Marginal Benefit Cost Ratio Research Articles

Rice productivity on tidal swampland in the agricultural assisitance area program in Barito Kuala Regency South Kalimantan

Food needs that continue to increase rapidly along with population growth and the conversion of optimal paddy fields to non-agricultural land make sub-optimal land an alternative rice-producing land. One of the sub-optimal land being developed for use as a source of rice production is tidal land. The purpose of this research is to improve the productivity and feasibility of rice farming by supervising double row technology in tidal land in Barito Kuala Regency. The performance of rice the new superior varieties of Inpara 2, inpara 8, inpari 32, inpari 40 and inpari 42 in the tidal swampland in the 2018 dry season are quite good. How to plant with super double row planting increases productivity by 43% compared to ordinary planting. The highest productivity with super double row is Inpara 2 variety (5.83 t / ha), then inpari 42 (5.19 t/ha), Inpara 8 (4.78 t/ha), Inpari 40 (4.23 t/ha), Inpara 3 (3.85 t / ha) and Inpari 32 (2.54 t/ha). The planting method with super double row gives an RC ratio of 2.07 and a R/C ratio of 1.07. Whereas the R/C ratio planting of the farmer way is 1.60. And the MBCR (marginal benefit-cost ratio) super double row 2.41. This shows that rice farming using super double row provides benefits and worth applying.

Management Of Thrips And Pod Borers Using Chemicals, Botanicals And Biopesticides In Mungbean

The experiment was conducted to find out effective control measure against thrips and pod borers of mungbean by various means, including chemicals, botanicals and biopesticide. The mungbean variety, BARI Mung-6 was grown in the field and six treatments viz., T1 [Azadirachtin (Bioneem plus 1EC)], T2 [Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt. powder)], T3 [Spinosad (Tracer 45SC)], T4 [Chlorpyrifos + Cypermethrin (Nitro 505EC)], T5 [Thiamethoxam + Chlorantraniliprole (Voliam flexi 300SC)] and T0 [Untreated control (water spray)] were set in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The insecticidal treatment options showed significantly different performance against thrips (Megalurothrips distalis), gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) and legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) on mungbean. The lowest population of thrips, gram pod borer and legume pod borer was found in Voliam flexi 300SC treated plot which showed maximum percent reduction of these pests. The lowest percent pod infestation by pod borers observed by the same treatment. Bioneem plus showed the intermediate results considering all the parameters. The maximum yield (1254.50 kg ha-1) and the highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) (6.68) were obtained from Voliam flexi 300SC. Considering effectiveness and marginal benefit cost ratio, Voliam flexi 300SC was more effective among treatments for controlling thrips and pod borers of mungbean followed by Nitro 505EC.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 79-91 (2019)

Performance of organic manures on the growth and yield of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor) and soil properties

The experiment was carried out at the research farm of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during December 2015 to January 2016 to evaluate the effects of cow dung (CD), poultry manure (PM) and mustard oil cake (MOC) along with NPK fertilizer amendments on the growth and yield performances of red amaranth in silty loam soil. The treatments were (i) NPK (control), (ii) NPK + CD, (iii) NPK + PM and (iv) NPK + MOC. All three types of manures significantly increased the plant height and numbers of leaves plant-1, thereby fresh weight, yield compared with the control (NPK). The best results in terms of vegetable fresh yield were obtained in the following order: NPK > CD > PM > MOC. Application of MOC is not beneficial due to 30 times higher price than CD and PM. PM added NPK fertilizer combination showed higher vegetable yield (10.87 t ha-1) than CD added NPK fertilizer combination (10.17 t ha-1). PM added fertilizer combination also had almost equal investment and cost-benefit ratio in comparison with CD. The lowest marginal benefit-cost ratio (1.09) was observed in MOC added NPK fertilizer combination though it showed higher vegetable yield (11.08 t ha-1). The farmers’ can be recommended to follow NPK + CD fertilizer combination. Manures applied post soil analysis showed improves the soil physiochemical properties.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(2): 263-269, August 2019

Study of nitrogen use efficiency and yield of rice influenced by deep placement of nitrogen fertilizers

Continuous increase of nitrogen fertilizer use adversely affecting the soil health as well as the environment. It necessitates the systematic study of the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilizer use-reduction on crop yield. In this article, the effects of deep placement of nitrogen fertilizers on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and yield of rice variety “BRRI dhan46” were investigated and compared for three N formulations: urea super granule (USG), NPK briquettes and prilled urea (PU). The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with eight N treatments replicated three times. The treatments were applied by varying doses (0, 52, 78 and 104 kg ha-1) of nitrogen fertilizers in a known identical soil and weather condition. Applications of PU, USG and NPK briquettes exhibited significant differences on yield attributes of rice. Results revealed maximum grain yield of 6.391 t ha-1 (54% increases over control) for the dose USG 104 kg ha-1 which is statistically similar to the dose USG 78 kg ha-1 and NPK briquettes 104 kg ha-1. The deep placement of USG and NPK briquettes enhanced both the recovery of applied N and N use efficiency compared to broadcast application of prilled urea. However, USG 78 kg ha-1 showed maximum apparent N recovery, N use efficiency, gross margin and marginal benefit-cost ratio. Thus, an application of 78 kg ha-1 USG can be recommended for profitable cultivation of rice variety BRRI dhan46.
 SAARC J. Agri., 17(1): 93-103 (2019)

Effect of Topping Schedules on the Growth and Yield Parameters of Lady�s Finger (Abelmoschusesculentus)

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the optimum schedule of topping lady’s finger to enhance its growth and yield parameters. Methods/Statistical Analysis: The treatments (20 DAE (Days after emergence), 30 DAE, 40 DAE and without topping (control)) were arranged in RCBD using three replications. Growth parameters, viz., a number of branches and leaf area at maturity and yield parameters, viz., the length and weight of fruits, projected yield per hectare and Marginal Benefit-Cost Ratio (MBCR) were observed. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Differences (LSD) using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Findings: Results revealed that topping the lady’s finger at 20 DAE, 30 DAE and 40 DAE did not significantly affect the length of fruits and leaf area of plants, however, topping the lady’s finger at 20 DAE significantly increase the number of branches, the weight of fruits, number of fruits and projected yield. On the basis of economics using the marginal benefit-cost ratio, topping the lady’s finger at 20 DAE gained an 18% benefit while topping beyond this schedule resulted in a loss of 7.5%. Results indicate that the growth and yield decrease when topping is done beyond 20 DAE. The result of the present study is in conformity with the result of previous studies on the effect topping technology to crops, further it determines the optimum schedule of topping lady’s finger to help enhance the production of lady’s finger. Application/Improvement: The optimum schedule for topping crops could help increase the production of crop yield from a limited or from shrinking agricultural land. Keywords: Growth, Lady’s Finger (okra), Topping Schedule, Yield Parameters, MBCR

Development of bio-rational management approach against mango hopper, Idioscopus nagpurensis (Pruthi) in Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted during the 2016-17 mango cropping season in farmers’ fields of Gazipur, Rajshahi and Chapainawabgonj districts of Bangladesh to find an effective bio-rational management option for controlling the mango hopper, Idioscopus nagpurensis (Pruthi) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Randomized Complete Block Design was used incorporating 8 treatments with 3 replications. The treatments were pruning of overcrowded and overlapping branches, spraying of azadirachtin, Beauveria bassiana (Lycomax, Russel IPM), imidacloprid insecticide, installation of yellow sticky grey and blue sticky trap and untreated control. Lowest leafhopper population was recorded in B. bassiana (3.0 hoppers/sweep/tree) followed by imidacloprid (3.7 leafhoppers/sweep/tree) treatments. Highest number of fruit retention was recorded in imidacloprid (40.00 fruits/20 inflorescence/tree) followed B. bassiana (32.67 fruits/20 inflorescence/tree) and azadirachtin (24.00 fruits/20 inflorescence/tree). Imidacloprid treatment offered maximum marginal benefit cost ratio (5.60). Increasing trend of hopper population was recorded in control. Considering health and environment issues, spraying of B. bassiana @ 5.0g/L of water at flower initiation stage, flowering stage and pea stage may be recommended for controlling mango hopper.

Development of biorational management for tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta

The experiment was carried out in farmers’ fields of Chaklarhat, Tunirhat, Panchagarh and Research Field of Horticulture Research Center, Bari, Gazipur from October 2017 to June 2018 to findan effective and suitable management approach against tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta . There was a total of ten treatments, viz., Treatment 1 = Application of Metarrhizium anisolpiae (Lycomax, Russel IPM) biopesticide in soil @ 5g/L of water, Treatment 2 = Foliar spray of azadirachtin (Bio-Neem plus 1EC @ 1ml/L of water), Treatment 3 = Foliar spray of Bacillus thuringiensis (Biocure) @ 2g/L of water, Treatment 4 = Mass trapping through installation of delta sex pheromone trap, Treatment 5 = Spraying of spinosad (Tracer 45WSC) @ 0.5ml/L of water, Treatment 6 = Spraying with chlorantraniprole (Coragen 20SC) @ 0.5ml/L of water, Treatment 7 = Hand picking and destruction of infested leaf and fruit, Treatment 8 = Foliar spray of B. thuringiensis (Biocure) @ 2g/L of water + mass trapping through installation of delta sex pheromone trap + application of M. anisolpiae biopesticide in soil @ 5g/L of water, Treatment 9 = Foliar spray of azadirachtin (Bio-Neem plus 1EC @ 1ml/L of water) + mass trapping through installation of delta sex pheromone trap + Application of M. anisopliae (Lycomax, Russel IPM) biopesticide in soil @ 5g/L of water and Treatment 10 = untreated control were evaluated against T. absoluta following RCB design with three replications. Results revealed that foliar spray of azadirachtin (Bio- Neem plus 1EC @ 1ml/L of water) + mass trapping through installation of delta sex pheromone trap + application of M. anisopliae (Lycomax, Russel IPM) biopesticide in soil @ 5g/L of water performed best in reducing T. absoluta infestation, increase of marketable yield and highest marginal benefit cost ratio.

Comparison of biorational management approaches against mango fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel) in Bangladesh

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) is a major fruit crop throughout the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world including Bangladesh. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a major pest of mango causing both quantitative and qualitative losses as well as export barriers. We compared the efficacy and economic benefits of several prophylactic and remedial tactics against B. dorsalis during the 2017 mango cropping season in pursuit of the development of a mango IPM program to produce fruit fly-free and residue-free mango fruits. Several non-chemical approaches, such as bagging fruits with double-layer brown paper bags, cloth bags, polythene bags, and installing methyl eugenol kairomone traps and protein hydrolysate bait lures, were evaluated and compared with conventional Profenofos + cypermethrin (Shobicron 425 EC) management. Among the treatments, bagging mangos with double-layer brown paper bags at forty-two days before harvest showed the best performance. Fruit infestation was reduced to zero, marketable yields were significantly higher than with conventional pesticide management, and the marginal benefit cost ratio of bagging mangos with double-layer brown paper bags was nearly twice as high as any other treatment. The strong economic return from bagging fruits with double-layer brown paper bags results from high fruit quality and being able to use the bags for two growing seasons. The positive results from this study indicate that double-layer brown paper bagging is effective at controlling the oriental fruit fly in mango and should be integrated into a full IPM package for mango production.

Productivity, nutrient balance, and economics of monsoon rice under different nutrient management practices in two agro-ecological zones of Bangladesh

Abstract Inherently poor soil fertility and non-adoption of fertilizer recommendations based on soil test and yield targets by farmers limit the productivity and profitability from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and much of South Asia. In the Level Barind Tract (LBT; AEZ-25) and the High Ganges River Floodplain (HGR; AEZ-11) agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Bangladesh, monsoon (aman/kharif) season transplanted rainfed rice (known as T. aman rice) is grown in large areas after maize, wheat and/or mungbeans, with residues of each crop removed from the field after grain harvest. This results in lower grain yield and lower profits in these AEZs as compared with other AEZs. Nutrient management, based on soil test, yield targets, or integrated use of inorganics and organics for each AEZ together with retention of crop residue, has the potential to increase rice yield, reduce production cost and increase income. With this hypothesis, this study was conducted to determine the optimum nutrient management practices for achieving higher yield, maintaining apparent soil nutrient balance, and obtaining high profits from monsoon rice. Twelve nutrient management options were evaluated, of which the first six were: (i) 80-16-44-12-2 kg ha-1 of N, P, K, S, Zn respectively for a high yield goal (T1; ‘HYG’); (ii) 56-12-32-8- 1.5 kg ha-1 respectively for a medium yield goal (T2; ‘MYG’); (iii) 65-13-32-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively plus 5 t ha-1 cowdung as integrated plant nutrient management system (T3, ‘IPNS’); (iv) 67-14-41-9-2 kg ha-1 respectively as a soil test-based fertilizer management strategy (T4; ‘STB’); (v) 40-9-11-0-0 kg ha-1 respectively as per farmers’ practice (T5; ‘FP’) and (vi) 0-0-0-0-0 kg ha-1 as a control (T6; ‘CON’). The remaining six treatments were the same as above but each also included the crop residue incorporation (CRI), i.e., (vii) T7, ‘HYG+CRI’; (viii) T8, ‘MYG+CRI’; (ix) T9, ‘IPNS+CRI’; (x) T10, ‘STB+CRI’; (xi) T11 ‘FP’+CRI’; and (xii) T12, ‘CON+CRI’. In both AEZs, STB plus CRI resulted in the highest rice yield (p≤0.05) followed by ‘STB’ and ‘IPNS+CRI’. In comparison with ‘FP’ and ‘CON’, each without CRI, balances were positive (p≤0.05) for P, S, Zn and B but were negative for N and K in ‘HYG’, ‘MYG’, ‘IPNS’ and ‘STB’ with or without CRI. In both AEZS, STB nutrient management had the highest (p≤0.05) net returns (526 & 487 US$ ha-1, respectively), highest benefit cost ratio (BCR; 3.54 & 3.36) and highest marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR; 10.47 & 10.19). These were followed by STB+CRI’ and ‘IPNS’, while they were lowest (p≤0.05) for CON and FP. We recommend that nutrient application, based on soil test with incorporation of mungbean residue, followed by IPNS, could be the best strategies for achieving high yield, improving soil fertility and for fetching a higher profit from monsoon rice in Bangladesh and similar soils and growing environments of South Asia.

Assessment of Improved Variety of Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) Prajwal for Yield and Economics in Western Parts of Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh

The present study was conducted during 2015–2018 for three years to assess the performance of high yielding tuberose variety Prajwal for western parts of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The improved variety Prajwal was plated along with local variety Hyderabad single as check in 0.2ha each in the fields of five farmers at Ayyavaripalli and Chinnagangulavaripalli villages during June 2015 and continued for three years. The results revealed that among the two varieties Prajwal recorded significantly higher number of spikes per plant (2.86 no./plant), number of flowers per spike (46.9 no./spike), flowering duration of spike (16.55d), spike length (105.88cm), flower weight per spike (55.31g), 100 flower weight (91.80g), flower yield per plant (165g) and flower yield per hectare (17.7t/ha). The economic parameters viz., benefit cost ratio (2.22), marginal benefit cost ratio (26.5) and relative economic efficiency (12.92) were recorded more in Prajwal than Hyderabad single. The Prajwal variety showed superiority over Hyderabad single and found suitable for western parts of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh.

Productivity and Nutrient Balance of Lentil- Mungbean -T. Aus - T. Aman Rice Cropping Pattern in High Barind Tract

A field experiment viz. was conducted at farmers’ field of Field Service Research Division site, Kadamshahar, Godagari, Rajshahi under High Barind Tracts to evaluate the the effect of the intensive cropping on system productivity and economic returns as well as nutrient balance and changes in soil fertility of four crop-based cropping pattern Lentil –Mungbean -T.Aus -T.Aman during 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. The Lentil - Mungbean-T.Aus -T. Aman rice cropping pattern was considered as improved pattern (IP) and compared with the farmers’ practice (FP) of Boro - Fallow -T.Aman rice cropping pattern. The Lentil-Mungbean- T.Aus -T.Aman cropping pattern was involved with higher cultivation cost but having the higher rice equivalent yield (REY 15.01 t ha-1), gross return (Tk. 265500 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 134750 ha-1) and marginal benefit-cost ratio (1.38). This cropping pattern gave 46% higher REY compared to the existing Boro-Fallow-T. Aman rice pattern. The four crop pattern took 345 days in a year for its cycle completion. Incorporation of legume residues into the soil in IP increased soil organic matter, total N, available P and Zn contents, as observed after two crop cycles. The IP increased N, P and K uptake by the crops in the sequence. The apparent balance, i.e. difference between inputs and outputs for N and K was negative. The apparent P balance was positive in IP while it was negative in FP. Therefore, it is concluded that the practicing Lentil- Mungbean-T.Aus-T.Aman rice cropping pattern is a productive and profitable system of production technology in the high Barind Tract.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2018, 21(1): 105-115

Productivity and Profitability of Four Crops Based Cropping Pattern in Cumilla Region of Bangladesh

Field experiment was conducted at the farmers' field of Amratoli, Barura multi location testing site of Cumilla during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to increase cropping intensity and productivity by inclusion of T. Aus in existing cropping pattern. Thus experiment variables were F: Existing cropping pattern (Potato -Boro-Fallow-T. Aman) and FA: Alternate cropping pattern (Potato- Boro- T. Aus- T.Aman). Research result indicated that rice equivalent yield (REY) in alternate cropping pattern was 43.46 t ha-1, which is 25.90% higher over existing pattern (34.52 t ha-1). Higher gross return (Tk. 651900 ha-1), gross margin (Tk. 416520 ha-1) and higher marginal benefit cost ratio (2.77) obtained from alternate cropping pattern messaged that this pattern may be recommended to other extrapolation areas of Cumilla region.
 The Agriculturists 2018; 16(2) 88-92

The Economic Feasibility of Sweet Potatos Farming by Using Selected N Fertilization

Sweet potato is normally cultivated in wet land after rice or in dry land during rainy season. N fertilization is commonly applied to increase sweet potato yield. Therefore, the economic feasibility of using selected N fertilizer in sweet potato farming in dry land was studied. Three improved varieties, namely Jago (white-fleshed), Beta 2 (orange-fleshed), and Antin 2 (purple-fleshed) were grown at the Experimental Station of Muneng, East Java and treated with six N fertilization as follows: F1= 0 N fertilization as a check; F2= 50 kg/ha of Urea; F3= 100 kg/ha of Urea; F4= 100 kg/ha of ZA; F5= 200 kg/ha of ZA; and F6= 5,000 kg/ha of manure. The treatment is assumed to be economically viable if the value of Marginal Benefit Cost Ratio (MBCR) is greater than 1. The results showed that the combination of F2 with Beta 2, F3 with Antin 2, and F5 with Beta 2 were viable with the MBCR value of 17.13, 25.85, and 11.61, respectively. Although the data was limited, the study tentatively concludes that profitable N fertilization for sweet potato farming considerably depends on differences in yield, N fertilizer source and dose, as well as selling price of particular variety.JEL Classification: C93, D24, Q12

Increasing cropping intensity and productivity through mungbean inclusion in wheat-fallow-T. Aman rice cropping pattern

The experiment was conducted at the farmers’ field of Bhaluka Upazilla under On-Farm Research division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Mymensingh during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate the performance of Wheat-Mungbean-T.aman rice improved cropping pattern against a farmers cropping pattern of Wheat-Fallow-T.aman rice. The findings of the study indicated that three crops could be grown successfully in sequence in the tested site. The higher rice equivalent yield (15.33 t hd-1 yr.-1), production efficiency (34.74 kg ha-1 day-1) and land utilization index (70.69 %) were obtained from the improved cropping pattern than the farmer’s one. Average gross return (Tk. 262750 ha-1), gross margin (Tk 126204 ha-1) and marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) 2.23 of the improved pattern indicate it’s superiority over farmers’ existing pattern. The fertility status of soil i.e. pH, organic matter, total N, available P, S, Zn and B content in soil were increased over the initial soil due to addition of mungbean biomass.Thus, inclusion of mungbean in the existing farmer’s cropping pattern will improve soil health and the system productivity as a whole.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 333-343, June 2018

Diversifying cropping systems with aromatic crops for better productivity and profitability in subtropical north Indian plains

Diversifying agroecosystems with incorporation of suitable crops could deliver great results pertaining productivity, profitability and sustainability. In the study, we have exclusively focused on the improvement of agricultural income through integration of aromatic crops in the crop rotations. Data set of the research findings would help in providing information about aromatic and agricultural crops, their cultivation cost, economical indices, and profit earned by the farmers in access to diversified cropping systems. Maximum gross returns (357 × 103 INR or 5.56 × 103 USD), net returns (250 × 103 INR or 3.90 × 103 USD), per day return (2.6 × 103 INR or 41 USD), benefit cost ratio (10.52), and marginal benefit cost ratio (8.04) was found in T8 – (basil-pea-menthol mint) cropping system. Diversified cropping system with basil, pea and menthol mint is suitable combination of annual cropping sequence. This would aid sustaining higher yields and monetary returns to farmers.

Improving productivity of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under drip and micro sprinkler fertigation system

A field investigation was carried out in farmer’s field at Pudhupalayam, TNAU, Coimbatore, during 2015, to improve the productivity of groundnut variety TMV 13 under drip and micro sprinkler fertigation system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications comprising of 11 treatments. Results indicated that maximum pod yield (3495 kg ha-1), haulm yield (6452 kg ha-1), harvest index (0.351) and shelling per cent (73.95 per cent) were obtained with drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1). The water saving achieved under drip irrigation was 40.08% and 55.06% at 100% and 75% PE, respectively, whereas, under micro-sprinkler, it was 25.10% and 43.83% at 100% and 75% PE, respectively over surface irrigation. Higher WUE of 19.28 kg/ha-mm recorded under drip irrigation at 75% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T2) followed by drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1: 15.88 kg/ha-mm). Highest NUE (23.30 kg kg-1 NPK ha-1) was recorded in drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1). Drip irrigation at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T1) recorded higher gross return (Rs. 254353 ha-1) and net return (Rs.134712 ha-1). Whereas, the benefit cost ratio was highest in micro sprinkler at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T6: 2.41). The margin benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was recorded highest under micro sprinkler at 100% PE with fertigation at 100% RDF as WSF (T6: 2.53) as compared to all other treatments.

Increasing cropping intensityand productivity through boro t.aus-t.aman-mustard cropping pattern in Bangladesh

The experiment was conducted at Multiplication Testing Site (MLT) Trishal of on-farm research division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Mymensingh during 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the comparative agro-economic performance of four crops pattern for increasing cropping intensity and productivity as compared with existing farmers’ pattern. Four crops pattern (Boro-T.Aus-T.Aman-Mustard) and farmers’ existing pattern (Boro-fallow-T.Aman- fallow) as control were tested. On an average, organic matter 3.94 t ha-1and 2.60 t ha-1 were added to soil in four crops pattern and farmers existing pattern by incorporation of biomass of respective crops.. Two years average results showed that the highest rice equivalent yield (20.63 t ha-1) was obtained from four crops pattern. The highest average gross return and gross margin of the four crops pattern were obtained Tk.359570 and Tk. 170162 ha-1 which were 80 and 207 % higher over farmers’ pattern. Farmers’ practice gave the lower gross return (Tk. 199790 ha-1). The mean marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) was found 2.23 which indicated the superiority of four crops pattern over the farmers’ existing pattern. The marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR) analysis also showed that inclusion of mustard and T.Aus rice in the existing pattern might be profitable and acceptable to the farmers. Nutrient uptake and balance showed that considerable amounts of N, P, K and S were removed by crops every year. However, the N, K and S balances were found negative in all cases but P balance was found positive. From the above result showed that four crops can be grown successfully one after another in sequence of the tested pattern.SAARC J. Agri., 15(2): 103-112 (2017)

Transforming Triple Cropping System to Four Crops Pattern: An Approach of Enhancing System Productivity through Intensifying Land Use System in Bangladesh

Changing three crops pattern to four crops can play a potential role for achieving countries food security. With this view to increase crop productivity, production efficiency, land use efficiency, and economic return through intensifying cropping intensity as well as crop diversity by transforming three crops pattern to four crops, the experiment was conducted in High Ganges River Floodplain Soils under the Agro-Ecological Zone (AEZ) 11 at Pali, Durgapur, under the Multilocation Testing Site, Puthia, Rajshahi, for two consecutive years 2014-15 and 2015-16. Four crops pattern mustard-onion/maize-T. Aman rice was tested at on-farm condition over the existing three crops pattern mustard-onion-T. Aman rice. Maize was introduced here as a relay crop with onion to fit it in the four crops pattern. The experiment was laid out in RCB design with six dispersed replications. Two-year crop cycles were completed, and data regarding component crops yield were considered for assessing the performance of the two cropping patterns for making a sense of comparing productivity. Although there was no significant difference in component crops yield between four crops and three crops pattern, as an additional crop, maize tremendously increased the system productivity and economic return of the four crops pattern. Higher rice equivalent yield 28.96 t·ha−1 in 2013-14 and 30.95 t·ha−1 in 2014-15 was recorded from the four crops pattern with a mean rice equivalent yield (REY) 29.95 t·ha−1 over the existing pattern with a mean value 21.76 t·ha−1. However, four crops pattern resulted in higher cultivation cost due to growing maize as an additional crop; nevertheless, it gave the higher gross return, marginal return, marginal benefit cost ratio, and production efficiency. The four crops pattern resulted averagely 37.63% higher production (REY) compared to the existing three crops pattern. Production as well as land use efficiency were increased by 9.33% and 19.18%, respectively, from the intensified alternate pattern.

Weed control by pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and its influence on yield and economics of transplanted rice

A field experiment was conducted on a silty clay loam soil at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh during Kharif 2016 and 2017 to assess pyrazosulfuron-ethyl as an alternative herbicide to manage weeds in transplanted rice. Ten treatments comprised of company released sample of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl at 10, 15, 20 and 30 g/ha was compared to its market sample at 10 and 15 g/ha, bispyribac-sodium at 20 and 40 g/ha, hand weeding twice and weedy check. Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and bispyribac-sodium effectively reduced the biomass of Echinochloa colona, Echinochloa crusgalli and Cyperus difformis. These herbicides also suppressed the growth of Ammannia baccifera, but not to the extent as hand weeding twice. Pyrazosulfuron-ethyl curtailed Eclipta alba, but lower dose of bispyribac-sodium was not effective against it. In 2016, pyrazsulfuron-ethyl 20 g/ha gave significantly higher yield while in 2017, pyrazsulfuron-ethyl 30 g/ha gave significantly higher yield of rice over other weed control treatments. Every gram weed biomass increase per square metre caused 5.6 kg/ha yield reduction of transplanted rice. Samples of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl obtained directly from the industry had an edge over the market samples. Weed persistence index was found to be decreased and crop resistance index increased corresponding to increase of dose of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and bispyribac-sodium. The minimum weed index was under company's pyrazosulfuron-ethyl at 20 g/ha followed by 15 g/ha, 30 g/ha and market's sample at 15 g/ha. Cost of weed control was 3.0 to 4.7% of the total cost with pyrazosulfuron-ethyl and 6.1 to 9.8% with bispyribac-sodium. Company procured pyrazosulfuron-ethyl at 15 and 20 g during 2016 and at 20 and 30 g/ha during 2017 had higher net returns and marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR). Eighty per cent of applied pyrazosulfuron-ethyl got degraded within 5 days of its application. Residues of pyrazosulfuron-ethyl in grain and straw at the time of harvest were below detectable level (BDL) irrespective of treatments.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PACKAGES FOR POD BORER (MARUCA VITRATA) IN COUNTRY BEAN

A field experiment was conducted in the research field of the Entomology Division of Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Jessore, Bangladesh during the winter cropping season in 2013-14 to evaluate several management packages against legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata) of country bean to increase yield with a minimum cost of production. Results indicated that management package comprising of Sanitation (hand picking of infested flowers, pods and larvae) plus weekly release of Bracon hebetor and Trichogramma chilonis including spraying of Spinosad at 0.4 ml 45 SC product per litre of water (4 sprays at 15 days intervals starting from first initiation of pest attack) appeared as the best package. This management package provided 77.5 per cent and 88.89 per cent reduction of flower and pod infestation by borer complex respectively over control. It showed highest yield performance (19.06 t/ha) which was 88.14 per cent increased yield over control and also highest (7.12) marginal benefit cost ratio (MBCR). This package was recommended among six management packages. Keywords: 1PM, pod borer and country bean.