Neem Coated Urea Research Articles

Study on the Greenhouse Gas (Ghg) Emissions from Rice Field Under Various Nutrient Management Practices

Modernizing traditional farming practices and intensive cultivation on limited land has increased the reliance on fertilizers to maintain soil health. The study was conducted on rice crop from 2022 to 2023. The seven treatment combinations in which recommended dose of nitrogen applied through neem coated urea (NCU) and nano urea, viz., T1:Control (No nitrogen), T2: 1/3rd as (NCU) as basal) + 1/3rd NCU at active tillering (AT)) + 1/3rdNCU at panicle initiation (PI)), T3: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 1/3rd NCU at AT + 2sprays of NU at maximum tillering -MT and PI) @ 2 ml / litre), T4: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 1/3rd NCU at AT + 1 spray of nano-urea at PI @ 4 ml / litre), T5: 1/4 NCU as basal + 1/4 NCU at AT +2 sprays of nano-urea (at MT and PI) @ 2 ml / litre), T6 :1/3rd NCU as basal + 2 sprays of nano-urea (at AT& PI) @ 2 ml / litre), and T7: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 3 sprays of nano-urea (at AT, PI, and heading) @ 2 ml / litre). The study revealed significant differences in GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), among the different fertilizer management practices. The highest (p=??) N₂O emissions were observed in the T2 treatment {1/3rd RDN (NCU as basal) + 1/3rd RDN (NCU at active tillering) + 1/3rd RDN (NCU at panicle initiation)} at 352 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, while the lowest emissions were recorded in the T1 treatment (Control – without nitrogen) at 88.4 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. Similarly, CO₂ emissions were also the highest in the T2 treatment at 1376 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, with the control (T1) recording the lowest at 1165 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. Methane emissions, mainly influenced by water regimes, remained consistent across all treatments, each contributing 2112.3 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, due to similar water management across all treatments. Overall, total GHG emissions were significantly higher in fertilized treatments, with the T2 treatment exhibiting the highest total emissions of 3841 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, while the control had the lowest at 3366 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. These findings highlighted the complex trade-offs between enhancing rice yields through improved nutrient management and the associated increase in GHG emissions, emphasizing the need for strategies that balance productivity with environmental sustainability.

The Effect of the Use of a Novel Urease Inhibitor Coated Urea on the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Ammonia Volatilization Losses from a Maize Field

Nitrogen fertilizers are essential for enhancing agricultural productivity but are also major contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ammonia volatilization, which affect environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effect of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-coated urea on GHG emissions and ammonia losses from maize fields in the Indo-Gangetic Plains, known for excessive nitrogen fertilizer usage. A randomized block design was employed with four treatments: control (no nitrogen), prilled urea, neem-coated urea (NCU), and CNSL-coated urea (CCU). Gas samples were collected using the closed chamber method, and emissions of CO₂ and N₂O were analyzed via gas chromatography. Ammonia volatilization was measured using the forced air draft method. Results showed that the CCU treatment significantly reduced ammonia volatilization compared to prilled urea (15.84% reduction), with reductions of 9% to those observed with NCU. Moreover, CCU-treated plots exhibited reduced cumulative GHG and lower global warming potential (GWP) without compromising maize yields. Cumulative GHG emissions varied among the treatments in the order urea> CCU> NCU> Control. CCU treated plots exhibited a net GWP decrease of 8.59% compared to urea and an increase of 4.13% compared to NCU. These findings suggest that CNSL-coated urea can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional urea, potentially mitigating environmental impacts associated with nitrogen fertilization. Further studies are recommended to assess the long-term efficacy of CNSL in various soil types and climatic conditions.

Optimizing rice (Oryza sativa) growth, productivity, profitability and nutrient uptake with coated urea and organic manure in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal

A two-year field experiment was carried out at experimental farm of BCKV, Nadia, West Bengal during kharif seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 to study the effect of combined application of coated urea and organic manure on performance of rice. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatment comprised 5 treatment combinations, such as T1 , control plot (without N); T2 , 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through neem-coated urea (NCU); T3 , 75% RDN through NCU + 25% RDN through FYM (farm yard manure); T4, 100% RDN through polymer sulphur coated urea (PSCU); T5, 75% RDN through PSCU+25% RDN through FYM. The results showed that 75% RDN through PSCU+25% RDN through FYM re- sulted in maximum growth attributes, viz. plant height (110.8 cm), maximum number of effective tillers per square meter (416/m2 ), highest dry-matter accumulation (DMA) (740 g/m2 ), leaf area index (LAI) (4.47) and crop growth rate (CGR) (6.56 g/m2 /day), highest yield components like panicle length (23.5 cm), panicle weight (9.95 g), num- ber of filled grains/panicle (113), test-weight (21.3 g) and maximum grain yield (4.79 t/ha) and straw yield (5.53 t/ ha). Similarly, maximum amount of total nutrient uptake by crop (99.7, 40.1 and 208 kg/ha NPK), protein yield (418 kg/ha), gross returns (` 71.8 × 103 /ha), net return (` 52 × 103 /ha) and B: C ratio (2.73) were noticed under T5 treat- ment. Therefore, it is advisable to implement a comprehensive nutrient management strategy T5 (75% RDN through PSCU + 25% RDN through FYM) in rice cultivation. This approach enhances growth, yield, nutrient absorption, and quality, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

Relative Efficiency of Prilled Urea, Urea Super Granules (USG), and Neem-Coated Urea (NCU) for Growth and Yield of Wheat

The experiment took place at the net house of the Agronomy field laboratory, Department of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, from November 2019 to March 2020, aiming to determine the relative efficiency of prilled urea, urea super granules (USG), and neem-coated urea (NCU) for wheat growth and yield. Five different nitrogenous fertilizers were included: BARC recommended prilled urea at 0.5 g/pot (T1), urea super granules (USG) at 0.25g/pot (T2), neem-coated urea at 0.25g/pot (T3), urea super granules (USG) at 0.5g/pot (T4), and neem-coated urea at 0.5g/pot (T5). The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Results indicated significant effects of nitrogenous fertilizer forms on wheat growth and yield characteristics. Across most parameters, the highest values were observed in T5, utilizing 0.5g of neem-coated urea per pot, including plant height (77.34 cm), number of tillers (6.14), effective tillers per pot (23.04), extrusion length (16.57), spike length (17.25), filled grains per pot (1093.43), 1000-grain weight (42.22 g), grain yield (46.39 g/pot), straw yield (77.81g/pot), and biological yield (124.20g/pot). Based on these findings, we can conclude that applying 0.5 g of neem-coated urea per pot (T5) was the most effective treatment for enhancing wheat growth and yield among the tested options.

Impact of neem coated urea (NCU) on flowering, yield and quality of China aster (Callistephus chinensis)

Impact of neem coated urea (NCU) on flowering, yield and quality of China aster (Callistephus chinensis)

EVALUATION OF WHEAT WITH DIFFERENT COATED CONTROLLED RELEASE UREA AND APPLICATION TIME IN SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS

Optimal nitrogen (N) application rate, source and timing are important to achieve high wheat yield. Overdose of N as basal dose promotes excessive vegetative growth and delays maturity, resulting in low N use efficiency (NUE) and crop yield. The current study was conducted for two years (2018-2019 and 2019-2020) to examine the influence of various N sources viz., common-urea, Zn-coated urea, neem-coated urea, and polymer-coated urea and their application methods (basal- and split-application) on the growth, physiology, yield, and related traits in wheat under semi-arid conditions. Results showed that N sources and application methods significantly affected the growth, physiological and yield-related traits; neem-coated urea applied in splits remained the most effective source for the observed traits, followed by Zn-coated, polymer-coated, and common urea. Compared with common urea, neem-coated urea significantly increased chlorophyll (Chl) and carotenoid contents under basal and split application. Neem-coated urea also recorded higher biological and grain yields than other
 treatments which were associated with higher values of yield-related traits including the number of productive tillers, number of spikelets, and number of grains per spike. For N application methods, split application significantly improved the plant height, Chl pigments, yield- and yield-related traits compared with the basal application. In conclusion, neem-coated urea application as a split application performed well followed by Zncoated and polymer-coated urea in improving the growth and overall yield.

Nitrification and urease inhibitors mitigate global warming potential and ammonia volatilization from urea in rice-wheat system in India: A field to lab experiment

The efficacy of alternative nitrogenous fertilizers for mitigating greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from a rice-wheat cropping system in northern India was addressed in a laboratory incubation experiment using soil from a 10-year residue management field experiment (crop residue removal, CRR, vs. incorporation, CRI). Neem coated urea (NCU), standard urea (U), urea ammonium sulfate (UAS), and two alternative fertilizers, urea + urease inhibitor NBPT (UUI) and urea + urease inhibitor NBPT + nitrification inhibitor DMPSA (UUINI) were compared to non-fertilized controls for four weeks in incubation under anaerobic condition. Effects of fertilizers on global warming potential (GWP) and ammonia volatilization were dependent on residue treatment. Relative to standard urea, NCU reduced GWP by 11 % in CRI but not significantly in CRR; conversely, UAS reduced GWP by 12 % in CRR but not significantly in CRI. UUI and UUINI reduced GWP in both residue treatments and were more effective in CRI (21 % and 26 %) than CRR (15 % and 14 %). Relative to standard urea, NCU increased ammonia volatilization by 8 % in CRI but not significantly in CRR. Ammonia volatilization was reduced most strongly by UUI (40 % in CRI and 37 % in CRR); it was reduced 28–29 % by UUINI and 12–15 % by UAS. Overall, the urease inhibitor, alone and in combination with the nitrification inhibitor, was more effective in mitigating greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions than NCU. However, these products need to be tested in field settings to validate findings from the controlled laboratory experiment.

Growth, Yield, and Agronomic Use Efficiency of Delayed Sown Wheat under Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer and Seeding Rate

Delayed sowing of wheat is a common problem in Punjab that exacerbates serious yield loss. However, individual or combined applications of seed rate and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer significantly impacted their efficacy in improving crop growth and productivity. In this regard, the present study explored the potential of slow-release nitrogen fertilizers (control (CK), simple urea (SU), neem-coated urea (NCU), and sulfur-coated urea (SCU)) to improve the growth, yield, and physiological and biochemical attributes of delayed sown wheat with three seed rate [(100 kg ha−1 (S1), 125 kg ha−1 (S2), and 150 kg ha−1 (S3)]. The study was carried out at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in 2018–19 and 2019–20. The study findings revealed that the sulfur-coated urea performed better under S3 seed rate. Combining SCU with S3 significantly increased leaf area index by 0.99 cm2 and plant height by 8.24% compared to simple urea, maximum spikelets, and spike length by 3.9 and 3.8 cm, respectively. The SCU with S3 treatment also increased the biological yield by 43% and 41% and the grain yield by 46% in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, respectively, compared to CK. Similarly, higher N contents in straw and grain were recorded in the interaction of SCU with S3 treatment. Likewise, the SCU with S3 treatment enhanced the physiological attributes, i.e., chlorophyll contents and transpiration rate, by 18% and 25%, respectively, and decreased internal CO2 by 25.5%, compared to CK. In conclusion, applying sulfur-coated urea with a seed rate of 150 kg ha−1 could be considered a potential strategy for improving the growth and productivity of delayed sown wheat.

Effect of fertility levels and foliar nutrition in fieldpea (Pisum sativum) under south - eastern Rajasthan

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2016–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of fertility levels and foliar nutrition on fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment consisted of 3 recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) levels (75%, 100% and 125%) and 5 foliar sprays [water spray, neem-coated urea 2%, NPK (19 : 19 : 19) 0.5%, NPK (17 : 44 : 0) 0.5% and NPK (0 : 0 : 50) 0.5%] at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stages. Result revealed, that the maximum and significantly higher plant height (168.21 cm), branches/plant (3.12), nodule count (23.75), nodule dry weight (35.87 g/plant), pods/plant (61.90), seeds/pod (3.78), grain yield (2350 kg/ha), net returns (`52,889/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (3.02) were recorded with application of 125% RDF (25 kg N + 50 kg P + 25 kg K + 25 kg S + 6.25 kg Zn/ha) with 7.32, 10.64, 13.54, 11.40, 15.81, 12,17, 26.82, 32.18 and 16.60% increase over 75% RDF. Application of 125% RDF recorded the maximum nutrient content (N : P : K : S 3.30 : 0.54 : 1.18 : 0.40% in seed and 1.69 : 0.48 : 1.51 : 0.31% in straw) and uptake (N : P : K : S 77.57 : 12.59 : 27.68 : 9.42 kg/ha in seed and 58.14 : 16.35 : 51.99 : 10.67 kg/ha in straw) over the other treatments. Among foliar applications, NPK (19 : 19 : 19) @ 0.5% at pre-flowering and pod- initiation stage resulted in the maximum and significantly higher plant height (167.76 cm), branches/plant (3.14), nodule count (23.77), nodule dry weight (36.36 g/plant), pods/plant (63.43), seeds/pod (3.89), grain yield (2,250 kg/ha), net returns (`50,835/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.06) over rest of treatments with 9.69, 12.95, 8.69, 10.06, 23.38, 18.24, 12.84, 17.19 and 15.47% increase over the control; however, it recorded at par results with NPK (17 : 44 : 0) @ 0.5% at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage. Similarly, higher NKS uptake in seed and straw was observed under foliar application of NPK (19 : 19 : 19) @ 0.5% and P uptake under NPK (17 : 44 : 0) @ 0.5% than the other treatments.

Influence of nitrogen sources and rates on yield and nitrogen use efficiency of tomato

A study was carried out with tomato at the research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station of BARI, Cumilla during two consecutive years 2019-20 and 2020-21. The objective was to evaluate the yield response and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of tomato (variety BARI Tomato-15) and to suggest the source and the rate of N fertilizer recommendation for tomato. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD design with three N sources (PU, NCU and DAP) and two N rates (100% and 125% of recommendation as per FRG-2018) replicated three times. In the first year, prilled urea (PU), neem coated urea (NCU) and DAP were used but in the second year DAP was replaced by urea super granule (USG). The recommended dose of N for tomato was 120 kg ha-1. Results revealed that between two rates of N application the yield was the maximum (77.4 t ha-1 and 60.3 t ha-1 in two years, respectively with 125% of RD. The highest agronomic use efficiency of nitrogen (NAUE) was obtained from 100% RD of N as DAP (150.0 kg kg-1) and 125% RD of N as NCU (133.3 kg kg-1). The lowest N use efficiency was observed in 100% PU (84.2 kg kg-1) and 100% NCU (40.8 kg kg-1) treated plots. Due to optimal plant growth, the neem-coated urea treatment yielded little higher than PU treatment. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2023, 48(1): 92-100

Comparative Evaluation of Neem-coated Urea and Nano Urea on the Growth and Physiological Attributes of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn)

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilization on finger millet, with Significant nutrient losses, especially for nitrogen (N) fertilizers, occurring when chemical fertilizers are directly incorporated into the field. These losses primarily result from leaching and volatilization processes under this practice, crops tend to utilize only a fraction of the applied N fertilizers, typically ranging from 30 to 40%. These observations highlight the inefficiency of traditional fertilizer application methods and the need for improved nutrient management strategies to maximize nutrient utilization by crops and minimize environmental impacts. The study was conducted in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with seven treatments and replicated three times. The results of the study demonstrated that the treatment combining 50% neem-coated urea (NCU) and 50% nano urea (NU) in addition to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) (T5) exhibited exceptional performance compared to the other treatments. This particular treatment displayed significant outcomes, including an increase in plant height of (93.7cm), improved leaf area index (3.95), greater total dry matter production (6443 kg/ha), a higher number of tillers (161.24/m2), increased productive tillers (94.2/m2), enhanced grain yield (4350 kg/ha), higher straw yield (5829 kg/ha), improved gross returns (143313 Rs/ha), a net return of (Rs. 88,247/ha), and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60. On the other hand, the application of (75% Neem coated urea + 25% Nano urea + P and K) can be considered as a second option for obtaining higher yield and economics of growing finger millet.

Impact of Biofertilizers, Neem coated urea and Foliar NPK (12:32:16) on growth and yield attributes of Mung bean

The goal of the experiment was to determine the performance of Mung bean when it was treated with bio-fertilizers, Neem-coated urea, and foliar NPK (12:32:16) in an integrated manner. The experiment was carried out in the research farm of the Lovely Professional University in Phagwara, Punjab, during the Kharif season of 2022–2023. The experiment was laid out in the Randomized block design with eight treatments, T1- Control (20:40:00 kg/ha); T2- NPK Foliar application (12:32:16); T3- 75% Neem coated urea+ Rhizobium; T4-75% Neem Coated Urea+ VAM; T5- 50% Neem Coated Urea + Rhizobium; T6- 50% Neem coated urea+ VAM; T7- NPK Foliar application+ Rhizobium; T8- NPK application (12:32:16) + VAM. The outcome showed that among all of the therapies, determines that both T7 (NPK Foliar Application 12:32:16 + Rhizobium) and (T8- NPK application 12:32:16 + VAM) showed the best results in all the parameters.

Rice Production and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Different Nitrogen Management Systems Under Sub-Humid Conditions

ABSTRACT A two-year experiment study was conducted at CSK HPKV, Rice, and Wheat Research Center, Malan, Himachal Pradesh, India, on silty clay loam soil during kharif 2016 and 2017. Application of highest dose of nitrogen i.e. 125% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through neem-coated urea (NCU) in three splits recorded maximum grain (5.16 t ha−1) and straw yield (6.37 t ha−1), and this treatment also proved better in terms of absolute growth rate, relative growth rate, crop growth rate, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake and apparent recovery efficiency over rest of the treatments. However, application of 75% RDN through NCU in three splits obtained higher agronomic efficiency (27.07 kg kg−1), utilization efficiency (35.72 kg kg−1), agro physiological efficiency (43.31 kg kg−1), and partial factor productivity (72.14 kg kg−1). The higher physiological efficiency (73.44 kg kg−1) was obtained with application of 100% RDN through NCU in three splits. Soil available nitrogen decreased over initial value, irrespective of the treatments. 125% RDN through NCU when applied in three splits recorded higher available soil nitrogen (449.5 kg ha−1) as well as soil available potassium (257.6 kg ha−1) while soil available phosphorus improved over initial value with highest value (49.5 kg ha−1) observed with 75% RDN through NCU in three splits.

Reduced dose coupled with improved method of neem-coated urea application and foliar sprays of KNO3 enhance cotton yield and fiber parameters under semi-arid climates

Choice of source, nitrogen rate, and its application method affect cotton productivity. In absence of new recommendations for recently introduced neem-coated urea (NCU) in India, farmers have been applying either similar or above optimal levels of NCU in cotton just like conventional urea. The present study aimed to evaluate the optimum dose and better method of NCU application to improve cotton productivity and profitability under arid climates. A total of eight different treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design. Two NCU doses [i.e., 112.5 kg ha−1 (75% of conventional nitrogen [urea] recommendation-CNR) and 150 kg ha−1 (100% of CNR)] were applied using three methods, i.e., (a) band application, (b) spot application, and (c) broadcasting constituted six treatments. In addition, foliar sprays of NCU@1% and KNO3@2% were also evaluated to study their effect in improving seed cotton yield (SCY) and fiber parameters. These findings elucidated that the spot method of NCU application proved better than the broadcasting and band application method owing to better nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NCU@ 112.5 kg N ha−1 applied through spot application along with three foliar sprays of KNO3@2% resulted in similar profitability as that of broadcasting 150 kg NCU ha−1 along with four foliar sprays of KNO3. Improved physiological parameters like net photosynthesis and chlorophyll coupled with higher NUE played a decisive role for at par SCY despite 25% low nutrient input besides enhanced environment safety. Therefore, under semi-arid climates, 37.5 kg N ha−1 could be saved without compromising cotton productivity.

Efficiency of protectants in alleviating ozone stress on rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.)

Tropical countries like India, as a result of increased greenhouse gases like tropospheric ozone (O3), are concerned about a loss of agricultural output and food security. As a result, adopting a new method to protect crops against ozone is a must. The most efficient protectant is ethylene diurea (EDU), which is often used by researchers, however, the effectiveness of other protectants remains still unexplored. Hence, this study aims in screening the potential protectants in alleviating the ozone stress (100 ppb) in O3 sensitive rice cultivar in open top chambers. The protectants used includes neem coated urea (NCU), ascorbic acid (AsA), calcium acetate (CaAc), panchagavya, neem oil, pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) and ethylene diurea (EDU). Results indicate that besides EDU, NCU and AsA were highly effective in mitigating O3 stress and were on par with each other. The application of protectants significantly improved the physiological, growth, and yield attributes; while, the malondialdehyde and proline content declined. The effect of protectants was relatively higher in O3 – sensitive cultivar. . The growth and yield traits were observed to be higher in EDU > NCU, AsA > CaAc > Panchagavya > Neem oil > PPFM. In O3 – sensitive cultivar, application of 300 ppm EDU, 1% NCU, and 1% AsA decreased the malondialdehyde content by 26.82, 26.92 and 27.47%, and proline by 18.64, 17.88 and 14.33%, respectively. Similarly, the application of 300 ppm EDU, 1% NCU and 1% AsA improved the number of spikelets per panicle by 69.09, 63.64 and 58.15% and the number of filled spikelets per panicle by 95.97, 95.35 and 93.02%, respectively. The present study concludes that NCU and AsA are the best alternatives to EDU for protecting plants against ozone stress.

Impact, adaptation, and mitigation of climate change in Indian agriculture.

Climate change poses serious risks to Indian agriculture as half of the agricultural land of the country is rainfed. Climate change affects crop yield, soil processes, water availability, and pest dynamics. Several adaptation strategies such as heat- and water stress-tolerant crop varieties, stress-tolerant new crops, improved agronomic management practices, improved water use efficiency, conservation agriculture practices and improved pest management, improved weather forecasts, and other climate services are in place to minimize the climatic risks. The agriculture sector contributes 14% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) from the country. Mitigation of GHG emission from agriculture can be achieved by changing land-use management practices and enhancing input-use efficiency. Experiments in India showed that methane emission from lowland rice fields can be reduced by 40-50% with alternate wetting and drying (AWD), growing shorter duration varieties, and using neem-coated urea according to soil health card (SHC) and leaf color chart (LCC). Dry direct-seeding of rice, which does not require continuous soil submergence, can reduce methane emission by 70-75%. Sequestration of carbon (C) in agricultural soil can be promoted with the application of organic manure, crop residues, and balanced nutrients. India has taken several proactive steps for addressing the issues of climate change in agriculture. Recently, it has also committed for reducing GHG emission intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving net zero emission by 2070. The paper discusses the major impacts of climate change, potential adaptation, and mitigation options and the initiatives of Govt. of India in making Indian agriculture climate-smart.

Effect of slow-release nitrogenous fertilizers on dry matter accumulation, grain nutritional quality, water productivity and wheat yield under an arid environment

Slow release nitrogenous fertilizers can improve crops production and reduce the environmental challenges in agro-ecosystem. There is a need to test the efficiency and performance under arid climatic conditions. The study investigates the effect of slow-release fertilizers (urea, neem coated urea (NCU), sulfur coated urea (SCU) and bioactive sulfur coated urea (BSCU)) on the growth, productivity and grain nutritional qualities of wheat crop. Slow-release fertilizers (SRF) with nitrogen levels (130,117,104 and 94 kg ha−1) were applied with equal splits at sowing, 20 and 60 days after sowing (DAS). Research showed that the BSCU with 130 kg ha−1 increased dry matter accumulation (1989 kg ha−1) after anthesis and grain yield 4463 kg ha−1. The higher plant height (102 cm) was attained by 130 kg N ha−1 SCU while the minimum (77.67 cm) recorded for 94 kg N ha−1 as urea source. Maximum grain NPK concentrations (3.54, 0.66 and 1.07%) were recorded by BSCU 130 kg N ha−1 application. While, the minimum NPK (0.77, 0.19 and 0.35%) were observed by Urea 94 kg N ha−1. The high irrigation water use efficiency (WUE) recorded (20.92 kg ha−1 mm−1) and a crop index of 25.52% by BSCU 130 kg N ha−1 application. Research findings show that generally all SRF but particularly BSCU proved effective and can be recommended for wheat crop under arid environment.

Efficacy of neem and zinc coated urea on productivity and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer-use efficiency (20 − 50%) is low in wheat fields in India. Coated urea can increase N-use efficiency in wheat, but a desirable coating for use with urea is not widely accepted yet. Therefore, to study the efficacy of coated urea on productivity and economics of wheat, an experiment was conducted at Research Farm of SKUAST-J, India, during winter season of 2017 − 2018 and 2018 − 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 11 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of various doses of different types of coated urea viz prilled urea, Neem coated urea (NCU), Zinc coated urea (ZnCU), and Neem + Zinc coated urea (NCU + ZnCU). Different doses of coated urea fertilizers showed significant effect on the growth, yield, economics, and nutrient uptake of wheat crop. Application of 100% of recommended (Rec.) nitrogen (N) through ZnCU + Rec. Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Zinc (Zn) (T8) showed significantly better growth, yield attributing characters and grain and straw yield, during both the years of study and remained statistically at par with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7), 100% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T11), 85% of Rec. N through NCU + ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T10) and 100% of Rec. N through NCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T5).Similarly, nutrient uptake (N, K and Zn), net returns, and B:C ratio were also observed to be significantly higher with the application of 100% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn than other treatments. However, maximum mean Agronomic use efficiency (AUE) and Recovery use efficiency (RUE) of 36.2% and 30.0%, respectively, were found with the application of 85% of Rec. N through ZnCU + Rec. P, K, & Zn (T7) over the application of100% of Rec. N through urea + Rec. P, K, & Zn(T2).

Evaluating combined effect of different coated urea with PGPR on yield and nitrogen use efficiency in lowland rice by regression model and principal component analysis approach

Nitrogen (N) loss is a key problem in rice fields, which results in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of applied N and could be a major limitation from economic and environmental perspectives. In order to improve the NUE, use of slow or controlled released N fertilizers could be a potential alternative to the conventional N inputs. With this objective to evaluate the effect of different slow-release fertilizers on NUE and grain yield of rice, a pot experiment was conducted during kharif 2017 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University Varanasi. The experiment comprised thirteen treatments including control, Polymer (PCU) and Neem coated urea (NCU) and their combination with Farm yard manure (FYM) and Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The combined application of PCU, NCU, FYM and PGPR in treatment T12 provided highest grain yield 47.98 gpot−1and followed by T8 46.60 gpot−1. The result showed that, compared with the PCU treatment T2 (PCU100 Split), the Agronomic efficiency (AE) and Apparent nitrogen recovery efficiency (ANR%) of the mixed doses of coated urea treatment T12 (PCU50 NCU50 FYM10 PGPR Basal) increased by 20.38% and 28.48% respectively. Therefore, application of FYM and PGPR with coated urea improved rice yield, nutrient uptake and their use efficiency and potentially recommended in eastern plain of the Indo-Gangetic Plain for the sustainable production of rice crop.

A benchmark study on economic impact of Neem Coated Urea on Indian agriculture

The policy of mandatory production and distribution of Neem Coated Urea (NCU) was implemented by the Government of India since 2015. In this article, authors have made an attempt to explore the benefits of NCU recognized by the producers of six major crops such as paddy, maize, sugarcane, tur, jute and soybean across six major states viz., Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab and Assam. The results reveal that NCU use has contributed positively in terms of increasing the yield levels of main product and by-products, as well as net returns with regard to almost all reference crops however; the extent varies from crop to crop. Moreover, NCU has helped reduce the cost of production by minimizing the cost of urea as well as other fertilizers and pesticides usage. Interestingly, the diversion of urea has stopped completely, post the production and distribution of NCU. Hence, it is concluded that the application of NCU has a positive impact on Indian agriculture, by way of increasing yield levels & returns for the farming community. These results are in line with the PM's vision of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and Sustainable Development Goals of the Country.