Maximum Net Return Research Articles

Effect of Foliar Spray of Micronutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of China Aster

A field experiment was carried out to study the efficacy of foliar spray of micronutrients on growth, flowering parameter, yield, and quality of China aster during October 2022 to March 2023 at Floriculture Research Field, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.). The experiment was designed with eleven treatment combinations, including ZnSO4, FeSO4, CuSO4, and MgSO4, along with their interaction effects at concentrations of 0.2% and 0.4% using the foliar spraying method, alongside a control group. The experimental results revealed that the treatment T11 (ZnSO4 @0.4% + FeSO4 @0.4% + CuSO4 @0.4% + MgSO4 @0.4%) found best in terms of growth, yield and quality parameters of China aster, followed by treatment T10 (ZnSO4 @0.2% + FeSO4 @0.2% + CuSO4 @0.2% + MgSO4 @0.2%). Whereas treatment T5 (FeSO4 @0.4%) found the best results in terms of days to first flower bud initiation, days from flower bud initiation to anthesis, and days to 50% flowering. In terms of the economics of the different treatments, the maximum gross return, net return, and benefit- cost ratio were found in T11, followed by T10, while the minimum was recorded in treatment T1 (Control).

Response of Biofertilizers and Foliar Application of Zinc on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris, Fabaceae)

During the Rabi season of 2022, with the objective to establish the effect of biofertilizers and foliar application of zinc on growth and yield of Lens culinaris a field trial was carried out at the Crop Experimental Farm, Division of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The trial included two variables with three levels of zinc (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%) and biofertilizer (Rhizobium spp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, Rhizobium spp. + Pseudomonas fluorescens). The texture of the soil is sandy loam with 7.2 pH, 0.72% organic carbon, 178.48 kg/ha of available N, 27.80 kg/ha of available P, and 233.24 kg/ha of available K. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with ten treatments and replicated three times. Zinc application and the use of biofertilizers had a big impact on the economics, yield attributes and yield. The outcome showed that treatment eight, Rhizobium spp.+ Pseudomonas fluorescens and foliar spray of zinc at 0.50% recorded maximum number of pods/plant (111.33), number of seeds per pod (2.27), seed yield (1530,94 kg/ha) and stover yield (3020.00 kg/ha). Maximum gross returns (91,856.58 INR/ha), net returns (61,406.58 INR/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.02). In conclusion the best combination to get maximum economics and yield attributes in Lens culinaris using the trial of fertilization performed was Rhizobium + Pseudomonas fluorescens + Zn (0.50%).

Effect of Land Configuration and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Economics of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of Land Configuration and Sulphur on Growth, Yield and Economics of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)”, to study the response of groundnut under three land configurations such as, flatbed, raised bed and ridges and furrow methods with combination of Sulphur (30,45 and 60 kg/ha). The results revealed that significant and higher plant height (42.05 cm), number of nodules/plant (150.83), plant dry weight (22.03 g), number of pods/plant (31.20), number of kernels/pod (2.00), seed Index (39.81 g), pod yield (3.28 t/ha), seed yield (2.24 t/ha), haulm yield (4.55 t/ha), harvest index (33.00 %), maximum gross returns (1,50,500.00 INR/ha), net returns (1,02,748.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.15) was recorded in treatment 6 [Raised bed + Sulphur (60 kg/ha)].

Influence of Biofertilizers and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisum sativum, Fabaceae)

The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective was to study the influence of Biofertilizers and Phosphorous application on growth and yield of field- pea (Pisum sativum L.). The results showed that treatment 9 [Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium along with (70 kg/ha) Phosphorus (P2O5)] recorded significantly higher plant height (54.75 cm), more number of branches/plant (5.15), maximum plant dry weight (8.99 g/plant), maximum pod length (8.05), maximum number of pods/plant (24.97), higher number of grain/pod (7.24), maximum test weight (44.74 g), higher seed yield (16.25 q/ha), higher stover yield (37.11 q/ha) compare to other treatment. The maximum gross return (141133.00 INR/ha), maximum net return (101262.45 INR/ha) and the highest Benefit cost ratio (2.53) was also recorded in treatment 9 as compared to other treatments. Thus the best combination to get maximum growth, yield attributes and economics in field-cultivated Pea (Pisum sativum) was found [PSB + Rhizobium inoculation + 70 kg/ha (P2O5)].

Performance of Various Chilli Hybrids for Growth, Yield and Quality Attributes

The experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at the vegetable Research Field of Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The observations were recorded on various growth, yield and quality contributing characters. The results from the present investigation revealed that on the basis of mean performance of eighteen hybrids of Chilli, hybrids 20CHIHYB4 (50.03 q/ha) and 21CHIHYB3 (49.47 q/ha) were found superior in terms of Fruit yield (q/ha). On the basis of Analysis of variance significant difference was recorded for all the quantitative and qualitative traits indicating presence of large amount of variability in the hybrids. The maximum gross return, net return and Benefit cost ratio Rs. 101260.00, Rs. 41260.00 and 1.6 respectively were recorded in hybrid 20CHIHYB4.

Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) influenced by nutrient doses and planting geometry under new alluvial zone of West Bengal

Field experiments were conducted during 2017-19 to study the effect of different doses of nutrients and planting geometries on the performance ofIndian mustard under new alluvial zone ofWest Bengal. The field experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications, having twenty treatment combinations of five nutrient doses in main plot and four crop geometries in subplot. Seed yield (1751 kg/ha) of Indian mustard with 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively (125 % RDF) was at par with 60:40:40 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 100% RDF (1674 kg/ha) and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 150 % RDF (1733 kg/ha) andsignificantly higher than 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively i.e. 75 % RDF. Application of 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively registered 42.5 % more stover yield over 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha,respectively and was significantly superior to all lower doses of nutrients. Application of 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively resulted in higher oil content than other nutrient doses. Highest protein content obtained with the 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively was significantly higher than 30:20:20 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively and 45:30:30 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively. Highest oil and protein yield registered with application of 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively were at par with the 60:40:40 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively for oil yield and 90:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively for protein yield. Economics revealed that application of 75:50:50 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha, respectively gave maximum net return (` 43,250/ha) and B:C ratio of 3.01. The highest seed yield obtained with the 25 x 20 cm spacing (1644 kg/ha) was significantly higher than all other treatments of planting geometry. This treatment registered 24.2 % more seed yield over 25 x 15 cm planting geometry. Plant spacing of 25 x 20 cm registered more stover yield and showed parity with 30 x 15 cm spacing. Closer spacing (25 x 20 cm and 25 x 15 cm) resulted in significantly higher oil content over all other crop geometries. Planting geometry of 25 x 20 cm registered highest oil yield and was comparable only with 30 x 15 cm. However, highest protein yield observed with the 30 x 30 cm spacing was on par with 25 x 20 cm and 30 x 20 cm plant spacing. Plant spacing of 25 x 20 cm gave highest net return (`43,260). However, maximum benefit: cost ratio (3.51) was recorded with the plant spacing of 30 x 15 cm.

Alternate tillage and crop-establishment techniques in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system for increased system productivity and profitability in eastern sub-Himalayan plains of India

This study was undertaken from the rainy season 2015 to winter season 2016–17 at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, West Bengal. The aim of the study was to arrive at optimal tillage requirement in rice (Oryza sativa L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system to economize on energy, labour and time, and to work out the production economics of rice–wheat system as a whole under various crop-establishment techniques. Unpuddled rice (UPTR) followed by zero tillage (ZT) wheat recorded superior yield performances to conventional tillage-based systems over the years. Fuel and labour requirement was reduced by 86.93 and 51.85%, 66.28 and 45.67% and 77.84 and 48.97% under rice (direct seeding)–wheat (surface seeding), rice (UPTR)–wheat (ZT) and rice (bed planting)–wheat (bed planting), respectively. Rice (UPTR)–wheat (ZT) also recorded the maximum energy efficiency (12.15) and energy productivity (0.94 kg/MJ) with lowest specific energy (31.67) which was reflective of the better system output. Despite lesser cost of cultivation under rice (direct seeding)–wheat (surface seeding) system, the monetary returns as well as benefit: cost ratio were much lesser under this system due to poor crop stand owing to high pre-monsoon and monsoon shower. The maximum net returns (`33,888 and `42,835/ha during 2015–16 and 2016–17 respectively) and benefit: cost ratio (1.68 and 1.85 during 2015–16 and 2016–17 respectively) under rice (UPTR)–wheat (ZT) system reflected its superiority to the other establishment techniques.

Effect of Potassium and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022, at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (UP). The treatments consist of three levels of potassium and three levels of zinc and one control was used. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice. The results showed that growth parameters viz., plant height (208.6 cm) and dry weight (34.3 g/plant) were recorded significantly higher with the application of 50 kg K/ha and 15 kg Zn/ha and yield attributes viz., ear head length (24.7 cm), number of grains per ear head (2498.3), grain yield (3.93 t/ha), straw yield (7.78 t/ha) and harvest index (50.4 %) were recorded significantly higher with the application of 50 kg K/ha and 15 kg Zn/ha. The maximum gross returns (₹98,250/ha), net returns (₹70,656/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.56) were gained with the application of 50 kg K/ha and 15 kg Zn/ha.

Efficacy of Liquid Organics on Growth and Yield of Cowpea under Natural Farming

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Zaid, 2022. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), organic carbon (0.75%), available N (269.96 kg/ha), available P (33.10 kg/ha), and available K (336 kg/ha). The treatments applied were of Panchagavya (2, 4 and 6 %) and Jeevamrutha 500 and 1000 l/ha. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice. Based on the objectives taken maximum plant height (84.34 cm), number of total branches (5.34), number of nodules (40.87), plant dry matter accumulation (17.96 g/plant), number of pods per plant (25.47), number of seeds per pods (11.78), seed yield (1.78 t/ha), stover yield (3.99 t/ha) and biological yield (5.77 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher in treatment combination of Panchagavya (6 %) + Jeevamrutha 1000 l/ha. Further, the maximum gross returns (₹ 71200.00/ha) and net returns (₹ 31300.00/ha) were recorded higher in treatment combination of Panchagavya (6 %) + Jeevamrutha 1000 l/ha. However, B:C ratio was highest in 1.78 Panchagavya (2 %) + control.

ECONOMICS OF DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF ONION + BEET LEAF AND ONION + FENUGREEK INTERCROPPING SYSTEM

The present experiment entitled Economics of different combinations of onion + beet leaf and onion + fenugreek intercropping system was carried out at Research Farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2018–19. The experimental treatments, viz. T1 – onion seed crop (sole ) at 60 x 60 cm, T2 – beet leaf (sole) 15 x 5cm, T3 – fenugreek (sole) 20 x 10 cm, T4 – onion + beet leaf (one row) T5 – onion + beet leaf (two rows), T6 – onion + beet leaf (three rows), T7 – onion + beet leaf (broadcasting), T8 – onion + fenugreek (one row), T9 – onion + fenugreek (two rows) and T10 – onion + fenugreek (broadcasting), were laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Based on the research investigation, it was observed that the onion seed equivalent yield was obtained maximum from onion + beet leaf (one row) intercropping system. All the intercropping treatments were found more economical as compared to sole crop of onion, beet leaf and fenugreek. Among different combinations, it is concluded that onion seed crop intercropped with one row of beet leaf or fenugreek could be more remunerative for earning maximum net returns of ₹548175/ha from onion + beet leaf (one row) and ₹544247/ha from onion + fenugreek (one row) than the seed onion sole crop (Rs.511719/ha). Keywords: Onion, Beet leaf, Fenugreek, Intercropping system Introduction, yield.

Influence of Seaweed Sap and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (August- October) 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of the field constituting a part of central gangetic alluvium is neutral and deep. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loam in texture, slightly alkaline in soil reaction (pH 8), low level of organic carbon (0.28%), available N (219 Kg/ha), P (11.6 kg/ha) and K (217.2 kg/ha). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design consisting of 10 treatments with 3 different levels of Seaweed sap viz. 5%, 10%, 15% (15 & 30 DAS), three different levels of Zinc viz. 10, 15, 20 (basal application) with 3 replications and the treatments were allocated randomly in each replication. The results showed that treatment 9 [ZnSO4 (20kg/ha) + Seaweed sap (15%)] recorded significantly higher plant height (176.75 cm), higher plant dry weight(g) (88.42), higher crop growth rate (97.53), higher relative growth rate (0.0910), maximum number of cobs/plant (3), maximum length of cob/plant (16.90 cm), maximum grith of cob (13.02 cm), maximum cob weight with husk(g) (47.57 g), maximum cob weight without husk(g) (12.01 g), maximum cob yield with husk (9.95 t/ha), maximum green fodder yield (24.61 t/ha) compare to other treatments. The maximum gross returns (99,500.00 INR/ha), maximum net return (62,464.00 INR/ha) and highest benefit cost ratio (1.68) was recorded in treatment 9 [ZnSO4 (20kg/ha) + Seaweed sap (15%)] as compared to other treatments. Minimum parameters were recorded in treatment 10 control plot with RDF 100:60:40 kg/ha NPK.

Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil (Lens culinaris L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, (U.P) India to study the Effect of Sulphur and foliar application of Iron on Yield and Economics of Lentil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of two factors viz., Sulphur (20, 30, 40 kg/ha), Iron (control, 0.3%, 0.5%) and a Control (20-40-20 NPK kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 6.9), Organic carbon (0.112%), available N (278.93 kg/ha), available P (10.8 kg/ha), and available K (206.4 kg/ha). Application of Sulphur and foliar application of Iron significantly influenced the yield and economics over control. Results revealed that yield attributes like more number of pods per plant (162.40), more number of seeds per pod (2.53), higher seed yield (1556.19 kg/ha) and higher stover yield (2868.3 kg/ha) were recorded with application of Sulphur 40 kg/ha + Iron 0.5%. Maximum gross returns (85590.45 INR/ha), net returns (57460.45 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.04) were also recorded in same treatment T9 (Sulphur 40 kg/ha + Iron 0.5%).

Efficacy of Organic Manure and age of Seedling on Growth and Yield of Hybrid Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

The present study was carried out to assess the Efficacy of organic manure and age of seedling on growth, yield and quality of hybrid cabbage (Brassica oleracea var capitata) at the Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Science, Prayagraj, during winter season of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept three replicated three times the result of the present investigation highlighted that incorporation of and Age of seedling T18(Farm yard manure 15 (t/ha) + Vermicompost 15 (t/ha) + 35 Days age of seedling) in response to Number of leaves plant-1, Plant height (cm), Stem diameter (cm), Leaf area (cm2), Net head weight (g), Polar diameter (cm), Equatorial diameter (cm), Whole plant fresh weight in (kg), Gross head yield (t ha-1) and Net head yield (t ha-1). Could able to cause beneficial response on the above attributes. The treatment combination comprised of FYM 15 t /ha + Vermicompost 15 t/ha+35 DAT (F2VC2D2) recorded highest gross return (Rs. 59922.00), maximum net return (Rs. 59922.00) and also benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio 1:5.76). The highest benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio 1:6.17) was observed by the treatment comprising of FYM 15 t /ha + Vermicompost 15 t/ha+ 25DAT (F2VC2D1).

Effect of Date of Sowing and INM (Integrated Nitrogen Management) on Growth and Yield of Summer Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2022 with a goal to evaluate the effect of date of sowing and integrated nitrogen management on growth and yield of summer groundnut (Arachis hypogaea). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatments each replicated thrice at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj - 211007, (U.P.) which is located at 25.28oN latitude, 81.54oE longitude and 98 m altitude above the Mean Sea Level (MSL) for 100 days. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.4), low in organic carbon (0.58%), available N (225 kg.ha-1), available P (32.30 kg.ha-1) and available K (350 kg.ha-1). The treatment consists of 5 levels of INM [100% RDN through inorganic, 100% RDN through FYM, 100% RDN through Vermicompost, 50% RDN (inorganic) + 50% RDN (FYM), 50% RDN (inorganic) + 50% RDN (Vermicompost)] as basal application and 2 Dates of Sowing (1st and 15th April), whose effect was observed on groundnut. The result showed that growth parameters of Groundnut viz., maximum plant height (72.00 cm), dry weight (41.54 g/plant), crop growth rate (15.05 g/m2/day), relative growth rate (0.014 g/g/day) and yield and yield attributes viz., number of pods/plant (48.00), number of seeds/pod (2.13), seed index (43.66 g), seed yield (3.14 t/ha), haulm yield (7.03 t/ha) and harvest index (30.62%) was recorded significantly higher with application of treatment 5 S1(1ST April) + 50% RDN (inorganic) + 50% RDN (Vermicompost). The maximum net returns (90,793 ₹/ha) and B:C ratio (2.73) was recorded with application of S1(1ST April) + 50% RDN (inorganic) + 50% RDN (Vermicompost).

Evaluation of Different Varieties and Nitrogen Levels on Growth and Yield of Black Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm during kharif season, in the Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. The experiment comprised three varieties viz., Chakhao Poireiton (V1), Chakhao Amubi (V2) and Chakhao Angangba (V3); and three rates of nitrogen viz., 60 kg/ha (N1), 70 kg/ha (N2) and 80 kg/ha (N3). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The growth analysis result was observed with the application of [Chakhao Poireiton and nitrogen (80 kg/ha)] produces higher plant height (142.53 cm), maximum number of tillers/hill (13.97), higher plant dry weight (32.49 g), higher panicle length (30.1 cm), maximum number of grains/panicle (153.60), higher test weight (24.01 g), higher grain yield (5.67 t/ha), higher straw yield (11.27 t/ha). However, the maximum gross return (2,38,070.00 INR/ha), maximum net return (1,89,800.00 INR/ha) and maximum benefit cost ratio (3.23) was also obtained with the same treatment 3 [Chakhao Poireiton + nitrogen (80 kg/ha)].

Response of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Economics of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)

The field experiment was conducted during rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) to study the “Response of Nitrogen and Phosphorus on Growth, Yield and Economics of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.)". The results showed that treatment 9 [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Phosphorus (50 kg/ha)] recorded significantly higher plant height (164.67 cm), maximum number of leaves/plant (15.24), maximum plant dry weight (75.81 g), maximum stem girth (3.33 cm), higher green forage yield (47.90 t/ha), maximum moisture content (84.02 %) and maximum crude protein content (7.57 %) compare to other treatment. The maximum gross return (119750.00 INR/ha), maximum net return (83883.77 INR/ha) and highest B:C ratio (2.33) was also recorded in treatment 9 [Nitrogen (100 kg/ha) + Phosphorus (50 kg/ha)] as compared to other treatments.

Agronomic Evaluation of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hybrids for the Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj in Kharif – 2022, India

A field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) during Kharif, 2022. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), organic carbon (0.75%), available N (269.96 kg/ha), available P (33.10 kg/ha), and available K (336 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 10 hybrids each replicated thrice. Results was recorded as higher plant height (112.03 cm), number of tillers (16.34), plant dry weight (50.91 g/plant), crop growth rate at 80-100 DAT (32.14 g/m2/day), tillers/m2 (371.23), panicle length (29.73 cm), filled grains (245.87), grain yield/hill (31.37 g), seed yield (4.97 t/ha), straw yield (9.54 t/ha) were recorded significantly higher in hybrid R-170. However, harvest index (34.41 %) were recorded significantly higher in hybrid R-151. Further, the maximum gross returns (INR 128020/ha) and net returns (INR 78974/ha) and B:C ratio was highest in 1.61 were recorded significantly higher in hybrid R-170.

Effect of nitrification inhibitors on quality, yield and economics of cauliflower cv. PSB K1 in Typic Eutrochrept under mid hills of North Western Himalayas

The study was focused on identification of potentially effective and environmentally feasible nitrification inhibitors for cauliflower in order to minimize the losses of applied N fertilizers under mid hill conditions. Field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (2018–19 & 2019–20) on late sown cauliflower cv. Pusa Snowball K1 with eight different doses of inhibitors supplemented with NPK fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) in Randomized Block Design (RBD) replicated thrice. Results showed that recommended dose of fertilizer [N, P & K (125:76:72 kg/ha)] with neem cake (20 g/kg soil) + FYM (250 q/ha) registered maximum pooled NPK concentration in curd (3.40, 0.69 & 1.93%), leaf (2.85, 0.49 & 1.86%) and root (1.34, 0.35 & 1.24%). Maximum plant NPK uptake (95.4, 29.4 & 61.4 kg/ha) and curd yield (283.97 q/ha) on pooled basis was recorded under the similar treatment, the results were comparable to CaC2 treatment with NPK uptake of 92, 28 & 58 kg/ha, respectively and curd yield of 278.90 q/ha. Application of neem cake resulted in highest soil NH4 +-N accumulation (137.71 kg/ha) with comparatively lower NO3 --N retention (46.18 kg/ha). Regarding economics, maximum net returns (Rs/ha 4,36,662) with a highest benefit: cost ratio of 3.89 was registered under melia application@ 20 g/kg soil. Besides neem cake, melia provided better results on crop growth over pomegranate application. Therefore, two years of field study identified neem cake and melia as prominent and cost effective nitrification inhibitor module for cauliflower under mid hilly conditions.

Influence of Bio-fertilizers and Plant Geometry on Growth, Yield and Economics of Field Pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P) to determine the “Influence of Bio-fertilizers and Plant geometry on growth, yield and economics of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)”, The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 8.0), low in organic carbon (0.62 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (38.2 kg/ha) and available K (240.7 kg/ha),to study the response of plant geometry (20x20 cm,30x10 cm,40x10c m) with the combination of biofertilizers such as, rhizobium (20 g), PSB (20 g) and rhizobium (20 g) + PSB (20 g). The experiment laid out in RBD with 10 treatments each replicated thrice .the results showed that treatment 9 recorded significantly higher plant height (44.57 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (7.12), higher plant dry weight (15.32 g), maximum number of pods/plant (20.13), maximum number of seeds/pod (4.00), higher seed index (18.57g), higher seed yield (1243.67kg), maximum straw yield (2656.21kg), higher harvest index (32.93%), maximum gross returns (1,19,838), maximum net returns (85,504) and highest Benefit cost ratio of (2.49) was recorded.

Influence of Nitrogen and Plant Growth Regulators on Yield and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at crop research farm, Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh India. The objective is to study the effect of nitrogen and plant growth regulators on yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The research consists of three levels of Nitrogen (120, 140 and 160 kg/ha) and three plant growth regulators [CCC – 0.2%, Tebuconazole – 0.1% and CCC – 0.2% + Tebuconazole – 0.1%]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with ten treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The soil in experimental field was sandy loam in texture, having alkaline reaction (pH 7.7) with very low organic carbon (0.44%), available higher level N (171.48 kg/ha), P (27.0 kg/ha) and higher level of K (291.2 kg/ha). Application of Nitrogen (160 kg/ha) along with CCC (Chlormequat chloride) - 0.2% and Tebuconazole - 0.1% showed significantly higher yield attributes viz. maximum number of effective tillers/m2 (271), more spike length (15.10 cm), maximum number of grains/spike (60.05), higher test weight (39.75), and yield viz. Higher grain yield (4.66 t/ha) and Straw yield (6.98 t/ha). Economics of treatments viz. maximum Gross returns (140928.42 INR/ha), maximum Net returns (99715.52 INR/ha) and Benefit - cost ratio (2.42) was recorded in treatment - T9 [N3 -160 kg/ha + CCC (0.2%) + Tebuconazole (0.1%)].