/ kg (Low), 0.08-0.22 cmol/kg (Very low), CEC 14.66cmol/kg (Very Low) and 21.98 cmol/kg (Medium), KB 57-73 % (Very High). The soil fertility status of agricultural land in Pulo Pandang Village, Rantau Utara District, Labuhanbatu Regency has a low fertility status, so management measures are needed to increase soil fertility

Reframing policy responses to population aging in Iran

Iran is aging rapidly and is expected to see negative population growth rates later this century. This change is generating significant concern for policymakers, whose response is to seek ‘demographic solutions’ to these issues: raise the fertility rate, decrease the divorce rate, and promote marriage among young people. Part of these policies has entailed curtailing access to free family planning services. This ‘call and response’ approach is unlikely to succeed in its stated aim, as it over-simplifies the real challenges of population aging as well as the multiple dimensions of population change. Such policies derive from simple representations of demographic change, most notably using the old-age dependency ratio. Using a microsimulation model, this paper suggests that increasing Iran’s currently low female labor force participation and translating educational gains into rising productivity is a more effective means of responding to the challenges of population aging, even under low fertility conditions. The advancement on previous such microsimulation exercises lies in the fact that this study explicitly considers the comparison between raising fertility and increasing female economic empowerment to offset population aging in a setting characterized by an overt pronatalist policy system. In tandem with reforming stressed institutional systems (such as the pension system), releasing the full potential of Iran’s existing (and future) human capital—especially of its women—is a far more effective policy direction than fertility-promoting policies.

Productivity of Açai Euterpe Precatoria and Production System Management Recommendations in the South Of The Amazonas

Objective: To investigate the productivity of the Amazon açaí Euterpe precatoria Mart in order to support recommendations for adapting management to increase productivity in the production system in southern Amazonas. Theoretical Framework: The demand for açaí justifies its domestication to increase productivity in addition to extractive production. In this context, difficulties arise due to the lack of knowledge about managing the species, which is required along with its domestication. Thus, knowledge that supports the supply of soil and nutritional conditions is required for E. precatoria, which is still little studied in terms of management. Method: The productivity assessment was carried out in an experiment whose ages of açaí groves planted side by side, 8, 9, 10 and 12 years old, constituted treatments. For each açaí grove age, randomized by the producer in the planning, 4 experimental plots were designed containing 3 trees spaced 3.0 m x 3.0 m, with 4 replications, totaling 16 experimental plots in randomized blocks. Results and Discussion: The results indicate the need to manage soil fertility to increase the productivity of açaí groves, which are obtained in conditions of low soil fertility, even for the 12-year-old açaí grove, selected as the most productive. Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications for the açaí palm in Amazonas, whose management is still in its infancy. It identifies low productivity of açaí groves and the need to insert nutrients not only through alternative practices with low economic and environmental impact. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the basis of future studies on the agricultural management of the Amazon açaí tree as a cultivable species.

Indica rice "Takanari" outcompetes japonica rice "Koshihikari" under low fertility conditions in soil developed on a sand dune

Significantly, soil fertility and rice variety influence rice growth. Under different conditions, Indica rice "Takanari (Tak)" outperformed Japonica rice "Koshihikari (Kos)" in terms of N-uptake and biomass production. However, it is still unclear how Tak and Kos respond to rice growth and N-uptake in low-fertility (sandy) and normal (alluvial) soils. Therefore, we conducted a pot experiment at Tsuruoka in the 2022 rice-growing season. Tak and Kos were transplanted individually and interplanted (Tak+Kos) with the main treatments of alluvial soil, sandy, and sand with chemical fertilizers (sand+CF). Rice growth parameters (shoot height, tiller numbers, and leaf color) were weekly investigated, while rice biomass and N-uptake were measured after harvest. Shoot height, rice tillers, leaf color, plant biomass, and N-uptake were significantly different among all treatments. Tak had significantly higher rice biomass and N-uptake than Kos in all treatments for both planting modes. The ratios of aboveground biomass and N-uptake between Tak and Kos in interplanting were higher than their respective ratios in individual planting. The ratios of aboveground biomass in interplanting were higher than in individual planting at 41.7 %, 26.4 %, and 18.4 % in sandy, alluvial, and sand+CF, respectively. Whereas, the ratios of N-uptake in interplanting were higher than in individual planting at 41.9 %, 36.6 %, and 26.6 % in sandy, alluvial, and sand+CF, respectively. Regardless of low growth for both varieties in the sandy, Tak increased the competitive ability of N-uptake and biomass production. Therefore, rice cultivar selection and management of fertilizing practices are required for rice growing in low-soil fertility fields.

A review of grass species yields and growth rates in Northland, New Zealand

ABSTRACT Pastoral farming is a major land use in New Zealand's Northland region, with 3,171 farm holdings and a total area of 637,500 hectares in 2022. The region's pasture grasses include temperate (C3) and subtropical and tropical (C4) grasses which support dairy, and sheep and beef production from grazing. In lowland areas, C3 and some annual C4 grasses are prevalent where cultivation occurs, while perennial C4 grasses dominate areas with low soil fertility and summer dry conditions. Grass-based pasture growth rates (kg dry matter/ha/day) from published and unpublished sources were assembled into the AgYields database. Among the resident and sown grasses tested in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Whangarei and Dargaville, perennial ryegrass represented ∼60% of the total data points. Dominant kikuyu pastures represented 23% and the remaining species represented 17%. Rates of growth ranged from 5 to 120 kg DM/ha/day, being lowest in late autumn-winter and highest in early summer. Data were compared and agronomic traits (i.e. drought tolerance, biomass production and tillering) are discussed to assess species suitability for the Northland environment. The medium-term prospect suggests an urgent need to improve research into management of cocksfoot and tall fescue-based pastures to provide viable alternatives to overcome the decreasing persistence of perennial ryegrass.

Overexpression of a pearl millet WRKY transcription factor gene, PgWRKY74, in Arabidopsis retards shoot growth under dehydration and salinity-stressed conditions

Pearl millet (Cenchrus americanus) is a cereal crop that can tolerate high temperatures, drought, and low-fertility conditions where other crops lose productivity. However, genes regulating this ability are largely unknown. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate transcription of their target genes, regulate downstream biological processes, and thus are candidates for regulators of such tolerance of pearl millet. PgWRKY74 encodes a group IIc WRKY TF in pearl millet and is downregulated by drought. PgWRKY74 may have a role in drought tolerance. The objective of this study was to gain insights into the physiological and biochemical functions of PgWRKY74. Yeast one-hybrid and gel shift assays were performed to examine transcriptional activation potential and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-binding ability, respectively. Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants overexpressing PgWRKY74-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion gene were generated and tested for growth and stress-responsive gene expression under mannitol and NaCl-stressed conditions. A construct with PgWRKY74 enabled yeast reporter cells to survive on test media in the yeast one-hybrid assays. The electrophoretic mobility of DNA with putative WRKY TF-binding motifs was lower in the presence of a recombinant PgWRKY74 protein than its absence. The PgWRKY74-GFP-overexpressing Arabidopsis plants exhibited smaller rosette areas than did wild-type plants under mannitol-stressed and NaCl-stressed conditions, and exhibited weaker expression of RD29B, which is induced by the stress-related phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA), under the mannitol-stressed condition. PgWRKY74 have transcriptional activation potential and DNA-binding ability, and can negatively regulate plant responses to mannitol and NaCl stresses, possibly by decreasing ABA levels or ABA sensitivity.

Improving upland rice (Oryza sativa l.) performance through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods

The experiment was conducted at Experimental sites of Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) – Ukiriguru, Mwanza, Tanzania. The objective was to improve performance of upland rice through enhanced soil fertility and water conservation methods. A split–split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications and three factors that were (a) upland rice cultivars (WAB 450, NERICA1 and NERICA4) (b) fertilizer types, (Urea 80Kg N/ha, farm yard manure 5 t/ha and control) (c) three water conservation methods (flat cultivation, open ridge and tie ridge were applied). Rice was sown in seven rows at 30 cm inter–and intra–row spacing. Data on soil, weather, crop growth, yield components and grain yield were collected. Rainfall was 651.2 mm during the cropping season which was poorly distributed. Average temperature was 24oC with mean relative humidity of 75%. Soil analysis results showed that total nitrogen was 0.08 %, phosphorus 2.09mgP/Kg and organic carbon 0.58%. The soil calcium was 3.38 cmolc/Kg and potassium was 0.36cmolc/Kg, while zinc was 0.39 mg/Kg. Cultivars had significant effect on yields which were 2856, 2507 and 2140 Kg/ha for WAB 450, NERICA4 and NERICA1 respectively. Fertilizer types also significantly affected grain yield in the order of urea (3368 Kg/ha) > FYM (2723 Kg/ha) and > control (1421 Kg/ha). Moisture conservation methods significantly affected yield in this order: tie ridges (2710 Kg/ha) > open ridge (2398 Kg/ha) > flat cultivation (2394 Kg/ha). Overall, the study results indicated low fertility status in the soil, although it was found to be suitable for upland rice production with further improvement. It is concluded that rice cultivar, WAB 450 had the highest yield potential, while application of Urea at 80 Kg N/ha gave high grain yield, while tie ridges were the best in soil moisture conservation.

Understanding the interactions of genotype with environment and management (G×E×M) to maize productivity in Conservation Agriculture systems of Malawi.

Climatic variability and soil fertility decline present a fundamental challenge for smallholder farmers to determine the optimum management practices in the production of maize. Optimizing genotype (G) and management (M) of maize under different environmental conditions (E) and their interactions are essential for enhancing maize productivity in the smallholder sector of Malawi where maize is the main staple food. Here, we evaluated over seven seasons, the performance of four commercial maize genotypes [including hybrids and one open pollinated variety (OPV)] managed under different Conservation Agriculture (CA) and conventional practices (CP) across on-farm communities of central and southern Malawi. Our results revealed significant G×E and E×M interactions and showed that hybrids such as DKC 80-53 and PAN 53 outyielded the other hybrid and the OPV in most of the environments while the OPV ZM523 had greater yields in environments with above-average rainfall and shorter in-season dry spells. These environments received a maximum of 1250 mm to 1500 mm of rainfall and yet the long-term averages were 855 mm and 1248 mm, respectively. Despite yielding lower, the OPV ZM523 also exhibited higher yield stability across environments compared to the hybrid MH 30, possibly due to its resilience to drought, heat stress, and low soil fertility conditions which are often prevalent in the target communities. Conservation Agriculture-based practices outyielded CP across the genotypes and environments. However, amongst the CA-based systems, intercropping of maize with pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp] and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.) performed less than monocropping maize and then rotating it with a legume probably due to competition for moisture between the main and the companion crops in the intercrop. The key findings of this study suggest the need to optimize varietal and management options for particular environments to maximize maize productivity in Malawi. This means that smallholder farmers in Malawi should adopt hybrids and CA-based systems for enhanced yields but could also consider OPVs where the climate is highly variable. Further rigorous analysis that includes more abiotic stress factors is recommended for a better understanding of yield response.

Use of <i>Hermetia illucens</i> hermicompost in the technology of growing legume microgreens

Relevance. The work describes the prospect of using black soldier fly zoohumus as an organic fertilizer to activate the growth of microgreens of non-traditional legume species, including small-seeded ones, and the prospects of reducing the dose of mineral fertilizers.Methods. An experiment was carried out with a comparative study of changes in the morphometric and chemical parameters of plant growth at the full recommended dose of mineral fertilizers, and at 25% of their use, but with the addition of 1% liquid extract of zoohumus, also enriched with essential elements. The duration of the experiment was 21 days. The plants were grown in a closed grow tent, with intensive light culture and control of the internal microclimate of the working area.Results. Among the six studied non-traditional legume species grown for microgreens, the most responsive to combined treatment with an organomineral complex was Onobrychis viciifolia. Trifolium rubens showed the worst result in terms of biomass. Analysis of changes in the profile distribution of essential elements in the resulting green biomass, carried out using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), revealed iron and zinc ions as potential targets associated with yield shortfalls in juvenile shoots. Since in global food systems these microelements are the most common nutrients noted for the manifestation of “hidden hunger”, especially among children under 5 years of age and women of childbearing age, when creating a nutritional biocomposition based on black soldier fly zoohumus for growing non-traditional types of legumes, further the emphasis should be on them. No significant differences were found in the number of macroelements.Results. The results of the study confirmed the high efficiency of using humic fertilizers in conditions of low soil fertility and revealed the selective sensitivity of vegetable crops to humic preparations of various origins.

Assessment of the effect of organic fertilizers on growth and biochemical parameters of <i>Lepidium sativum</i> and <i>Raphanus sativus</i>

Relevance. The article presents the results of studying the effect of organic fertilizers of various origins on vegetable crops of radish and watercress. The relevance of the study is related to the need to find the most effective preparations based on humic acids from a wide list offered for use in crop production.Methods. The research was carried out in a model experiment in 2022–2023 with humic fertilizers of geological (“Humate K”) and biological (“AgroVerm” and “Humate K”) origin. The study of the effect of meliorants was carried out on vegetable crops: radish of the Heat variety and watercress of the Moscow Greenhouse variety. The data obtained allow us to conclude that the application of organic fertilizers significantly increases germination, stimulates the growth and development of crops. The effect of humic preparations significantly increased growth indicators and the content of photosynthetic pigments in the green mass of plants with control. For the watercress culture, the highest yield values (1.46 kg /m2) were noted against the background of the introduction of the drug “Humate K”, and for radish, the maximum yield value (2.8 kg/ m2) was observed in the variant of using the effluent Samorod.Results. The results of the study confirmed the high efficiency of using humic fertilizers in conditions of low soil fertility and revealed the selective sensitivity of vegetable crops to humic preparations of various origins.

Short Term Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Chemical Properties under Maize (Zea mays L.) Field in Northern Ethiopia

Aim: The application of vermicompost (VC) to improve soil chemical properties in area that have low soil fertility status is crucial. Thus, the present study was initiated to determine impact of vermicompost on selected soil physicochemical properties. Study Design: The experiment had 7 treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. Place and Duration of the Study: Hence, a field experiment was carried out in 2018 main cropping season at farmer's field at Adiha village in Kolla Tembien district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methodology: The treatments were 5 levels of VC (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), the recommended rate of N and P (46 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha-1), compost at rate of 10 t ha-1 and control. Surface soil samples were collected before planting and after maize harvesting at a depth of 0-30 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Likewise, vermicompost and compost nutrient contents were also analyzed to know their nutrient composition. Results: Soil analysis results before sowing revealed that most of the soil chemical properties were rated as low. However, vermicompost application significantly (P≤0.05) improved the soil chemical properties. The studied soil chemical properties such as OC (1.33%), TN (0.13%), CEC (17.2 Cmol (+) kg-1), and available P (6 .38 mg kg-1) showed an improvement at VC 10 t ha-1rate as compared to the control which was respectively 0.65%, 0.04%, 7.4 Cmol(+)kg-1 and 2.45 mg kg-1. Conclusion: A significant (P≤0.05) increase in OC, TN and available P was observed with increased vermicompost rate under cultivated land.

Conjoint Application of Lime, Organics, Inorganic Fertilizers, and Bio-fertilizers Increases Groundnut Productivity, Available Phosphorus and Microbial Biomass Phosphorus in Acidic Soil of Tripura, India

In Tripura, India the soil productivity is less due to its light texture, acidic in nature, low fertility status, low microbial activity. Thus, a field experiment on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was carried out on acidic soil of Khowai district of Tripura during 2017 and 2018 to evaluate the impact of the application of various combinations of lime, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and rhizobium with the recommended doses of NPK on groundnut productivity, available phosphorus (P) and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) content of acidic experimental soil. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) with 13 treatments with various combinations of application of lime, farm yard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and rhizobium with the recommended doses (RD) of NPK, each having 3 replications. Both initial and post-harvest soil samples were collected and analyzed to estimate the available P and MBP content. Results indicated that the use of the different combinations of the RD of NPK accompanied by the application of lime, organic manure (FYM or PM) and seed treatment with Rhizobium significantly increased available P and MBP content in the post-harvest soil which has resulted in increased seed yield of groundnut compared to the RD of NPK alone. Again, the use of RD of NPK @ 20:60:40 kg ha-1 conjointly with lime (@ 1/5th LR), PM (@ 5 t ha-1), and treating the seeds with Rhizobium @ 20 g kg-1 of seed might be recommended to the growers in achieving higher groundnut productivity with better return in acid soil of Tripura, India, as it showed maximum enhancement in groundnut productivity as well as available P2O5 content in post-harvest soil.

The effect of root cutting on the availability of organic carbon stock in oil palm plants (elaeis guneensis jacq)

Palm oil (Elaeis guenesis jacq) is an important commodity in Indonesia. Assessments of the underlying causes of yield gaps in oil palm production systems worldwide are lacking in exploring existing knowledge about oil palm productivity from a crop physiological perspective. Modifying the roots of oil palm plants through root cutting can affect the availability of carbon stocks in the soil because roots are one of the sources of organic carbon input into the soil. The purpose of the study was to analyses the effect of cutting the roots of oil palm plants on the availability of carbon stocks and soil fertility for these crops. The land where the study took place had a relatively low soil fertility status, there were several parameters observed showing low availability status in the soil. The low content of nutrients in the soil causes limited soil in providing nutrients to support plant growth.

Yield Response of Chick Pea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to NPS Fertilizer

Low soil fertility status and reduced biological nitrogen fixation are some of the major constraints in limiting chickpea yield. Thus, an experiment was conducted with the objective of assessing the effect of blended NPS fertilizer rates on the yield and yield components and economic advantages of chickpea varieties. The experiment was done using randomized complete block design with five NPS rates (0, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg ha-1) and three chick pea varieties (Arerty, Shasho and Teketay) in three replications. The result showed that the main effect of variety had significant effect on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, population at harvest, number of secondary branches, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. Application of NPS significantly influenced number of pod per plant, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index. In addition, the pooled effect of the two factors showed highly significant differences on days to 50% germination, population at emergence and primary plant branches. Hence, Arerty variety showed an increased yield throughout the applied rates and attained its highest yield (3166.70 kg) at 125 kg ha-1 NPS applied along with the highest profit gaining. Shasho variety also showed a positive yield response at all treated plots as compared to the control; but attained maximum yield (2861 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied. However, maximum profit was attained at rate of 75 kg ha-1 NPS. Teketay variety attained highest yield (3138.70 kg ha-1) at 100 kg ha-1 NPS applied; however its highest benefit to cost ratio (1.73) with highest economic benefit was reached at 50 kg ha-1 NPS applied. Thus, based on results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that using 100kg, 75kg and 50kg of NPS fertilizer ha-1 application for Arerty, Shasho, and Teketay varieties respectively improved productivity of chickpea with economically significant amount at the vicinity of the research area.

Finger millet; its processing, value added products and marketing strategies: A review

Finger millet is rich in nutrients and minerals. It is an annual herbaceous plant widely grown in arid and semi-arid areas in Africa and Asia. It is well adapted to grow under low soil fertility, low moisture and hot environmental conditions. Finger millet has nearly 7 %protein. The ash content has been found nearly 1.7 to 4.13 %. Finger millet is the richest source of calcium and iron. Due to anti-nutrients present in finger millet, it has restrictions in food preparation and to remove these, it undergoes different processing treatments after that it can be used for food preparation. Large number of foods is prepared from processed finger millet and they are supplied. These all include large number of procedures. Therefore, this review focuses on processing, value addition and different marketing strategies for its promotion.