Net Economic Returns Research Articles

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers Applications for Tomato (<i>Solanum lycopersicum </i>L.) Production Under Irrigation in the Fogera District, Northwest Ethiopia

Small-scale tomato production under irrigation is a common practice in the Fogera area of the Amhara Region in Northwest Ethiopia. However, there were no location-specific economic optimum N and P fertilizer recommendations for tomato production in the area. Therefore, a field study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the response of tomato to N and P fertilizer applications and determine the economic return of N and P fertilizers applications. Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub> ha<sup>-1</sup>) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that tomato yield and yield-related attributes were significantly (p<0.01) affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effect of P and its interaction with N did not considerably influence the yield and yield-related parameters. The highest marketable (39.3 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) and total fruit yields (46.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup>) of tomato were recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. The highest net economic return of Ethiopian birr 185,538.50 with a marginal rate return of 1326.1% was recorded from the application of 138 kg N ha<sup>-1</sup>. Therefore, 138 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> N can be recommended to increase the yield and economic return of tomato production in Fogera area. However, as the yield response to N followed a linear response curve, further study with higher rates of N than those considered in the present study is recommended.

The economic effect of cow-based reproductive management programs with a systematic use of reproductive hormones

Hormone-based reproductive management programs can be beneficial to improve dairy cow's reproductive performance. This study aimed to compare the economic impact of reproductive management programs using systematic hormonal treatments to individual cows with a specific DIM range with a reproductive management program using cow-specific hormonal treatment based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check. An existing individual cow-based, dynamic, and stochastic bio-economic simulation model, mimicking the production dynamics of a 200 cow-herd in daily time steps, was extended with ovarian dysfunction and fertility inputs. Four hormone-based reproductive management programs were modeled. In the default reproductive management program, reflecting the current reproductive management of Dutch herds, lactating dairy cows are inseminated based on detection of estrus and non-cyclic dairy cows are treated with hormones based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check. Hormone treatments prescribed by the veterinarian for anestrus, cystic, and sub-estrus cows were an 8-d progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (PRID)-Synch protocol (PRIDsynch), an Ovsynch protocol, and a PGF2⍺ treatment, respectively. The 3 other reproductive management programs reflected systematic hormonal treatments to cows at specific DIM and included a 1) Double-Ovsynch protocol for TAI with nonpregnant cows submitted to a resynchronization protocol (FTAI), 2) Double-Ovsynch protocol for TAI with nonpregnant cows detected in estrus or submitted to a resynchronization protocol (FTAI+ED), and 3) detection of estrus with cows not detected submitted to a PRIDsynch protocol (ED+TAI). All nonpregnant cows were submitted to a resynchronization protocol based on the absence (PRIDsynch) or presence (Ovsynch protocol) of a corpus luteum (CL). The annual mean net economic return (NER) was calculated for all reproductive management programs. Compared with the default reproductive management program, the highest NER was observed for the FTAI+ED reproductive management program with €23,764 higher net revenues, followed by the FTAI and the ED+TAI reproductive management programs with €19,550 and €14,314 higher net revenues, respectively. Overall, systematic hormone-based reproductive management programs gave higher costs due to more hormones administered and higher calving and feed costs due to more pregnant cows. Nevertheless, the additional revenues of milk and calves in the systematic hormone-based reproductive management programs outweighed the total cost. For instance, the FTAI+ED reproductive management program gave €8,953 higher total cost per year compared with the default but with €32,654 higher revenues. In summary, reproductive management programs where hormones were systematically used gave economic advantages over the current default reproductive management program in which hormones are administered to individual cows based on a veterinary diagnosis of ovarian dysfunction during a fertility check.

Management of Rust in Wheat Using IPM Principles and Alternative Products

Overall, there is a major wish that European farmers implement integrated pest management (IPM), particularly to reduce dependence on pesticides. In the European Rustwatch project, partners conducted nineteen trials across nine different countries during 2020 and 2021 to investigate different IPM strategies, focusing on controlling rust diseases in winter wheat. The trials included the use of varieties with contrasting levels of resistance, variety mixtures, reduced fungicide rates, thresholds, and Decision Support Systems (DSSs), and testing alternative products to fungicides. Sixteen trials developed yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) infections, and six trials developed brown rust (Puccinia triticina) infections. Resistant varieties proved highly effective in keeping down yellow rust infection, and variety mixtures also effectively reduced infection levels and stabilized yields. Rust was fully controlled using 25% of standard fungicide rates, even under high disease pressure. Using DSSs provided sufficient control of rust diseases and resulted in competitive net economic returns due to fewer fungicide applications. The alternative products tested included two biological control agents and four alternative chemistries, which all gave inferior and insufficient control against rust compared with chemical fungicides. The trial work demonstrated that there are good and reliable options for including IPM into disease control in wheat.

Investigation of Response of Upland Rice (<i>Oryza sativa </i>L.) to Blended NPSB Fertilizer in Fogera and Libo Kemkem Districts of Amhara Region

A field experiment was conducted for three years to evaluate and determine economic optimum rate of NPSB blended + urea fertilizers for upland rice production in Fogera and Libokemkem districts of Amhara Region. Blended NPSB fertilizer rates of 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg ha<sup>-1</sup> were factorially combined with 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. Zero fertilizer as control treatment and recommended NP as a reference treatment were included in the study. The treatments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results show that, in Libokemikem district, the maximum grain yield of 4.9 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>, while the maximum dry biomass yield of 10.2 t ha<sup>-1</sup> was recorded from 250 kg NPSB + 250 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. In Fogera district, the maximum grain and biomass yields of 6.1 and 15 t ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively were obtained from 250 kg NPSB + 200 kg Urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. The partial budget analysis of the pooled data indicate that at Libokemikem district, the maximum net economic return (NER) of Ethiopian birr (Birr) 48,529.70 with marginal rate of return (MRR) of 1284.9% was obtained from 200 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. At Fogera district, the maximum NER of Birr 62,323.60 with MRR of 959.7% was obtained from 100 kg NPSB + 250 kg urea ha<sup>-1</sup>. However, it is not possible to draw conclusions that the significant yield increment recorded was due to the contribution of S and B blends in the NPSB blended fertilizer. Because, there were confounding effects of N and P nutrients in the NPSB blended fertilizer. As it is revealed in the results, the significant yield response recorded, however, was due to the increasing levels of N. Therefore, we recommend further investigation of the response of NERICA-4 (upland rice) to each nutrient (P, S and B) through nutrient omission studies.

Efficacy of using plant ingredients as partial substitute of fishmeal in formulated diet for a commercially cultured fish, Labeo rohita

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit–cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fast-growing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond.

Reduced fertilization boosts soil quality and economic benefits in semiarid apple orchard: A two-year appraisal of fertigation strategy

Long-term overfertilization not only aggravates environmental costs, but reduces the quality and yield of fruit in dryland apple orchard, and this issue is closely associated with post-germination fertilization management. On the basis of multi-year observations, we developed a targeted fertigation strategy of FORD, i.e. formula fertilization (rational fertilizer scheme), on-demand fertilization in the sensitive period, reduced fertilization and delayed fertilization. Two-year field investigations were conducted with conventional furrow application (CK), integrated furrow and injection application (FI) and the optimized injection application under the FORD principle in a semiarid apple orchard. The data indicated that FI and FORD had a similar fruit yield of 57.2 Mg ha-1, significantly greater (by 4.5%) than CK. Yet, fruit quality (nutrition, flavor and appearance) was substantially improved under FORD, relative to FI and CK (P<0.05). Importantly, FORD did not induce secondary salinization (soil electric conductivity (EC) of 100-500 μs cm-1, pH of 7.8), but significantly improved soil microbial biomass carbon and the activities of carbon turnover key enzymes (β-glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase). As a result, FORD induced a better functioning of leaves, and a faster speed of fruit expansion than CK and FI did. Totally, the above parameters were positively associated with the efficient couplings of water and fertilizer, which critically depended on nutrients rational supply in FORD. Notably, relative to CK and FI, FORD reduced the fertilization cost by 27.8% and 8.3% respectively, accordingly harvesting 38.1% and 11.6% higher net economic return (2.94×104 US$ ha-1). In summary, there existed remarkable positive effects of FORD-led fertigation strategy on fruit yield, quality and economic benefits. The FORD can be viewed as a general environment-friendly strategy to guide apple post-germination fertilization management for greater economic benefits.

Influence of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Bulb Yield and Yield-Related Attributes of Onion (Allium cepa L.) in Fogera Area, Northwest Ethiopia

Aim: Onion is one of the most important vegetable crops grown under irrigation in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. However, its productivity is affected by sub-optimal fertilization. The present research was conducted to investigate the response and economic returns of onion to N and P fertilizers application under irrigation.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized Complete Block Design in Factorial Arrangement with three replications.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The research was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Fogera area of Northwest Ethiopia.&#x0D; Methodology: Four levels of N (0, 46, 92, and 138 kg N ha-1) and three levels of P (0, 46, and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1) were factorially combined and laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the yield and yield components of onion were significantly affected by the main effects of N. However, the main effects of P and its interaction with N did not significantly influence the growth and yield of onion. The highest plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb girth and marketable bulb yield were recorded from the application of N138 statistically at par with N92. The maximum net economic return was obtained from the application of N138.&#x0D; Conclusion: Application of 138 kg N ha-1 was the economic optimum rate for maximum bulb yield of onion in the study area. Further investigation on the response of onion to P is recommended.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Carbon Footprint, and Grain Yields of Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Eastern China

A multiple cropping system is beneficial for utilizing natural resources, while increasing the grain production and economic outputs. However, its impact on greenhouse gas emissions is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rice-based cropping systems on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the carbon footprint (CF), grain yields, and net economic returns in eastern China. Four treatments were applied: rice–fallow (as a control), rice–milk vetch, rice–wheat, and rice–rapeseed. Methane and N2O emissions were measured every 7 days via static chamber and gas chromatography methods from the 2019 rice season to the 2021 non-rice season. The CF was calculated based on the life cycle assessment. The results showed that multiple cropping systems significantly increased the annual grain yield by 1.2–6.4 t ha−1 and the annual CH4 and N2O emissions by 38–101 kg CH4-C ha−1 and 0.58–1.06 kg N2O-N ha−1, respectively. The average annual net returns for rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed were 131–150% greater than those for rice–milk vetch and rice–fallow. The annual CFs increased in the following order: rice–wheat (19.2 t CO2-eq ha−1) &gt; rice–rapeseed (16.6 t CO2-eq ha−1) &gt; rice–milk vetch (13.9 t CO2-eq ha−1) &gt; rice–fallow (11.5 t CO2-eq ha−1). The CH4 emissions contributed to the largest share of the CF (60.4–68.8%), followed by agricultural inputs (27.2–33.7%) and N2O emissions (2.9–5.9%). Moreover, nitrogen fertilizer accounted for 65.6–72.4% of the indirect greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural inputs. No significant difference in the CF per unit grain yield was observed between the four rice-based cropping systems. The CF per net return of rice–wheat and rice–rapeseed significantly decreased by 37–50% relative to that of rice–fallow and rice–milk vetch. These findings suggest the potential to optimize rice-based cropping systems for environmental sustainability and grain security.

English

Pearl millet can be cultivated in a wide range of soil types under tropical and sub-tropical warm climates. The lack of improved cultivars and non-judicious use of phosphatic fertilizers are among the major reasons for low productivity of pearl millet. The farmers usually apply nitrogen (N); however, do not apply phosphorus (P) fertilizer to pearl millet grown as fodder, which significantly reduces fodder yield. It is assumed that P application can improve fodder yield of pearl millet. Therefore, this two-year (2020 and 2021) field study tested different pearl millet genotypes (i.e., ‘MP-24’, ‘YBS-70’, ‘YBS-86’, ‘YBS-93’, ‘YBS-95’, ‘YBS-98’, ‘18-BY’, ‘14-RS-05’, ‘55-S-85’, and ‘16-RBS-10’) for their fodder production with P fertilization (90 kg ha-1) and no P application (control). Phosphorus application significantly improved growth, fodder yield (24%), P uptake and P use efficiency (PUE) of all tested genotypes with significant differences among genotypes. The genotype ‘YBS-70’ produced the highest fodder yield with P application due to notable expansion in entire growth-related traits along with higher P uptake, P use efficiency (PUE), and net economic returns. The P application to genotype ‘YBS-70’ improved net economic returns (130% and 151% during 2020 and 2021, respectively) and benefit:cost ratio (59% and 61% during 2020 and 2021, respectively) during both years. It is concluded that fodder yield, PUE and profitability of millet may be improved by P application coupled with a suitable genotype. It is recommended that genotype ‘YBS-70’ can be grown with 90 kg ha-1 P application for higher fodder yield. Nevertheless, different P levels must be tested for concrete recommendations for different soil types in various agroecological zones of Pakistan.

Combined zinc and urea application enhances productivity and profitability of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

The present study investigated the effect of sole as well as combined foliar application of zinc (Zn) and urea at flowering and pod formation stages and soil application of Zn on symbiotic parameters, growth, yield, and economics of lentil. Field experiments were conducted at two locations (Ludhiana and Faridkot, northern India) during the winter season of 2018–19 and 2019–20 in randomized complete block design. The experiment comprised of 11 treatments [control (no soil/foliar application of ZnSO4 and no urea foliar application), soil Zn (25 kg ZnSO4 ha−1), foliar application of sole Zn (0.5% ZnSO4) or urea (2%) and combined Zn + urea at flowering, pod formation, or flowering + pod formation stages] and three replications. Zn and urea fertilization significantly improved the grain yield and related traits and economics in both the years of study at both the locations. The treatment of combined foliar application of Zn + urea at flowering + pod formation stages recorded the highest symbiotic parameters, chlorophyll content, growth and yield attributes, grain yield (29.5% higher than control), gross returns (29.5% higher), net economic returns (56.2% higher), and benefit cost ratio. The combined foliar application of Zn + urea can be done to improve growth, productivity, and economics of lentil and, therefore, it can help in upliftment of economic status of farmers.

Effect of Herbicide on Root Nodules, Phytotoxicity and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was done during Rabi season of 2011-12 at Agronomy Research Farm of NDUA&amp;T, Kumarganj, Faizabad, UP. The fresh biomass and dry biomass nodules plant-1 (mg), branches numbers and grain yield significantly supreme was noted in weed free plot. Fresh and dry biomass, branches number was obtained statically at par with treatments pendimethalin 1000 g ha-1 PE, or fb quizalofop 60 g ha-1 PoE or clodinafop 60 g ha-1 PoE at 45 and 60 DAS, 60 DAS and at 90 DAS. The minimum Fresh and dry biomass, branches number was noted with rest all the treatments. Whereas drastic toxicity was detected tracked by oxyfluorfen 200 g + fb clodinafop 60 g ha-1 PoE and pendimethalin 1000 g PE fb imazethapyr 75 g + quizalofop 60 g ha-1 PoE, separately. The greatest drop in grain yield of chickpea were noted in PE application of pendimethalin 750 g tracked by mutual PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g + oxyfluorfen 200 g ha-1 at 35 DAS. The utmost net economic returns and B-C ratio were noted in PE application of pendimethalin 1000 g and PoE application of clodinafop 60 g ha-1 and PE application of pendimethalin1000 g and PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g ha-1 at 35 DAS and the net monetary returns and B-C ratio were in negative with application of pendimethalin 750 g PE followed by mutual PoE application of quizalofop-ethyl 60 g + oxyfluorfen 200 g ha-1at 35 DAS and PoE application of oxyfluorfen200 g + quizalofop-ethyl 60 g ha-1 PoE.

Optimizing Cotton-Wheat System Productivity Through Resource Conserving Techniques

ABSTRACT Cotton-wheat cropping system contributes significantly to Pakistan’s food security and economy. However, the system productivity is low because of soil degrading tillage, irrational use of irrigation, and potassium which delay cotton maturity and affect succeeding wheat crop. Conservation tillage (MT) with appropriate irrigation and potassium may improve the system’s productivity and stability. Experiments were conducted at Gomal University, Pakistan. Treatments included tillage (conventional (CT) and conservation tillage (MT)) and three irrigation intervals viz. 5, 4, and 3 weeks for cotton in first year, while in second year tillage was same and best irrigation interval observed in first year was kept constant. In second year besides tillage, potassium (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg K ha−1) was included in cotton. For succeeding wheat, treatments were tillage (MT & CT) and six irrigations applied at crown root initiation, tillering, jointing, booting, 50% spike emergence, milk and dough stage. Results revealed that MT was better than CT regarding yield and net economic return. Five-week irrigation interval increased yield, improved fiber quality, and caused earlier cotton maturity. 150 kg K ha−1 produced higher net return and benefit–cost ratio (BCR) for cotton under MT than CT. Wheat grown with MT produced higher yield, net return, and BCR when irrigated 4 times at jointing, booting, 50% spike emergence, milk and dough stage. MT accumulated more soil organic matter and total soil N than CT. The results suggest that MT with appropriate irrigation and potassium can improve cotton-wheat system productivity and economics besides conservation of resources.

Rotational strip peanut/cotton intercropping improves agricultural production through modulating plant growth, root exudates, and soil microbial communities

Legume-based intercropping is widely used by smallholder farmers; however, there is scarce information governing the long-term effects of interspecific interactions on the crop growth performance. Here, we present data of 5 years field experimentation on a rotational strip peanut/cotton intercropping system to uncover its beneficial effects on crop production and decipher the underlying mechanisms. Treatments included monoculture of peanut (MP), monoculture of cotton (MC), peanut/cotton intercropping (IC), and peanut/cotton intercropping with solid root barrier (SC). Averaged for 5 years, intercropping did not alter the peanut pods yield whereas the seed cotton yield was significantly increased by 52.63% compared with monoculture. Moreover, the net economic return of IC was significantly increased by 59.49%. Physiological data indicated that the leaf net photosynthetic rate, total biomass, and the accumulation of total nitrogen in peanut pods and cotton buds were significantly increased in IC compared with MP and MC. Meanwhile, the contents of total protein and oleic acid in peanut kernels were also increased by intercropping. Metabolomics evidence showed that differential metabolites from “Tryptophan” and “Carbon” pathways were significantly enriched in peanut and cotton strips of IC. Additionally, IC significantly altered the rhizosphere soil bacterial abundance composition and diversity, and the metabolic functional features of “carbohydrate” and “amino acid” were significantly enriched. Strikingly, the beneficial effects of intercropping were partially counteracted by SC as indicated by the reduction of crop production and net return. Our results demonstrated that rotational strip peanut/cotton intercropping increases production, net economic returns, and peanut quality parameters via the interspecific interactions by enhancing plant growth, regulating root exudates, and modulating soil microbial communities.

Impact of various irrigation levels and nitrogen rates on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and nitrate leaching

BackgroundNitrogen (N) is a crucial macronutrient for plants and serves as a significant measure of soil productivity. The leaching of N-nitrate creates significant hazards for human health and ground water quality. Supplemental irrigation applied to various field crops significantly alters crop yield and nitrate (NO3–) leaching within the soil. Determining the influence of various N rates and irrigation levels on yield and NO3– leaching could help to select the optimum combination of irrigation and N. MethodsThe influence of various irrigation levels and N rates on NO3– leaching, soil physicochemical characteristics and grain yield of wheat crop was investigated. Two irrigation levels, i.e., I1 and I2 (60% and 75% of field capacity) and three N levels, i.e., 105, 130 and 160 kg/ha named as N1, N2 and N3 were included in the study. The irrigation and N levels were optimized in preliminary studies. Data relating to yield-related characteristics of wheat and soil physicochemical properties were recorded. ResultsThe growth and yield traits of the wheat crop were considerably influenced by varying degrees of irrigation N application. The interactive effect of I2N3 resulted in the highest numbers of tillers m−2 (18.9), 1000-grain weight (40.3 g), and straw (5.87 t ha−1) and grain (4.17 t ha−1) yields. Irrigation significantly affected infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity of the saturated soil and soil strength. The bulk density of soil increased, while soil porosity decreased with increasing depth. Economic analysis revealed that higher irrigation and N levels, i.e., I2N3 resulted in the highest net economic returns. The NO3– concentration was significantly affected by soil depth and time after application of fertilizer. The NO3– concentration exhibited its greatest value at a depth of 0.35 m, while its lowest value was seen at a depth of 1 m. In addition, the concentration of NO3– exhibited a decline throughout the course of time after the administration of N. ConclusionIt is concluded that higher application of irrigation water and N fertilizer increased wheat yield and economic returns, and NO3– leaching. Therefore, alternative N sources with lower NO3– leaching must be used to reduce the adverse impacts on groundwater and environment.

Comparison of System of Rice Intensification Applications and Alternatives in India: Agronomic, Economic, Environmental, Energy, and Other Effects

Initial evaluations of the System of Rice Intensification in India and elsewhere focused mainly on its impacts on yield and income, and usually covered just one or two seasons. Researchers at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research have conducted a more comprehensive evaluation of SRI methods over six years (six wet and six dry seasons), comparing them with three alternatives: modified, partially mechanized SRI (MSRI) to reduce labor requirements; direct-seeded rice (DSR) as an alternative method for growing rice; and conventional transplanting of rice with flooding of fields (CTF). Grain yield with SRI methods was found to be about 50% higher than with CTF (6.35 t ha−1 vs. 4.27 t ha−1), while the MSRI yield was essentially the same (6.34 t ha−1), 16% more than with DSR (5.45 t ha−1). Water productivity with SRI methods was 5.32–6.85 kg ha-mm−1, followed by 4.14–5.72 kg ha-mm−1 for MSRI, 5.06–5.11 kg ha-mm−1 for DSR, and 3.52–4.56 kg ha-mm−1 for CTF. In comparison with CTF, SRI methods significantly enhanced soil microbial populations over time: bacteria by 12%, fungi by 8%, and actinomycetes by 20%. Biological activity in the rhizosphere was also higher as indicated by 8.5% greater dehydrogenase and 16% more FDA enzymes in soil under SRI management. Similarly, an indicator of soil organic matter, glucosidase activity, was 78% higher compared to CTF. SRI enhanced the relative abundance of beneficial microbial-feeding nematodes by 7.5% compared to CTF, while that of plant-pathogenic nematodes was 7.5% lower under SRI. Relative to conventional methods, SRI management reduced GHG emissions by 21%, while DSR reduced them by 23%, and MSRI by 13%, compared to standard rice-growing practice. Economic analysis showed both gross and net economic returns to be higher with SRI than with the other management systems evaluated. While the six-year study documented many advantages of SRI crop management, it also showed that MSRI is a promising adaptation that provides similar benefits but with lower labor requirements.

Interactive effect of different inorganic nitrogen sources and bacteria inoculation on productivity, grain quality, and economic returns of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.)

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is required by the plants in large quantities and obtaining higher yield without its application is a challenging task. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) is grown on a wide range of soils in Pakistan, and average yield is lower than most of the millet producing countries in the world. Growth, development, and nutrient accumulation can be improved by bacteria inoculation combined with inorganic fertilizers. This two-year study inferred the effect of different nitrogen (N) sources [urea, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), nitrophos and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3)] combined with seed inoculation with endobacteria (EB) and rhizobacteria (RB) or no seed inoculation on growth, yield, profitability, and grain quality of pearl millet. The CAN + seed inoculation with RB significantly increased grain (115.7% and 116.4% during 1st and 2nd year) and biological yield (45.5% and 22.6%), and economic returns (234% and 128%). Likewise, N supply through urea increased grain N, protein, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) contents. In the same way, AN + seed inoculation with RB significantly improved soil microbial population. In conclusion, N supply through CAN + seed inoculation with RB could be used to improve the productivity, and net economic returns of pearl millet.

Soybean planting date and seeding rate effect on grain yield and profitability

AbstractTimely soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] planting is ideal for maximizing grain yield. However, weather conditions often limit farmers’ ability to plant timely. The objectives of this study were to (a) measure the effect of soybean planting date and seeding rate on grain yield, (b) identify the agronomic optimum seeding rate (AOSR; the seeding rate where soybean yield is maximized), and (c) compare the net economic return of the base treatment (May 10 to 31 planting date and 370,000 seeds ha−1 seeding rate) to the other treatment combinations. The experiment was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Ohio at the Western (WARS) and Northwest (NWARS) Agricultural Research Stations with a split‐plot randomized complete block design with four replications. The whole plot factor was four planting dates ranging from April 25 through July 1, and the sub‐plot factor was five seeding rates ranging from 123,500 to 618,000 seeds ha−1. When water was not limiting, soybean planted in April and May yielded 8% to 26% more than soybean planted late June. In general, planting in May resulted in a lower AOSR (247,000 to 303,000 seeds ha−1), compared to planting in June, where AOSR ranged from 430,000 to 618,000 seeds ha−1. Comparative net economic return was the lowest (from $237 ha−1 to $938 ha−1) when soybean was planted after mid‐June at 123,500 seeds ha−1. These findings can help farmers improve soybean grain yield by adjusting their seeding rate based on planting date to maximize profitability.

Effect of Different Inorganic Fertlizers and Bio Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench )

This study was carried out during March – June 2022 on vegetable research farm Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The objective of the experiment was to screen out the best combination of biofertilizer and inorganic manures for growth, yield, and quality of okra and to work out the economics. The design of the experiment was randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The result shows that T8 75%N + 100%PK + Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB was found superior in terms of plant height (9.30cm in 20 days, 30.23cm in 40 days, 43.58cm in 60 days), plant spread (19.94cm2 in 20 days, 34.64 cm2 in 40 days, 60.74 cm2 in 60 days), days to first flowering (33.98 days), days to 50% flowering (42.43days), days to fruit setting (46.95 days), days to first fruit picking (48.68 days), fruit weight (9.83g), length of fruit at marketable stage (13.10cm), girth of fruit (2.02cm), no. of fruit per plant (23.98/plant), no. of seeds per fruit (48.39), fruit yield per plant(g) 235.65g, fruit yield per plot (kg) 7.78kg, fruit yield (t/ha) 19.44, TSS (14.61oBrix), ascorbic acid (21.31 mg/100g). Net economic returns of treatment were highest in T8 (75%N + 100%PK + Azotobacter + Azospirillum + PSB) Rs.472592.83 with highest cost benefit ratio of (4.27).

Is scale production more advantageous than smallholders for Chinese rice production?

In this study, field data from 148 farmers were combined with energy equivalents, greenhouse gas emission factors, and product prices obtained from the literature and official statistics to evaluate and compare the energy use, environmental impact, and economic benefits between smallholders' rice production mode (SHM) and scale rice production modes (Big grain growers' rice production mode; Micro cooperatives’ rice production mode). Compared with SHM, the scale rice production modes increased the net energy by 425.02 MJ ha−1–13148.29 MJ ha−1, increased the energy use efficiency by 16.85%–22.89%, increased the net economic return by 15.67 USD ha−1–531.31 USD ha−1, increased the net profit-to-labor use ratio by 26.02%–393.87%, decreased the global warming potential (GWP) by 19.48%–27.23%, and decreased the yield-scaled GWP by 19.93%–29.50%. These results demonstrate that the scale rice production modes can satisfy the needs of reduced labor inputs, energy conservation, emission reduction, and increased profitability of rice production, thereby promoting sustainable and low-carbon development of the agricultural industry in China. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government increase its support for developing scale rice production modes and encourage farmers to take equity in their lands or lease them to micro cooperatives for more efficient production.

Abandoning female genital mutilation/cutting (FGMC) is an emerging but costly parental investment strategy in rural Ethiopia

Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGMC) has profound consequences for an estimated 200 million women world-wide, yet affected communities often resist efforts to end the practice. Marriage market dynamics have been proposed as key to this resistance, because where FGMC is normative, parents are motivated to cut their daughters to improve their marriage prospects. Some economists have also argued that financial gain, through bride wealth payments, incentivises parents to cut daughter's at time of marriage. Bride wealth, however, does not necessarily equal net economic return, confounding efforts to test this assumption. Here we use detailed data on the financial value of all exchanges at marriage from Ethiopian Arsi Oromo agropastoralists to assess their association with FGMC. We also explore the idea that parents must replace FGMC with other forms of investment (e.g., education) when cutting practices are rejected. Multivariate multilevel Bayesian models were run using data from the first marriages of 358 women to assess the association between FGMC status and education and marriage-related outcomes: bride wealth payments, dowry costs, and age at marriage. Being cut is associated with lower dowry costs and earlier age at marriage but does not predict bride wealth paid by the groom's family. School attendance is associated with higher bride wealth, particularly for women with four or more years of education, and with later age at marriage. These findings indicate that bride wealth payments do not maintain FGMC among the Arsi Oromo. While we find a relative economic loss for parents from FGMC abandonment through higher value dowry gifts, this may be traded-off against the health benefits to uncut daughters. These findings point to the emergence of new norms, whereby Arsi Oromo parents reject cutting for their daughters and prefer their daughters-in-law to be educated.