Net Returns Research Articles

Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Different Levels of Fertilizer and Vermicompost Grown under Every Furrow and Alternate Furrow Irrigation Methods

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the Agronomy Research Farm of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in a split-plot design with two vermicompost levels i.e., vermicompost @ 1.5 t ha-1 and vermicompost @ 3.0 t ha-1, two irrigation methods i.e., every furrow irrigation and alternate furrow irrigation method as the main plot treatments and three fertilizer levels at N40P20, N60P30 and N80P40 kg ha-1 as subplot treatments and replicated three times. Among the vermicompost levels, vermicompost at 3.0 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers; yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (12.88%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (13.85%), 1000-grain weight (10.57%) and yield i.e., grain yield (11.00%), biological yield (10.75%) than vermicompost at 1.5 t ha-1. Among methods of irrigation, every furrow irrigation recorded significantly higher in no. of tillers, yield attributes i.e., no. of effective tillers (13.68%), spike length (14.49%), no. of grains per spike (11.51%), 1000-grain weight (9.37%); yield (grain yield (17.15%), biological yield (22.08%) and economics (gross and net returns (15.52 and 25.66%) than alternate furrow irrigation. Among fertilizer level, application of N80P40 recorded significantly higher no. of tillers, spike length, no. of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight; yield (grain yield (13.02%), biological yield (15.81%), and economics (gross and net returns (13.72 and 24.49%) over other levels of fertilizer. Based on the study, it was found that vermicompost level, method of irrigation and fertilizer level has significant effect on no. of tillers, available NPK content in soil, yield attributes, yield and economics of barley.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Foxtail Millet

The field experiment was conducted during ZAID season 2023 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present study, the treatments consisting three levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) viz., 100% RDF (60-30-30 Kg/ha), 75% RDF (45-22.5-22.5 Kg/ha) and 50% RDF (30-15-15 kg/ha) along with three different micro nutrients viz., Zinc - 0.5 kg/ha, Boron - 0.5 kg/ha and Iron - 0.5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3), low available nitrogen (278.93 kg/ha), medium available phosphorus (15.4 kg/ha) and medium available potassium (173.7 kg/ha). Results revealed that higher plant height (84.20 cm), plant dry weight (10.61 g), number of tillers/ hill (4.53), length of ears (9.20 cm), number of ears/plant (4.47), test weight (3.47 g), grain yield (1.22 t/ha), straw yield (2.80 t/ha) were recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF+ Boron 0.5 kg/ha). Maximum gross return (INR 48,408.33), net return (INR 30,913.33) and B:C ratio (1.77) were also recorded in treatment 8 (NPK 100% RDF + Boron 0.5 kg/ha). It can be concluded that the application of NPK 100% RDF +Boron 0.5kg/ha (Treatment 8) recorded higher yield and benefit cost ratio in Foxtail millet.

Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Effect of Zinc and Panchagavya on Growth and Yield of Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Zinc viz. 10, 15 and 20 kg/ha and three levels of Panchagavya viz. 3, 4 and 5%. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.6), low in organic carbon (0.25 %), available N (183.8 kg/ha), available P (11.50 kg/ha) and available K (87 kg/ha). There were 10 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 9 (ZnSO4 20 kg/ha + Panchagavya- 5%) recorded significantly higher plant height (158.97 cm), plant dry weight (65.16 g) and length of ear (32.18 cm), No. of grains/ear (1824.66), test weight (8.02 g), grain yield (2.12 t/ha), stover yield (7.33 t/ha), gross return (INR 66509.00), net return (INR 46709.90) and B:C ratio (2.36) compared to other treatments.

Heterogeneous impact of crop diversification on farm net returns and risk exposure: Empirical evidence from Ghana

AbstractIncreasing frequency of extreme weather events threatens the livelihoods of low‐income farm households due to the heavy dependence on rain‐fed agriculture coupled with the under‐developed formal markets for risk management products. Thus, crop diversification is one of the widely used ex ante adaptation strategies to hedge against weather risk exposure. In this study, we use survey data from the northern Savanna zone of Ghana merged with historical weather data to shed light on the heterogeneous impact of crop diversification on farm net returns and risk exposure. We employ the dose response function and instrumental variable techniques to address potential endogeneity concerns. Overall, our findings show that crop diversification is a welfare‐enhancing strategy that significantly increases farm net returns, lowers the probability of crop failure, and thus decreases downside risk exposure. Notably, our dose‐response function analysis demonstrates that the positive benefits of crop diversification are particularly pronounced at lower intensities, reaching an optimal threshold. Beyond this point, the incremental advantages tend to diminish, suggesting the importance of carefully considering the optimal level of diversification for maximum benefits. The results further underscore the significant impact of both access to agricultural extension services and fertilizer usage on the adoption of crop diversification.

Optimizing Betting Strategies with the Kelly Criterion for Economic

This comprehensive study explores the Kelly Criterion, a strategy devised for betting but with significant implications in economic decision-making and wealth management. The criterion, initially developed to maximize long-term growth in independent repeated bets with positive expected net returns, has evolved to encompass a broad range of applications. Through the use of mathematical modeling and probability theory, this research demonstrates how the Kelly Criterion can be effectively applied to enhance wealth accumulation. The societal benefits of this approach are manifold, extending to the reduction of problem gambling rates and promoting responsible gaming. The research also delves into the broader implications of the Kelly Criterion for society, suggesting that its judicious application can significantly shape the future of gambling as a recreational activity. By ensuring informed decision-making, the criterion benefits both individuals and society as a whole, offering a structured approach to managing financial risks and rewards. The expanded scope of this study highlights the versatility of the Kelly Criterion, showing its potential as a pivotal tool in modern economic scenarios, characterized by uncertainty and fluctuating financial markets.

Determining the Economically Optimum Metaphylactic Strategy for Cattle Cohorts of Varied Demographic Characteristics

Metaphylactic antibiotic use in feeder cattle is a common practice to control respiratory disease. Antimicrobial stewardship is important to ensure continued efficacy and to protect animal welfare. The objective of this study is to identify characteristics of cohorts of cattle that had not received metaphylaxis that would have benefited economically from the use of metaphylaxis. Cohorts (n = 12,785; 2,206,338 head) from 13 feedlots that did not receive metaphylaxis were modeled using an economic model to estimate net returns for three metaphylactic options. Logistic regression models with covariates for entry weight, sex, average daily weight gain, number of animals per cohort, and days on feed, with feedlot as a random effect, were used to determine the model-adjusted probability of cohorts benefiting economically from metaphylaxis. Most (72%) cohorts in this data set that had not received metaphylaxis at arrival would not economically benefit from metaphylaxis. Sex, entry weight category, number of cattle in the cohort, and average daily weight gain were associated with the likelihood of benefitting economically from metaphylaxis. The results illustrated that cattle cohort demographics influenced the probability that cohorts would benefit economically from metaphylaxis and the type of metaphylaxis utilized, and integrating this information has the potential to influence the metaphylaxis decision.

Effect of Organic Manures on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties

A Field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) on Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in organic carbon (0.452%), nearly neutral in soil pH (7.1), high nitrogen (178.48 kg/ha), medium phosphorous (23.6 kg/ha), medium potassium (231.4 kg/ha). The experiment laid out in a randomized block design consists of three replications along with three cowpea varieties (viz., Kashi Nidhi, Kashi Unnati, Kashi Kanchan) and three solid organic manures (i.e. Poultry manure 2 t/ha, Goat manure 10.5 t/ha, Pig manure 15 t/ha) which were replicated thrice. The results revealed that maximum plant height (52.73 cm), dry weight (15.03 g/plant), crop growth rate (12.57 g/m2/day), number of pods/plant (11.80), number of seeds/plant (11.50), test weight (81.00g), seed yield (2.40 t/ha), stover yield (4.10 t/ha). Maximum net returns (INR 79,515.00/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.30) which was significantly superior over other treatment T3 (Kashi Kanchan + Poultry manure 2 t/ha). It can be concluded that Kashi Kanchan variety with application of poultry manure 2 t/ha brought about significant improvement in the production and also proven economically viable in cowpea crop.

Economic and financial viability of a pig farm in central semi-tropical Mexico: 2022–2026 prospective

To estimate the economic and financial viability of a pig farm in central sub-tropical Mexico within a 5-year planning horizon, a Monte Carlo simulation model was utilized. Net returns were projected using simulated values for the distribution of input and product processes, establishing 2021 as base scenario. A stochastic modelling approach was employed to determine the economic and financial outlook. The findings reveal a panorama of economic and financial viability. Net income increased by 555%, return on assets rose from 3.36% in 2022 to 11.34% in 2026, and the probability of decapitalization dropped from 58% to 13%, respectively in the aforesaid periods. Similarly, the probability of obtaining negative net income decreased from 40% in 2022 to 18% in 2026. The technological, productive, and economic management of the production unit allowed for a favorable scenario within the planning horizon. There is a growing interest in predicting the economic sectors worth investing in and supporting, considering their economic and development performance. This research offers both methodological and scientific evidence to demonstrate the feasibility of establishing a planning schedule and validating the suitability of the pork sector for public investment and support.

Cluster frontline demonstration on soybean (Glycine max): Learning on sustainability indicators

Enhancing production sustainably in oilseeds has been a challenge for the technologists and policy planners. This study focuses on the efforts made through various technological interventions on farmers’ field under Cluster Frontline Demonstration (CFLD) in increasing production of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] crop. A total of 27,069 CFLDs on soybean crop were conducted (2018–22) across the country using improved crop varieties (47) and recommended practices (RP). This study aimed to compare the performance of enhanced soybean varieties over farmers' practices (FP). Most of these CFLDs were carried out using variety KDS-726. Four of these 47 varieties (KDS-726, JS 20-34, JS 20-69, and KDS-753) accounted for approximately 49.5% of the demonstrations. Under RP, the cultivars PS-1225 and PS-1235's showed highest and lowest yielding capacities, respectively. Under RP, the extent of difference in yield between the highest and lowest was 213.4%. All the soybean cultivars grown under RP could result in increasing the yield above FP ranging from 1.65 (PS-1225) to 136.8% (VL Soya-77). Under RP and FP, the cost of cultivation for the various soybean cultivars ranged from ₹30,665 to ₹27,074/ha, respectively. Sikkim Pahenlo Bhatmas-1 (₹79,850/ha) and JS 95-60 (₹58,756/ha) showed the highest net returns while MACS-1407 (₹18,250/ha) and PS-1024 (₹6,630/ha) recorded lowest net returns for RP and FP, respectively. Under RP, SYI (sustainable yield index) ranged from 0.61 (MAUS-158) to 0.99 (MAUS-612) while under FP, it ranged from 0.27 (RVS 2001-4) to 0.99 (JS 97-52). Varieties under RP consistently displayed greater SVI (sustainable value index) values than FP in terms of net returns. The key insight suggested that improved soybean varieties have been instrumental in increasing yield and bridging the yield gap.

Yield Potential and Economics of Chilli + Amaranth Intercropping System as Influenced by Plant Geometry and Fertigation

Background: Intercropping is a method of increasing cropping in order to increase productivity by mixing several crops and more effectively utilising the available resources. The productivity of intercropping systems can be increased by using the right planting geometry, together with effective nutrition and water management. Methods: The experiment was carried out at the Water Management Research Unit in Vellanikkara. The experiment was set up using a randomised block design that was triple duplicated. Two different planting geometries, normal row planting and paired row planting, three nutrient levels, or 100, 75 and 50% of the NPK recommendation for both crops as fertigation and two irrigation levels, or 100% Epan and 75% Epan, made up the treatments. Result: The yield of intercropped chilli was 41% lower than that of chilli grown as a pure crop, according to crop performance under the intercropping and pure crop systems. However, intercropping increased amaranth production by 17% compared to pure crop. Amaranth receives nutrients from the fertigation supplied to the chilli crop in addition to the fertigation of amaranth. Because of this, intercropped amaranth produced more dry matter; absorbed more nutrients and produced a better yield. Gross return, net return and B:C ratio was used to evaluate the economic advantage of the intercropping system. In comparison to pure crops of chilli (Rs.197716) and amaranth (Rs.24548), the net return of the chilli-amaranth intercropping system (Rs. 428212) was 116 per cent higher and 164 per cent higher, respectively. The study indicated that there is an effective utilization of space, nutrients and water when amaranth was raised as an intercrop with chilli.

Empowering Rural Women Through Handloom Micro Enterprises: A Case Study of Udalguri District, Assam

Background: The handloom industry in Assam showcases a remarkable diversity that extends across both rural and urban areas which serves as a supplementary source of income for numerous households in the state. Nalkhamara, a village in Udalguri district of Assam became the workplace for a group of 15 most talented weavers who grouped to form a SHG called Rampar Self Help Group. But unfortunately, they faced significant challenges due to limited resources and absence of marketing organizations. In order to address the issues, the SHG reached out to the KVK, Udalguri for assistance and accordingly, the KVK conducted a demonstration on capacity building of women weavers to enhance their skills in weaving and provided guidance on modern marketing techniques etc. Hence, the present study was planned with the objectives to analyze the economic impact on weavers before and after KVK intervention, types of products manufactured and the constraints faced by them. Methods: The study has followed the case study method with a total of 15 weavers of Rampar SHG having training under KVK, Udalguri. A pre tested questionnaire was prepared to collect data. To measure the economic impact, parameters like gross cost and return, net return, B: C ratio etc. were considered before and after intervention. To evaluate the problems of weavers, open ended questions were asked. Suitable statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Result: With the intervention of KVK Udalguri, the weavers of the SHG able to earn average annual income between Rs. 13.00 to Rs.15.00 lakhs and could able to produced twenty types of diversified handloom products. The constraints faced by them were like improper time management, high input price, exploitation by intermediaries etc.

Effect of Dolomite on Growth, Productivity, Economics of Groundnut and Soil Properties in alfisols

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of dolomite on the growth, and productivity of groundnut and soil properties at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad, Karnataka during kharif 2019. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design consisting eight treatments (Control, Gypsum @ 500 kg ha-1, Dolomite @ 250, 500, and 750 kg ha-1, Cured dolomite with FYM @ 250, 500 and 750kg ha-1) with three replications. Results of the study showed that higher growth parameters viz., plant height (48.3 cm), number of branches per plant (8.5), leaf area (19.6 dm2 plant-1), leaf area index (6.53) and dry matter production per plant (40.48 g plant-1) at harvest were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1. Significantly higher kernel yield (19.8 q ha-1) and net returns ( 66,240 ha-1) were recorded with the application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 750 kg ha-1 which was found on par with application of cured dolomite with FYM @ 500 kg ha-1, dolomite @ 750 kg ha-1 and dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1. The same trend was observed in case of soil chemical properties viz., calcium and magnesium content in the soil after harvest of groundnut. Thus, it was found that application of dolomite @ 500 kg ha-1 was found better either with curing or without curing by using FYM.

Studies on Pearl Millet-Based Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: The aim of the study is to ascertain the response of pearl millet under intercropping system with pulses and their ability to produce higher yield under intercropping conditions. Study Design: The study was carried out in Randomized block design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023-2024 at Karunya Institute of technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated thrice. It consisted of eleven treatments comprising of pearl millet as main crop and pulses viz., blackgram, greengram, redgram, cowpea and bengalgram as intercrops. Pulses were intercropped with pearl millet in replacement series of 4:1 and 6:1 row proportion. Results: Significantly higher plant height (186.03cm), dry matter accumulation (7386kg/ha), grain yield (2493 kg/ha) and B:C (2.50) ratio was recorded in pearl millet + blackgram (4:1). Further pearl millet equivalent yield (PMGEY) (2711.1 kg/ha) and Relative Crowding Coefficient (RCC) were higher in pearl millet with blackgram 4:1 ratio and Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) were higher in pearl millet + redgram at a ratio of 4:1. Conclusion: These results confirmed that, pearl millet + blackgram 4:1 intercropping system may be suggested to get greater net return and B: C ratio.

Influence of Organic Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata)

Greengram ( Vigna radiata L. ), commonly called as mungbean is an important pulse crop grown mainly in Zaid and Kharif season in India. Organic farming is one of the sustainable farming practices that can overcome the harmful effects of chemical farming and provides quality production. A field experiment was conducted during Zaid, 2023 to study the “Effects of organic nutrients on growth and yield of summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)” at SHUATS Model Organic Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of 3 different solid manures i.e. Farm Yard Manure, Vermicompost, Goat manure and 3 different liquid manures i.e. Fish Amino Acid, Panchagavya and Seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) sap. The experimental field soil was sandy loam in texture, moderately basic in reaction (pH 7.8), available medium Organic Carbon (0.662 %) low in available nitrogen (249.5 kg/ha), and very high accessible phosphorus (38.7 kg/ha) and available potassium (240.8 kg/ha). The result showed that significantly higher growth parameters viz., plant height (42.09 cm), number of nodules (22.22/plant), dry weight (19.35g/plant) and yield attributes such as effective pod/plant (11.05), seed/pod (9.68), test weight (38.41 g), seed yield (1643.54 kg/ha) and stover yield (3023.55 kg/ha) were observed with application 5 t/ha FYM and foliar spray of 7.5 % K sap (T9). Highest net return (Rs. 100383.30/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.84) was also recorded in the same treatment. This concludes that application of 5 t/ha FYM along with foliar spray of 7.5 % K sap at 15 and 30 DAS performed better in terms of yield and economic returns.

Ecological weed management and square planting influenced the weed management, and crop productivity in direct-seeded rice

Herbicide use may pose a risk of environmental pollution or evolution of resistant weeds. As a result, an experiment was carried out to assess the influence of different non-chemical weed management tactics (one hoeing (HH) at 12 DAS followed by (fb) one hand weeding at 30 DAS, one HH at 12 DAS fb Sesbania co-culture and its mulching, one HH at 12 DAS fb rice straw mulching @ 4t ha−1, one HH at 12 DAS fb rice straw mulching @ 6 t ha−1) on weed control, crop growth and yield, and economic returns in direct-seeded rice (DSR). Experiment was conducted during kharif season in a split-plot design and replicated thrice. Zero-till seed drill-sown crop (PN) had the lowest weed density at 25 days after sowing (DAS), while square planting geometry (PS) had the lowest weed density at 60 DAS. PS also resulted in a lower weed management index (WMI), agronomic management index (AMI), and integrated weed management index (IWMI), as well as higher growth attributes, grain yield (4.19 t ha–1), and net return (620.98 US$ ha–1). The cultivar Arize 6444 significantly reduced weed density and recorded higher growth attributes, yield, and economic return. In the case of weed management treatments, one HH at 12 DAS fbSesbania co-culture and its mulching had the lowest weed density, Shannon-weinner index and eveness at 25 DAS. However, one hoeing at 12 DAS fb one hand weeding at 30 DAS (HH + WH) achieved the highest grain yield (4.85 t ha–1) and net returns (851.03 US$ ha–1) as well as the lowest weed density at 60 DAS. PS × HH + WH treatment combination had the lowest weed persistent index (WPI), WMI, AMI, and IWMI, and the highest growth attributes, production efficiency, and economic return.

The prospects of intercropping of brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) with other vegetables on sorjan system in vulnerable southern coastal saline and non-saline areas of Bangladesh

The demand for food in Bangladesh is increasing due to the increasing population. Land is the primary natural resource that affords habitat and sustenance for living beings. In Bangladesh, the coastal areas cover an area of 47,201 km2 or 32 % of the total land under 19 districts of Bangladesh. The coastal southern saline and non-saline areas are vulnerable to water logging conditions and farmers cannot grow any crops except dry season (rabi). However, in some areas, farmers are trying to use their indigenous technologies to combat natural disasters to ensure food security. For example, floating, sorjan or raised bed systems are potential and farmers are practicing in these areas. Among these techniques, the sorjan bed system is one of the potential techniques that is extensively used in southern Bangladesh, particularly water logging conditions to improve food security. To enhance the production and make land cultivation profitable, the experiments were carried out at the farmers’ fields under the sorjan system in consecutive two growing seasons. The sole crop was brinjal (cv. BARI Begun-12), BARI Lalshak-1 (cv. Red amaranth), BARI Dhania-1 (cv. Coriander leaf), Cauliflower (cv. Cold queen), Cabbage (cv. Equatoria) and Knol Khol were utilized as intercropping with brinjal. The treatments were i) Sole brinjal, ii) Brinjal + Red amaranth, iii) Brinjal + Coriander leaf, iv) Brinjal + Cauliflower, v) Brinjal + Cabbage, and vi) Brinjal +. 24-day-old seedlings of the BARI Begun-12 grown in a nursery bed were transferred to the plots where the seeds of Red amaranth and Coriander leaf were directly sown. However, the seedlings of Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol were also transplanted to the field after one week of transplanting brinjal. The results exposed that sole crops had the highest results in terms of days to flowering, days to first fruit set, days to first harvesting, leaf area, fruit length, fruit breadth, single fruit weight, fruits plant−1, fruit yield, TSS %, and dry matter %. In both years, brinjal exhibited the highest yield as the sole crop compared to intercropping. 48.12 t/ha and 46.27 t/ha in the first and second cropping seasons, respectively. In the first cropping season, Red amaranth, Coriander leaf, Cauliflower, Cabbage, and Knol Khol performed with a yield of 10.12, 7.23, 23.14, 22.87, and 9.05 t/ha. During the second cropping season, the same crops exhibited a yield of 10.05, 7.01, 23.09, 22.68, and 9.98 t/ha. The highest land equivalent ratio, gross return, net return, and BCR were obtained from brinjal-cauliflower intercropping, which was 1.74, 1049300 BDT, 553820 BDT, and 2.12, respectively, in the 2021–2022 cropping season and 1.78, 1057900 BDT, 562010 BDT, and 2.13, respectively, in the next season in 2022–2023. This intercropping approach resulted in a higher land equivalent ratio, net return, and benefit-cost ratio of 1.76, 557915 BDT, and 2.125, respectively, over the average of two successive cropping seasons.

Effect of phosphorus management on yield and economics under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping in a rainfed acidic upland soil

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribagh, Jharkhand to study the effect of phosphorus management on productivity and profitability under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (DSR) and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] intercropping in rainfed acidic upland soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design comprised 4 methods of cropping, viz. Sole DSR; Sole blackgram; DSR + blackgram (4:1); and DSR + blackgram (4:2) allotted to main-plots and 4 phosphorus management practices, viz. P control (P0 ); Recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) @17.5 kg P/ha; 50% RDP + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @500 g/ha + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) @12.5 kg/ha; and 25% lime requirement (LR) + PSB + AMF in sub-plots. Experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The rice variety ‘Sahabhagi’ and blackgram variety ‘Uttara’ were used. Among the cropping systems, the highest grain yield was recorded in sole rice (3.84 t/ha) and sole blackgram (1.14 t/ha) which was significantly higher than yields under intercropping in both the ratios. Gross (`96,879/ha) and net returns (`70,603/ha) of sole blackgram were significantly higher than other cropping systems and followed by DSR + blackgram (4:2). Net benefit:cost (B:C) of sole blackgram was maximum (`2.69) and lowest in sole rice (`1.01). Among phosphorus management treatments, 50% RDP + PSB + AMF gave significantly higher net return (`49,440) and net benefit:cost (`1.68). Application of 100% RDP and 25% LR + PSB + AMF gave at par returns and net benefit:cost. It may be suggested that under rainfed uplands of eastern India, farmers may adopt either sole blackgram or intercropping of rice and blackgram in 4:2 over sole DSR for higher productivity and monetary returns. For better phosphorus management in soil they should inoculate PSB and AM fungi along with 50% RDP at the time of sowing.

Quantifying response of azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria liquid inoculants seed treatment on productivity and profitability of kharif grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

A field study was carried out during 2017–19 at Sorghum Research Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra to assess the effect of liquid bio-fertilizers inoculation over existing powder form inoculants on kharif grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The experiment comprised of 6 treatments, viz. no bio-fertilizer control i.e. with RDF alone (T1 ); RDF + Azo. (Azospirillum) + PSB @50 g each/kg seed (T2 ); RDF + Azo. + PSB @2 ml each/kg seed (T3 ); RDF + Azo. @2 ml and PSB @4 ml/kg seed (T4 ); RDF + Azo. @4 ml + PSB @2 ml/kg seed (T5 ); and RDF + Azo. + PSB @4 ml each/kg seed (T6) conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with 4 replications. Pooled data revealed that seed inoculation with Azo. + PSB @2 ml each/kg seed (T3 ) has improved the sorghum biological, grain yield and net returns 21.13, 19.83 and 17.92% over their powder form of inoculants i.e. T2 (14.71 t/ha, 3.56 t/ha and 73,116). These enhancements in biomass, grain yields and net income was owing to liquid bio-fertilizer seed treatment. Liquid-based inoculants were found to boost growth and yield parameters, which was ascribed to the concomitant increase in plant height and number of grains/panicle, respectively. Increase in quantity of liquid bio-fertilizers beyond 2 ml/kg seed proved not-rewarding from both productivity and profitability point of view. Sorghum seed inoculation with liquid bio-fertilizers @2 ml each/kg seed proved to be a potential substitute for existing powder form without any additional cost.

Response of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) to irrigation schedules under sprinkler irrigation

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the Centre for Crop Improvement, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Banaskantha, Gujarat to study the response of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacs L.) to irrigation schedules under sprinkler irrigation system. The experiment was conducted in a randomised block design (RBD) comprised of 6 irrigation treatments, viz. I0 , Surface irrigation; I1 , Control (only pre-sowing irrigation); I2 , Sprinkler irrigation at 0.2 IW: CPE; I3 , Sprinkler irrigation at 0.4 IW: CPE; I4 ,Sprinkler irrigation at 0.6 IW: CPE; and I5 ,Sprinkler irrigation at 0.8 IW:CPE with 4 replications. The results revealed that application of irrigation at IW: CPE ratio of 0.8 had significant effect on plant height, inflorescence length (83.4 cm), grain yield (1,625 kg/ha) and straw yield (7,497 kg/ha) compared with control treatment (surface irrigation). Treatment 0.8 IW: CPE resulted in the 28.15% higher grain yield than the control. The highest water-use efficiency (WUE) (12.8 kg/ha-mm) was achieved by the treatment I1 (only pre-sowing irrigation). Consumptive use (mm) was found increased with increase in irrigation scheduling from I0 to I5 . The highest consumptive use of 179.3 mm was recorded under the treatment of 0.8 IW: CPE ratio. Irrigation at 0.8 IW: CPE ratio fetched highest net returns of `54,701/ha, with benefit: cost (B:C) ratio 3.06 during both the years in pooled analysis.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum)-based intercropping systems in Rajasthan’s Hadoti region: Productivity and economic viability

A study was carried out during three successive winter (rabi) seasons (2018–19 to 2020–21) at the Agricultural Research Station in Ummedganj, Kota, Rajasthan to determine the productivity and economic viability of intercropping systems based on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan. Nine various chickpeabased intercropping systems, viz. Sole chickpea; Sole linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.); Sole coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.); Sole wheat (Triticum aestivum L.); Sole mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]; Chickpea + linseed (6:2); Chickpea + coriander (6:2); Chickpea + wheat (6:2); and Chickpea + mustard (6:2) were investigated in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. According to combined statistics, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system had the highest chickpea grain yield and equivalent yield (1,865 kg/ha and 2,574 kg/ ha, respectively) when compared to all other intercropping systems. Results of competitive indices revealed that compared to rest of the intercropping system, chickpea + mustard (6:2) recorded significantly higher LER (1.25), MAI (18,462) and SPI (2912 kg/ha), while the lowest land equivalent ratio (LER), monetary advantage index (MAI), system productivity index (SPI) and production efficiency (PE) were recorded in the chickpea + wheat intercropping system. The chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded values of competition ratio (3.56), aggressivity (-0.05), system profitability index (2912), relative crowding coefficient (13.2), and area time equivalent ratio (1.24), that were sustainable and producible in comparison to other treatments. In terms of economics, compared to all other intercropping and solo crops, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded the chickpea’s most significant net returns (`93,681/ha) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (3.11). So, for south-eastern Rajasthan, the mustard and chickpea intercropping system is a productive and sustainable system.