Lower Net Returns Research Articles

Management of Diamondback Moth and Black Rot Disease in Cauliflower through Front Line Demonstration at Farmer’s Field in Doddaballapur Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District, Karnataka, India

A study on management of diamondback moth and black rot was carried at Doddaballapur taluk by ICAR-KVK, Bengaluru Rural District, through front line demonstration during 2022-2023. The results indicated that infestation of diamondback moth and black rot was observed both under farmer’s practice plots and front line demonstration plots. The infestation of diamondback moth was 7.36 per cent and 29.32 per cent in FLD plots and farmer’s practice plots, respectively. Similarly, black rot incidence was 5.21 per cent and 16.62 per cent in demonstration plots and farmer’s practice plots, respectively. The weight of curd and total yield obtained under front line demonstration was maximum (2.234 kg/ plant and 26.29 t/ha) and was minimum under farmer’s practice plots (1.258 kg/plant and 22.98 t/ha). The analysis of cost economics revealed that higher gross and net returns and BC ratio were obtained in FLD plots (4,73,220 Rs/ha, 2,87,043.20 Rs/ha, and 2.54, respectively); low gross and net returns and BC ratio were obtained under farmer’s practice plots (4,13,640 Rs/ha, 2,45,588.20 Rs/ha, and 2.46, respectively). The analysis of gaps: total yield gap, technological gap, extension gaps and extent of adoption after FLD revealed that there is a need to bridge the gaps through proper training, method demonstration, dissemination of technological interventions, instilling coordination and removal of circumstantial differences between the farmers, researchers, and scientists, and convincing the farmers to adopt improved practices for management of diamondback moth and black rot in cauliflower.

Assessing the role of technology transfer and participatory technology development on farmers crop yield and income in Shawa village of Zalingei, Central Darfur State

This study is aiming at assessing the role of technology transfer and participatory technology development on farmers’ crop yield and income in Shawa village of Zalingei locality during 2022/2023 cropping rainy season. Clustered random sampling technique applied. Demonstration farm was established in an area of 1.5 feddan. Farmers field schools (FFSs) of 25 men and women farmers selected. Participatory Technology Development (PTD) for men and women farmers was also developed in an area of 1.5 feddan. Improved seeds will be grown versus local check. Each treatment comprising NPK fertilizer micro dose (0. 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 gram/ hole) randomly practiced. Fertilizer micro dose with percentage of 17-17-17 was added and mixed with seeds per hole at planting method. All farmers experienced to practical and theoretical farming of FFSs training in all research technical packages of land preparation, sowing date, seed preparation, seed dressing, thinning, weeding, water harvesting, soil conservation, pests and diseases control, seed production technologies, harvest and post harvest technologies. Results of partial crop budget revealed that all crops finically gave positive net returns. The highest yield kg/ha was obtained by Sorghum Wad-Ahmed 3500, Sorghum Butana with 3250, 3000 kg/ha for sorghum local and G/nut Gibaish, while the lowest yield/ha shown by sesame local (776 kg/ha). Therefore, the highest net returns was recorded by sorghum Butana (SDG 329048), sorghum wad-Ahmed (SDG 295477), sorghum local (SDG 269048) and G/nut Gibaish (SDG 108990). While the lowest net returns was computed by G/nut local with SDG 21,381. Results of marginal analysis revealed that sorghum Butana gave the highest MRR 1230. Results of Participatory Technology Development (PTD) of improved yields against local indicated that, the highest yield obtained by sorghum Wad-Ahmed and G/nut Gibaish (1100 and 950 kg/feddan), respectively. While the lowest yield obtained by sesame local (195 kg/feddan). The increased over decreased of improved versus local showed that sorghum wad-ahmed exceed local by 11%, millet Ashana 36%, sesame Promio 13% and groundnut Gibaish exceed local by 25%. The study recommended strengthening research extension farmers and enhancing farmers’ participatory technology development.

New Bivariate Copulas via Lomax Distribution Generated Distortions

We develop a framework for creating distortion functions that are used to construct new bivariate copulas. It is achieved by transforming non-negative random variables with Lomax-related distributions. In this paper, we apply the distortions to the base copulas of independence, Clayton, Frank, and Gumbel copulas. The properties of the tail dependence coefficient, tail order, and concordance ordering are explored for the new families of distorted copulas. We conducted an empirical study using the daily net returns of Amazon and Google stocks from January 2014 to December 2023. We compared the popular Clayton, Gumbel, Frank, and Gaussian copula models to their corresponding distorted copula models induced by the unit-Lomax and unit-inverse Pareto distortions. The new families of distortion copulas are equipped with additional parameters inherent in the distortion function, providing more flexibility, and are demonstrated to perform better than the base copulas. After analyzing the data, we have found that the joint extremes of Amazon and Google stocks are more likely for high daily net returns than for low daily net returns.

Cropping system typologies perform differently under climate stress in Manitoba, Canada: multi-criteria assessment

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A “business as usual” (BAU) rotation (wheat–canola–wheat–soybean) was compared with a “warm-season crop” (WS) rotation (corn–sunflower–dry bean–canola); a “biodiverse” (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop– corn/soybean intercrop—pea/canola intercrop–green fallow mixture); a “perennial grain” (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha−1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha−1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass, and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide-resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn–soybean intercrop, a cover crop, and fall-seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed.

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.

Management of soil cover and tillage regimes in upland rice-sweet corn systems for better system performance, energy use and carbon footprints

This study investigates the effects of tillage and mulching regimes on rice-sweet corn systems in the lower Gangetic plains, focusing on region-specific and crop-specific impacts on soil-crop-environmental parameters. The experiment consisted of three levels of tillage: conventional (CT), minimum (MT), and zero (ZT), and four levels of mulching: live, leaf litter, paddy straw, and no mulching. The results show that ZT tillage resulted in higher bulk density (BD) compared to other treatments, despite an increase in soil organic carbon (SOC). Live and leaf litter mulching led to slight reductions in BD in the upper soil layers. CT resulted in net depletion of SOC whereas ZT registered a positive sequestration rate of 1.19 Mg ha−1 yr−1. Live and leaf litter mulching increased SOC sequestration by 42.6% and 38.8% compared to paddy straw mulching, respectively. Initially, ZT resulted in a 10.3% reduction in system productivity compared to CT, while MT yields were comparable to CT. However, mulching regimes consistently improved production by 16.4%–25.2% as compared to no mulch. ZT and MT were found to be more affordable than CT, with cost savings of 18.2% and 6.8%, respectively. ZT had the highest B: C ratio, indicating better economic efficiency. Among the mulching treatments, live mulching was the most economical. Both ZT and MT saved input energy by approximately 22.9% and 13.5%, respectively compared to CT. Live mulching resulted in the highest net energy and energy output. Compared to CT, ZT reduced carbon footprint (CF) by 41.5 and 22.2% in rice and sweet corn, respectively. MT scored midway between ZT and CT in all parameters. CT exhibited several limitations, including high input energy requirements, high cost of cultivation, poor economic efficiency, negative environmental impacts, and loss of SOC. ZT initially experienced yield reduction and lower net returns in the early years. Therefore, MT was identified as the best alternative in the initial years before transitioning completely to ZT, as it provided comparable yields to CT with better overall benefits. Among the soil cover regimes, live mulching was found to be the most favorable option across all dimensions.

Impacts of economic factors influencing net returns of beef feedlot heifers administered two implant programs and fed for differing days-on-feed from pooled randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of two implant programs and differing days-on-feed (DOF) on net returns of beef feedlot heifers using sensitivity analyses of key economic factors. Crossbred beef heifers [n = 10,583; initial weight 315kg (± 20.1 SD)] were enrolled across three trials (one Kansas, two Texas feedlot trials). Heifers were blocked by arrival and randomly allocated to one of six pens, resulting in a total of 144 pens and 24 blocks. Pen was randomly assigned to treatment as a 2 × 3 factorial. Implant programs were: IH + 200-Revalor-IH at initial processing, and a terminal implant after approximately 90 DOF (Revalor-200), or, XH-a single implant at initial processing (Revalor-XH). The DOF treatments were: heifers fed to a standard baseline endpoint (BASE) or heifers fed for an additional + 21 or + 42 d beyond BASE. Pen-level partial budgets were used for economic sensitivity analyses, which varied price points of single pricing components with all other components fixed. Variable components were live-fed cattle prices, base carcass prices (i.e., dressed), Choice-Select spread (CS-spread), and feed and yardage prices (FYP). For each, a Low, Mid-Low, Middle, Mid-High, and High price was chosen. Linear mixed models were fit for statistical analyses (α = 0.05). There were no significant two-way interactions (P-values ≥ 0.14). Regardless of the variable component evaluated, XH heifers had poorer net returns than IH + 200 at all prices (P ≤ 0.04). Selling live, the + 21 and (or) + 42 heifers had lower net returns than BASE at every fed cattle price point (P < 0.01). Selling dressed, the + 21 and (or) + 42 heifers had lower returns than BASE at Low, Mid-Low, and Middle fed cattle base prices (P < 0.01); there were no significant DOF differences at Mid-High, or High prices (P ≥ 0.24). Net returns were lower for + 42 than BASE at all CS-spreads (P ≤ 0.03), while BASE and + 21 did not differ significantly. Longer DOF had lower net returns than BASE when selling live at every FYP (P < 0.01) except at the Low price (P = 0.14). Selling dressed, there was no significant effect of DOF at Low or Mid-Low FYP (P ≥ 0.11); conversely, extended DOF had lower net returns than BASE at Middle, Mid-High, and High FYP (P < 0.01). Overall, there was minimal economic evidence to support extending feedlot heifer DOF beyond the BASE endpoint, and when feeding longer, larger reductions in return were observed when marketing live as opposed to dressed.

Tarping and mulching effects on crop yields, profitability, and soil nutrients in a continuous no-till organic vegetable production system

Abstract Small-scale organic vegetable farms need strategies to overcome yield, labor, and economic challenges in transitioning to reduced and no-till practices. However, the production tradeoffs associated with different scale-appropriate management practices are not well documented for these operations. We evaluated crop yields, labor, profitability, and soil nutrients over four continuous years of management in Freeville, NY. Cabbage (Y1 and Y3) and winter squash (Y2 and Y4) were managed in permanent beds under four contrasting tillage systems: conventional rototilling to 20 cm depth (CT), shallow rototilling to 10 cm (ST), no-till (NT), and no-till with tarping (NTT), in which an impermeable, black polyethylene tarp was applied to the soil surface between crops. Within each tillage treatment, we compared three mulching systems: rye mulch (RM), compost mulch (CM), and no mulch (NM), where mulches were applied annually to each crop. Crop yields did not vary by tillage, except in RM, where yields were highest in CT and reduced in ST and NT over four years. Mulch treatments were a significant driver of crop yields. When compared to NM, RM reduced crop yields in the first two years and CM increased yields after the first year. Overall, RM systems had the lowest net returns and CM returns were equivalent to NM despite greater yields. No-till consistently required the greatest pre-harvest labor investment, up to two times greater than tilled systems with NM, and the lowest net returns. Labor requirements for NTT were greater than CT but up to 41% lower than NT, and profitability was equivalent to CT. Shallow tillage performed similar to CT across yield, labor, and profitability measures, except when combined with the use of RM. Compost mulching led to dramatic changes in soil properties after four years, including a 49% increase in total soil carbon, a 31% increase in total soil nitrogen, and a 497% increase in extractable phosphorus. Small farms adopting NT practices should: 1) consider the potential tradeoffs associated with annually applied organic mulches, and 2) integrate tarping to increase the profitability of NT over consecutive production years.

The Value of Active Management in Equity Mutual Funds: A Case of Mutual Funds Distributed in the Czech Republic

The primary purpose of this study is to evaluate the active management in a mutual fund from the perspective of a Czech retail investor and compare it against their passive alternative. In total, 50 mutual funds and three passive exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were analyzed across three regional groups (Global, American, and European) from July 2011 to June 2021. The data was analyzed through regression utilizing the Fama-French 3 factor model to determine the funds’ alpha, ensuring a fair risk-adjusted comparison of funds. The detailed analysis showed that 13 of the 50 officially active funds are not considered active and may be suspected of so-called closet indexing. Such funds are being paid for active management, which they are not performing. Thus, the client is being deceived and is essentially getting an overpriced index fund. Moreover, it was confirmed that ongoing fee is a negative performance predictor – more expensive funds deliver lower net returns; thus, they cannot justify their cost. The findings mentioned above were consistent among the analyzed groups but were less apparent and significant for the European funds. Lastly, the results were compared with previous research and discussed from theoretical and practical perspectives.

Economics of Cabbage Production Under Different Levels of Integrated Nutrient Management in Varanasi Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The excess use of chemical fertilizers is hazardous for soil and environmental health. To reduce the level of chemical fertilizers the field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2016-17 at horticulture research farm, Department of Horticulture, U. P. College, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments. These treatments were replicated thrice. The treatments included various levels of NPK, FYM, vermicompost, Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza. Economic analysis of different treatments of cabbage production in Varanasi region (Uttar Pradesh) revealed variation in net capital investment. The results show that among different integrated nutrient management (INM) levels, half dose of NPK ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5kg ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 has highest net return followed by half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 tons ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Lowest net return was observed with half dose treatment of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1. Cabbage crop nutrition by supplying recommended dose of NPK ha-1 (150 kg: 125 kg: 100 kg) recorded highest cost-benefit ratio (3.11) while, half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 gives lowest cost-benefit ratio (2.05) among the all INM levels.

What is the Cow-Calf Economics of Genetic Panel Scores for Feedlot Traits?

AbstractPast research has only studied genetic panel scores and feedlot performance. This research combines impacts of genetic panel scores on a cow-calf operation with previously estimated feedlot impacts to evaluate the potential for misaligned economic incentives in the beef industry. Calves that were higher genetic scores for two carcass traits, marbling and tenderness, had lower weaning weights and lower net returns. Correlations between genetic traits and cow size were small and mostly insignificant. The sum of the effects on feedlot and cow-calf sectors of a one-unit higher panel score totaled $-2.83 per cow year for marbling and $-4.93 per cow year for tenderness.

Analyses of Productivity and Profitability in Boro Rice Cultivation within Blast-Affected Areas of Kushtia District

This study evaluated the profitability dynamics of blast affected Boro rice cultivation within specific regions of Kushtia District of Bangladesh during the period of 2018-19. A total of 90 farmers, with 30 from each upazila, were selected randomly for participation in this study. The findings revealed substantial yield losses, with the most significant impact observed among11% farmers affected by a disease severity scale of 9 in BRRI dhan28, resulting in a yield loss of 3.92 t/ha. Similarly, a blast severity scale of 9 led to yield losses of 2.0 t/ha in BRRI dhan29, affecting 7% of farmers. The Miniket cultivar exhibited a yield loss of 1.70 t/ha among 56% of farmers with a severity scale of 5. Interestingly, Mirpur experienced devastating losses for both BRRI dhan28 and BRRI dhan29, while Kushtia Sadar suffered significant yield losses for the Miniket cultivar based on disease severity and yield impact. Application of Nativo 75 WG (0.40 Kg/ha) and Trooper 75 WP (0.50 Kg/ha) at the lowest (3%) disease incidence resulted in a remarkable 68.97% increase in yield for BRRI dhan29 in Bheramara. Conversely, spraying of Amistar Top 325 SC (0.56 l/ha) did not lead to increase yield. In Miniket cultivar at Bheramara, Nativo 75 WG (0.45 Kg/ha) and Amistar Top 325 SC (0.37 l/ha) resulted in a lower yield of 2.99 t/ha due to application at a higher (50%) disease incidence. Furthermore, a yield increase of 69.67% was observed with the application of Nativo 75 WG (0.34 kg/ha) in the Miniket cultivar at Kushtia Sadar. The highest gross return, gross margin, net return, and benefit-cost ratio were recorded in Bheramara, amounting to Tk 1,24,084/ha, Tk 46,037/ha, Tk 5,797/ha, and 1.05, respectively. Notably, BRRI dhan29 exhibited the maximum gross return and yield of Tk 1,32,435/ha and 6.14 t/ha, respectively, whereas BRRI dhan28 demonstrated the lowest gross return and net return of Tk 1,09,737/ha and (-) Tk 8,321/ha, respectively, due to higher blast disease incidence. Labor costs constituted the largest share (34.10%) of the total rice production expenses. Despite BRRI dhan28 exhibiting lower net and gross returns per hectare due to higher blast disease incidence, the highest yields in BRRI dhan29 were attributed to its comparatively lower disease infection rate among the three varieties. Evidently, the cultivation of the Miniket cultivar resulted in higher net returns due to its superior market price and quality, especially when disease incidence was lower compared to BRRI dhan28. This emphasizes the importance of blast management strategies and the use of resistant varieties with high yield potential and market value in ensuring sustainable productivity and profitability in Boro rice production. Bangladesh Rice J. 26 (2): 1-18, 2022

Effect of Integrated Weed Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Green Chilli (Capsicum annum L.)

Weed infestation in chilli production, especially during early growth stages, is a major constraint leading to significant yield loss. Effective weed management during this critical phase is crucial for maximizing chilli crop productivity. Keeping this in view a field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P) during the Kharif season of 2022-23. The main objective was to assess the impact of various integrated weed management strategies on the growth and yield of green chilli crops. The experiment consisted of seven treatments with control, laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The treatment details viz., T1[Weedy check (Control)], T2(Weed free), T3[Hand weeding at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT)], T4[organic mulch (paddy straw)], T5 (Oxyfluorfen 1.0 kg/ha, T6 Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha) and T7 (Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha. + HW after 60 DAT). The results of the study revealed that the "Weed-free" treatment (T4) exhibited the highest plant height (80.35 cm), number of leaves per plant (120), number of fruits per plant (85) with an average weight of fruits per plant (276.74 g), dry weight of fruits per plant (33.21 g) and yield (7.56 kg/plot and 189.05 q/ha). The treatment "Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha + Hand weeding after 60 DAT" (T7) followed closely, recording the plant height (75.78 cm), number of leaves per plant (114.66), number of fruits per plant (82.33) with an average weight of fruits per plant (251.56 g), dry weight of fruits per plant (32.7 g) and yield (7.12 kg/plot and 178.08 q/ha). The "Weedy check" treatment (T1) required the longest duration for 50% flowering and the first and final harvest, with 76, 108 and 124 days, respectively. On the other hand, the "Weed-free" treatment (T2) required the shortest period, with 66, 93, and 106 days, respectively. Regarding weed-related parameters, the "Weedy check" treatment (T1) demonstrated the highest weed count (110), fresh weight of weeds (2160.03 g) and dry weight of weeds (388.81 g), while the "Weed-free" treatment (T2) exhibited the minimum weed count (0.00), fresh weight of weeds (0.00 g) and dry weight of weeds (0.00 g). The highest weed control efficiency (WCE) of 100% and the lowest weed index (0.00%) were observed in the "Weed-free" treatment (T2), whereas the lowest WCE (0.00%) and the highest weed index (69.69%) were recorded in the "Weedy check" treatment (T1). Economically, the combined treatment of "Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha with hand weeding after 60 DAT" (T7) resulted in the highest net return of 4,39,192.78 ₹/ha, followed by the "Weed-free" treatment (T2) with 4,35,207 ₹/ha. The lowest net return was observed in the "Weedy check" treatment (T1) with 62,117.28 ₹/ha.

A stochastic animal life cycle simulation model for a whole dairy farm system model: Assessing the value of combined heifer and lactating dairy cow reproductive management programs

This analysis introduces a stochastic herd simulation model and evaluates the estimated reproductive and economic performance of combinations of reproductive management programs for both heifers and lactating cows. The model simulates the growth, reproductive performance, production, and culling for individual animals and integrates individual animal outcomes to represent herd dynamics daily. The model has an extensible structure, allowing for future modification and expansion, and has been integrated into the Ruminant Farm Systems model, a holistic dairy farm simulation model. The herd simulation model was used to compare outcomes of 10 reproductive management scenarios based on common practices on US farms with combinations of estrous detection (ED) and artificial insemination (AI), synchronized estrous detection (synch-ED) and AI, timed AI (TAI, 5-d CIDR-Synch) programs for heifers; and ED, a combination of ED and TAI (ED-TAI, Presynch-Ovsynch), and TAI (Double-Ovsynch) with or without ED during the reinsemination period for lactating cows. The simulation was run for a 1,000-cow (milking and dry) herd for 7 yr, and we used the outcomes from the final year to evaluate results. The model accounted for incomes from milk, sold calves, and culled heifers and cows, as well as costs from breeding, AI, semen, pregnancy diagnosis, and calf, heifer, and cow feed. We found that the interaction between heifer and lactating dairy cow reproductive management programs influences herd economic performance primarily due to heifer rearing costs and replacement heifer supply. The greatest net return (NR) was achieved when combining heifer TAI and cow TAI without ED during the reinsemination period, whereas the lowest NR was obtained when combining heifer synch-ED with cow ED.

Fertilizer Recommendation for Chilli-Garlic Intercropping System

An experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, BARI, Gazipur and On Farm Research Division, BARI, Noakhali during Rabi season of 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 to develop a fertilizer recommendation for chilli with garlic intercropping system. Six treatment combinations viz. T1= 100% RDCF of chilli + 0% RDCF of garlic, T2= 100% RDCF of chilli +10% RDCF of garlic, T3= 100% RDCF of chilli + 20% RDCF of garlic, T4= 100% RDCF of chilli +30% RDCF of garlic, T5= 100% RDCF of chilli +40% RDCF of garlic and T6= 100% RDCF of chilli +50% RDCF of garlic were tested. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Both chilli and garlic characters significantly influenced by different treatment combinations. The maximum yield of chilli (10.12 and 9.10 t ha-1 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) and garlic (3.70 and 3.55 t ha-1 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) were obtained from T6 treatments which were statistically similar with T5 treatment. Chilli equivalent yield progressively increased with the increase of inorganic fertilizers. The results showed that T6 provided the highest CEY (17.52 and 16.18 t ha-1 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) followed by T5 (17.47 and 16.14 t ha-1 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively). The highest gross margin (Tk. 339755 ha-1 and Tk 310198. ha-1at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) as well as BCR (4.50 and 4.32 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) were obtained from T5 treatment while the lowest net return (Tk. 266661 ha- 1 and Tk. 242264 ha-1at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) as well as BCR (3.92 and 3.76 at Gazipur and Noakhali, respectively) were observed from T1 treatment. Though T6 treatment gave higher yield over all the treatments but it showed lower BCR compared to T5 treatment due to higher cost involvement for inorganic fertilizer.&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2022, 25(1): 7-14

Impact of differential substitution of nutrients through organics on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Basmati rice in irrigated Shivalik foothills of J&amp;K, India

A field experiment was conducted for two years at research farm of division of Agronomy at SKUASTJammuduring kharif 2015 and 2016 to assess the effect of differential substitution of nutrients throughorganics on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of basmati rice in irrigated Shivalik foothills of J&amp;K. Thepooled data of two year study on basmati rice revealed that grain yield, straw yield and total nutrientuptake in basmati rice were significantly influenced by differential substitution of nutrients through organicsin irrigated Shiwalik foothills of J &amp;K. Significantly higher pooled grain yield (30.38 q/ha) and straw yield(72.42 q/ha) of two year of basmati-370 were recorded with treatment 100% RDF which were foundstatistically at par with yields recorded with treatments T12, T16, T2 and T6 whereas significantly lowest grainand straw yield of basmati-370 were recorded with treatment 100 % NPK through FYM which was foundstatistically at par with treatment 100 % NPK through vermicompost and 100 % NPK through vermicompostand FYM (1:1) in grain and straw yield whereas significantly higher (75.37 kg/ha) total N uptake , total Puptake (13.13 kg/ha) and total K uptake (86.53 kg/ha) were recorded with treatment T11. Further, highestnet returns (Rs 66056/ha) and b:c ratio (3.18) in basmati-370 after two years were recorded with treatment100% NPK whereas lowest net returns (Rs 23213/ha) and b:c ratio (0.68) were recorded with treatment 100% NPK through Vermicompost in basmati rice.

Study on Effect of Spacing and Nutrient Management in Cabbage Cultivation in Medium Land Situation of East Medinipur

Background: Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitate L.) is a nutritionally and economically high-value leafy vegetable. Therefore, the optimum plant density and the judicious application of fertilizers with organic supplements must be ensured to achieve the desired quality and quantity of cabbage. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in farmers’ field to study the effect of spacing and nutrient management on the growth, yield and economics of cabbage in East Medinipur’s medium land situation under the lower Gangetic plain of West Bengal during the Rabi season in 2020. Three technology options with three distinct spacing (TO-I: 60 × 30 cm2 + RDF, TO-II: 60 × 45 cm2 + RDF and TO-III: 60 × 60 cm2 + RDF) along with one farmer’s practice (FP: Random spacing and fertilization) were evaluated using randomized block design (RBD). Result: The findings showed that the maximum plant height (37.2 cm), the lowest number of aberrant heads (7.81%) and the highest individual head weight (1.89 kg) were recorded in TO-III. Individual head weight was decreased in the following order: TO-III greater than TO-II greater than TO-I greater than FP. Though TO-I recorded the maximum harvestable (59.45 t/ha) and marketable yield (53.28 t/ha), TO-II had the maximum net return (Rs. 237069 ha-1) and the highest benefit-cost ratio (2.78). In contrast, the lowest net return (Rs. 112115 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (1.81) were recorded in FP. The decreasing order of net return, as well as the benefit-cost ratio, was found to be: TO-II greater than TO-III greater than TO-I greater than FP.

Effect of Seed Rate on Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) under Front Line Demonstrations in Poonch

Among several crop management factors sowing method, seeding rate and selection of appropriate genotype have prime roles in affecting wheat productivity. Most of the times, farmers are in practice of using excess seed rate to the tune of 160kg/ha against recommended 120 kg/ha. This affects crop production due to competition among plants resulting from higher plant density for available resources. Demonstration on farmer’s field is a proven way to demonstrate the technology to increase the adoption rate among farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Poonch therefore conducted On-farm demonstrations to popularize the importance of optimum seed rate in wheat. The investigation was carried out in the Poonch Block in five village panchayats. Eighty front line demonstrations on wheat variety WH 1080 were laid using 120 kg seed per hectare. Seed rate of 120 kg/ha produced more numbers of grains per ear (52) and 1000 grain weight (38.48 g) and grain yield (33.8 quintals/ha); while for seed rate of 160 kg/ha less numbers of grains per ear (44) and 1000 grain weight (38.04 g) and grain yield (27.2 quintals/ha) were obtained. Optimum seed rate @ 120 kg/ha also gave highest net returns per hectare (Rs. 41,592) with benefit cost ratio (3.02); whereas, farmer’s practice of broadcasting higher seed rate @ 160kg/ha recorded lower net returns (Rs. 28,448) and benefit cost ratio (2.32). It is, therefore, recommended that wheat should be sown with seed rate of 120 kg/ha for higher yield and net returns.

Economics of Wet Seeded Rice as Influenced by Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation Regimes and Weed Management

An experiment was conducted at College Farm, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22.The experiment was laid out in split plot design with two factors i.e., irrigation regimes (I1 : Farmers practice (continuous flooding of 2-5 cm from 3-4 days after sowing), I2: AWDI at 5 cm depletion of ponded water, I3: AWDI at 10 cm depletion of ponded water and I4: AWDI at 15 cm depletion of ponded water) and weed management practices (W1: Control (Unweeded check), W2: Pyrazosulfuron ethyl (10% WP) 20 g ha-1 PE fb Penoxsulam (1.02%) + Cyhalofop butyl (5.1%) 120 g ha-1 PoE, W3:Pyrazosulfuron ethyl (10% WP) 20 g ha-1 PE fb Penoxsulam (1.02%) + Cyhalofop butyl (5.1%) 120 g ha-1 PoE + Mechanical weeding at 45 DAS and W4: Weed free (Mechanical weeding at 15, 35 and 55 DAS with line weeding). Among the irrigation regimes, cost of cultivation and gross returns were highest in farmers practice (continuous flooding of 2-5 cm from 3-4 days after sowing) and lowest in AWDI at 15 cm depletion of ponded water. Net returns and B:C ratio was highest in AWDI at 5 cm depletion of ponded water and lowest net returns and B:C ratio was recorded in AWDI at 15 cm depletion of ponded water. Among weed management practices highest cost of cultivation, gross returns were achieved in weed free (mechanical weeding at 15, 35 and 55 DAS with line weeding) and lowest cost of cultivation and gross returns was achieved in Control (unweeded control). With respective to herbicide application highest gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio were achieved in pyrazosulfuron ethyl (10% WP) 20 g ha-1 PE fb penoxsulam (1.02%) + cyhalofop butyl (5.1%) 120 g ha-1 PoE + mechanical weeding at 45 DAS.

Direct seeding of rice with drum seeder is made easy rice cultivation in Visakhapatnam district of North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Paddy is major predominant crop during Kharif in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, cultivated in an area of 1,17,608 ha, out of total cropped area of 1,92,638 ha with productivity of 2664 kg/ha. Farmers grow crop by adopting traditional method of paddy cultivation, use more seed rate, close spacing, late transplanting with over aged seedlings common phenomenon due to erratic rainfall climate change. Scarcity of labour and escalation in labor wages, reduction in labor efficiency are leading to low net returns. In this context DAATT Centre, Visakhapatnam district of ANGRAU, in collaboration with K.V.K., Kondempudi and Department of Agriculture, Visakhapatnam has introduced ‘Drum Seeder technology which is very easy and less labour involved. Drum seeder technology is boon to farmers to save money and time and crop comes to harvest 7-10 days earlier than normal transplanted paddy. DAATT Centre, Visakhapatnam has organized On-Farm Demonstrations (OFDs) in farmer fields in two seasons Kharif,2019 and Rabi,2019-20. Drum seeder technology in paddy recorded 12.49% yield over normal transplanting method of paddy cultivation during Kharif season. The results from the study showed that the farmers realized the 58.19% increase in net income due to increased grain yield by 12.49% with reduction of cost of cultivation by 9.35%, , it could be attributed to reduction in manual labour of 12 man labour and 25 women labour per ha and also increase in yield attributes and yield.