Nitrogen Doses Research Articles

Assessing the impact of tillage practices and nutrient levels on the growth and productivity of Ethopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.) - soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cropping system

BackgroundAn importance of tillage, inorganic and organic nutrient sources in the mustard - soybean cropping system lies in their ability to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, optimize crop growth and yield, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Any cropping system’s sustainability could be increased by implementing better management techniques like zero and reduced tillage with residue retention and better nutrient sources.ResultsA field experiment was conducted for four consecutive seasons (Winter 2019 to Rainy 2021) to compare the two enhanced management practices, zero and reduced tillage to conventional tillage across four levels of nutrient sources: 75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash in a two years experiment. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of nutrient status, profitability and productivity of Mustard-Soybean cropping system. The results show a substantial improvement in yield, nutrient status, and overall yield performance of mustard and soybean when using the full recommended dose of fertilizers combined with reduced tillage and mulching, compared to other treatment methods. The implementation of reduced tillage practices recorded significantly higher yield of mustard and soybean over conventional and zero tillage.ConclusionSystem productivity and profitability i.e. mustard equivalent yield, productivity, gross returns, net returns, profitability and B: C (benefit: cost) was found to be improved with reduced tillage and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer under reduced tillage practices. To enhance cropping system productivity in various sub-humid regions worldwide, farmers can adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with the full recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF).

Effect of nitrogen/potassium combination on irrigated wheat cultivation

With the expansion of wheat cultivation into areas with low natural fertility such as the Brazilian Cerrado, studies aimed at determining the appropriate amounts of nutrients supplied in fertilization are crucial. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the effects of applying doses of nitrogen combined with doses of potassium in the fertilization of irrigated wheat cultivar BRS 254 grown in a Cerrado environment. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Rondonópolis, Brazil, in randomized blocks with a 5x5 split factorial design with four replications. The treatments were five doses of nitrogen (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha-1) and five doses of potassium (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1). For grain yield, the application of 168 kg N ha-1 and 200 kg K ha-1 provided maximum grain yield (2,828 kg ha-1). Nitrogen fertilization does not benefit the technological quality aspects of wheat and the use of 200 kg K ha-1 provides the best results. Nitrogen is the nutrient that most limits the development of the BRS 254 wheat cultivar.

Upscaling and downscaling approaches for early season rice yield prediction using Sentinel-2 and machine learning for precision nitrogen fertilisation

Early season yield prediction could support rice farmers in adopting precision agriculture for nitrogen fertilisation management. Remote sensing and machine learning (ML) can be used to predict and map crop yield during phenological stages relevant to nitrogen application, like tillering in rice, at both within-field and field scales. This study evaluated the transferability of ML models in early season yield prediction through upscaling and downscaling approaches. The effects of two prediction times (tillering and ripening stages) and training/testing set sizes on ML models performance were evaluated over five rice growing seasons (from 2018 to 2022) in northern Italy, using whole-field-average yields and yield maps. Vegetation indices from Sentinel-2 imagery using the Google Earth Engine platform fed five ML algorithms (Cubist-CUB, Gaussian Process Regression-GPR, Neural Network-NNET, Random Forest-RF, and Support Vector Machines-SVM). ML algorithms were trained with yield maps and tested with whole-field-average yields to obtain a downscaling approach, while the opposite was done to obtain an upscaling approach. The downscaling approach showed higher accuracy than upscaling approach. Ripening stage predictions were more accurate than tillering stages, although the downscaling approach showed small differences between tillering and ripening stages. The highest tillering stage accuracy was achieved by SVM for both downscaling and upscaling approaches with 20 % and 27.8 % of Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), and 0.99 and 0.99 of Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) score, respectively. Set size and data distribution effected ML models accuracy, with the highest performance achieved by RF and GPR with 0.80 and 1.00 of SAW score for the downscaling and upscaling approaches, respectively. This study demonstrated how ML models and downscaling approach could support rice farmers to calculate the nitrogen dose using the predicted yield at the tillering stage, enabling them to apply a site-specific nitrogen fertilisation based on the within-field yield prediction variability.

Nitrogen status of durum wheat derived from Sentinel-2 satellite data in Central Italy

In agriculture, nitrogen (N) is a key element in plant nutrition that affects, both positively and negatively, the productive and qualitative results of the crop. Accurate quantification of nitrogen levels is crucial for devising effective plant nutrition strategies. The objective of this study was to validate a novel method to estimate the N content at different phenological stages of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Iride) under different N management strategies (chemical synthetic fertilizer - SYN and organic fertilizer - ORG) in Italy, using the Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI)as a diagnostic tool for improving nitrogen fertilization timing and doses. The NNI is the ratio between the actual crop nitrogen content (Na) and the optimal level (Nc) required for ideal growth conditions.On ground level, Leaf Area Index (LAI) , Canopy reflectance, leaf chlorophyll content (LCC) and N concentration in leaves were measured. At landscape level, LAI and Canopy Chlorophyll Indices (CIs) were derived from Sentinel 2 (S2) multispectral images captured on the same days as the ground measurements: Chlorophyll Indexes were used for estimating the canopy chlorophyll content, CCC. Na in leaves and canopy were calculated from LCC and CCC respectively.In the study area, Nc is Nc=4.65LAI–0.35, R2=0.92. Among the tested Chlorophyll Indices (CIs) regression models, the linear regression was the more accurate to predict Na content, even though most of the tested Chlorophyll Indices (CIs) showed an R2 > 0.8,a. The best-performing spectral index in both calibration and validation steps resulted from the IRECI, with R2=0.90 and RMSE=0.31. The developed NNI well-captured the seasonal N dynamic for durum wheat, under different N management and meteorological conditions. The NNI calculated from S2 data for crop N status assessment, showed to be an accurate estimation of the Nitrogen Nutrition Index and can be used for the fertilization plans without costly on ground measurements.

Nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize

In the current scenario, achieving food security while conserving resources and energy is a significant challenge. Maize is a widely cultivated but nutrient-exhaustive crop. The adoption of nanotechnology-based nano-fertilizers offers a pathway to achieving sustainable yields while reducing fertilizer requirements and conserving energy. A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 to explore nutrient and energy conservation through nano-fertilizers in maize at the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru. The experiment involved nine treatments comprising various combinations of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with nano-urea and nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) under a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The results indicated that Treatment T5 - 75% of the Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) + Nano-N—achieved a higher yield (10.20% higher than the conventional practice, T1-RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM)) and improved nutrient uptake at harvest [299.22, 55.56, and 208.26 kg of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) per hectare, respectively]. This treatment also demonstrated greater physiological efficiency (36.11, 200.66, and 52.70 kg of maize per kg of N, P, and K, respectively), higher energy output (260,851 MJ ha?¹), improved energy use efficiency (16.93), enhanced energy productivity (0.627 kg MJ?¹), and better energy profitability (15.93). Using 75% of RDN + Nano-N increases yield while reducing fertilizer use and conserving energy.

Incidência de tripes (<i>Thrips tabaci</i>) em populações superadensadas de cebola submetidas a doses de nitrogênio e seu efeito na biomassa dos bulbos

The study aimed to verify the incidence of thrips in higher population densities subjected to doses of nitrogen and its possible effects on the biomass production of onion bulbs. The treatments were four plant densities (400, 600, 800 thousand plants ha-1 and 1 million plants ha-1) subjected to two doses of nitrogen (150 and 200 kg N ha-1). The higher temperatures in the initial development and the absence of rain from the end of August to the end of September lead to an early incidence of thrips above the level of economic damage. The incidence of thrips is reduced linearly with increasing plant density, not being influenced by doses of up to 200 kg N ha-1. The use of nitrogen doses above 150 kg N ha-1, even in populations of one million plants per hectare, does not increase the biomass of onion bulbs. Population densities above 600 thousand plants ha-1 reduce the fresh and dry biomass of onion bulbs.

Effect of Various Nitrogen Doses and Plant Growth Regulators on Nutrient Uptake and Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

A field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, during season of 2019-20, to find out the effect of optimization of nitrogen doses for high yield potential of wheat with plant growth regulators. The experiment was laid out in randomized block and replicated thrice. The experiment ten treatment of different doses of fertilizer with plant growth regulators chlormequat chloride and tebuconazole applied at 0.2% and 0.1% respectively. Experimental revealed that application of 150% recommended doses of NPK resulted significantly higher available nitrogen (171.82 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (27.01 kg ha-1) and available potassium (192.27 kg ha-1) in soil after the harvest of wheat significantly highest nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by wheat recorded with 150% RDF of NPK with chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). Significantly highest grain and straw yield recorded with 150% NPK + chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%) at par with 100% RDF as compare to other treatments harvest index was recorded 125% RDF of N and chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%) and 150% RDF of N and chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). The uptake of key nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium followed a similar pattern, with 150% recommended doses of NPK along chlormequat chloride (0.2%) and tebuconazole (0.1%). optimal NPK application resulted in positive nutrient balance in the soil. This investigation that managing nutrient with growth regulator in wheat is an economically viable and ecologically sound approach to improve both crop production and soil health through balanced nutrition.

The Effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)

Aims: To study the effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Seed Treatment with Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield and Seed Quality of Sunflower. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-2023 in the Instructional Farm of Ramkrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nimpith, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. Methodology: The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with eleven treatments and replicated thrice. The treatments were Control, 50% N, 100% N (90 kg N/ha), Azospirillum (seed treatment), Azatobacter (seed treatment), Azospirillum +Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N + Azospirillum (seed treatment), 50% N + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 50% N +Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment), 75% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment) and 100% N + Azospirillum + Azatobacter (seed treatment). A common dose of Nitrogen@ 90kg/ha, phosphorus @90kg/ha and potash @40kg/ha were applied. Results: Higher head diameter (13.82 cm), 1000 seed weight (65.50 g), seed yield (1830 kg/ha), oil yield (628.80 kg/ha), gross return (Rs.48581), net return (Rs.26368) and B:C (2.19) than all other treatment followed by T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) and T3 (100% N) which were statistically at par with each other. Conclusion: On the basis of all parameter as well as economics it can be concluded that treatment T10 (75% N + Azospirillum + Azotobacter) can be recommended for better benefit and sustainable production of sunflower. The results of this experiment showed that use of chemical fertilizers can be reduced by using a combination of bio-fertilizers and inorganic nitrogen fertilizer.

Effects of Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Doses on the Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

ABSTRACT Proper adjustment of fertilizer dosage is necessary to achieve maximum yield. The use of too little or too much fertilizer can negatively affect plant growth. Nitrogen and phosphorus are two important nutrients in plant nutrition. Research on the combined effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on black cumin is very limited. Therefore, a field study was conducted to determine the effects of different nitrogen and phosphorus doses on the growth, yield and yield components of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Mediterranean conditions during two growing seasons. Five doses (0 kg ha−1or control, 30 kg ha−1, 60 kg ha−1, 90 kg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1) of nitrogen and four phosphorus doses (0 kg ha−1 or control, 20 kg ha−1, 40 kg ha−1 and 60 kg ha−1) were used as experimental factors. All the parameters except for capsule number were significantly affected by the growing season. Nitrogen dose significantly affected all the examined features except for seed number in capsule, seed weight in capsule and harvest index, while phosphorus dose significantly affected only SY and HI. In general, in the 2021–2022 growing season, black cumin had lower growth, yield and related traits. On the other hand, even though nitrogen fertilization, particularly at 90 kg ha−1 and 120 kg ha−1, had a positive effect on the yield and yield components of black cumin, the optimal nitrogen dose was 90 kg ha−1 for fewer input costs according to the results obtained from the present study. A phosphorus dose of 60 kg ha−1 was determined to be the appropriate dose in terms of seed yield, and this dose can be suggested for maximum seed yield of black cumin.

Effect of Potassium Fertigation Levels on Jalapeno Pepper Growth in Red Bole Soil under Polyhouse Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm Polyhouse, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati during June 2023 to September 2023. The study aimed to investigate the Influence of Graded levels of Potassium Fertigation on Growth of Jalapeno Pepper Grown in Red Bole Soil Under Polyhouse. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The treatments were five, viz., T1- Control, T2- Recommended dose of fertilizer, T3- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 125% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK), T4- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 150% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK) and T5- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 175% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK). Data were taken on growth contributing characters and the collected data were statistically analyzed for evaluation of the treatment effects. Data on growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area and chlorophyll content, were recorded at 20, 35, 50 and 65 days after transplanting (DAT) and analyzed statistically. The results indicated that the maximum plant height (95.65 cm), leaf area (61.61 dm²) and chlorophyll content (58.83) at 65 DAT were significantly higher in treatment T5 (RDNP + 175% RDK). This study concludes that the application of RDNP + 175% RDK via fertigation from 10 DAT to 60 DAT is optimal for the growth of Jalapeno pepper in red bole soil under polyhouse conditions, highlighting its potential for improving crop yield and quality.

Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense as a Strategy to Reduce Nitrogen Fertilization in Cultivating Purple Maize (Zea mays L.) in the Inter-Andean Valleys of Peru.

Purple maize has gained global significance due to its numerous nutraceutical benefits. However, sustaining its production typically requires high doses of nitrogen fertilizers, which, when applied in excess, can contaminate vital resources such as soil and water. Inoculation with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, such as those from the Azospirillum genus, has emerged as an alternative to partially or fully replace nitrogen fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the inoculation effect with A. brasilense and varying nitrogen fertilization levels on the yield and quality of purple maize. The experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement and five replications. Treatments comprised two inoculation levels (control without inoculation and inoculation with A. brasilense) under five nitrogen doses (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg∙ha-1, applied as urea). Inoculation with A. brasilense resulted in a 10.5% increase in plant height, a 16.7% increase in root length, a 21.3% increase in aboveground fresh biomass, a 30.1% increase in root fresh biomass, and a 27.7% increase in leaf nitrogen concentration compared to the non-inoculated control. Regarding yield, the inoculated plants surpassed the control in both purple maize yield (kg∙ha-1) and cob weight by 21.8% and 11.6%, respectively. Across all fertilization levels and parameters assessed, the inoculated treatments outperformed the control. Furthermore, for parameters, namely plant height, leaf nitrogen content, and cob dimensions (length, diameter, and weight), the A. brasilense inoculation treatment with 90 kg N∙ha-1 was statistically equivalent or superior to the non-inoculated control with 120 kg N∙ha-1. These results indicate that inoculation with A. brasilense positively impacted purple maize at all nitrogen levels tested and improved nitrogen use efficiency, enabling a reduction of 30 kg N∙ha-1 without compromising performance in key parameters.

Impact of Plant Spacing and Fertilization Dose on the Growth and Yield Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan

This study examines the impact of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization doses on the growth and yield traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan. Using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized block design, the research explored four spacing levels within raw, S1, S2, S3, and S4 (20, 25, 30, and 35 cm, respectively) and four nitrogen fertilizer doses, Ur1, Ur2, Ur3 and Ur4 (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg.ha-1 , respectively). Key metrics were measured: plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, pod length, fresh weight, and seed count per pod. The results, analyzed via OPSTAT statistical software and ANOVA, indicated that a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing combined with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 significantly optimized growth parameters and yield components. Specifically, this combination resulted in the tallest plants (15.50 cm), the highest number of leaves (7.30), nodes (7.30), and greater fresh pod weight (7.69 g) and length (5.50 cm). Significant interaction effects between spacing and fertilizer doses were observed across all parameters at a 5% confidence level. The study recommends a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 to maximize okra growth, yield, and quality in Sudan's agroecological zones, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced productivity. These findings can be directly applied to optimize okra production in Sudan, contributing to the country's agricultural sustainability.

Yield and Nitrogen Uptake of Wheat as Influenced by Nitrogen, Vermicompost and Biofertilizer Application at Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

High cost, unavailability, and imbalance use of chemical fertilizers and environmental degradation are challenging sustainability of wheat production in Nepal. Integration of vermicompost, biofertilizer (Azotobacter chrococcom) and chemical fertilizer can improve the situation. A field experiment was conducted to assess the combined application of vermicompost, chemical fertilizer and biofertilizer on the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat at Rampur Chitwan from November 2021 to April 2022. The experiment was laid out in a strip-split plot design with five N levels as horizontal factors (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of recommended dose), two vermicompost levels (0 and 5 t ha-1) as the vertical factor, and two biofertilizer levels (with and without application) as the sub-plot factor with three replications. Data on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat, nitrogen uptake were collected, analyzed and presented. The research result revealed a significant influence of biofertilizer and nitrogen levels on grain yield of wheat. Full dose of nitrogen resulted a significantly higher grain yield (4441.71 kg ha-1) than other nitrogen levels (0, 25, 50, 75 % of recommended dose with grain yield 2792.11, 2982.20, 3771.17. 4231.63 kg ha-1 respectively). Biofertilizer application had significantly higher grain yield (3726.76 kg ha-1) compared with no biofertilizer application (3560 kg ha-1). There was significant interactions between biofertilizer application and nitrogen levels on number of grains per spike and sterility percent of wheat. The number of grain per spike was highest with 100% recommended N with biofertilizer application (47.52 grains/spike) followed by 75 % recommended N with biofertilizer application (46.53 grains/spike). The sterility % was lowest (6.47 %) with 100 % N with biofertilizer application followed by 75 % N with biofertilizer application (6.72 %). Total nitrogen uptake was significantly higher (119.04 kg ha-1) for full dose of nitrogen as compared with lower nitrogen levels (0, 25. 50, 75 % recommended N levels). Biofertilizer application also resulted in significantly higher nitrogen uptake (89.89 kg ha-1) as compared with no Biofertilizer application (79.89 kg ha-1). Integration of biofertilizer, with chemical fertilizer 75 - 100 % recommended N level could increase the growth, yield, and nitrogen uptake of wheat in Chitwan.

IMPACT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BREAD WHEAT: SCREENING FOR CHANGES IN QUALITY, ANTIOXIDANT AND ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID CONTENT

Wheat grain has a unique nutritional value and contains health-promoting and essential components in the daily human diet. Increasing consumer awareness of health and nutrition has led to a greater focus on sustainable and healthy wheat production in the face of climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen on yield and protein characteristics as well as antioxidant capacity and essential amino acid profile of bread wheat genotypes adapted to different ecological conditions. Different nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) were applied to 15 genotypes (3 lines, 1 hybrid and cultivars) with different growth habit to determine yield, quality, antioxidant and amino acid composition parameters. As a result of this study, total phenol content, antioxidant activity and gluten index of wheat decreased although grain yield potential increased in genotypes. In the results where the genetic factor is the primary focus, it was established that the responses to nitrogen fertilizer doses exhibited variability across different years particularly the case during the dry season. With regard to the YearxNitrogenxGenotype interaction, a notable increase was observed in total phenol content and antioxidant activity, while a decline was evident in yield, protein, and wet gluten parameters, particularly in the nitrogen dose applied during the dry season. The increase in protein content contributed significantly and positively to the essential amino acid composition. However, increasing the amount of some amino acids negatively affects others. The objective of this study is to identify and contribute insights into the impact of nitrogen factor on product quality, health and nutrition issues, grain yield potential of genotypes, plant breeding and agronomic studies.

Effect of Crop Protection Intensity and Nitrogen Fertilisation on the Quality Parameters of Spelt Wheat Grain cv. ‘Rokosz’ Grown in South-Eastern Poland

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha−1 had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha−1, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology.

Efficacy of nano urea in replacing conventional nitrogen application and its effect on fruit quality in strawberry

In a study conducted on strawberry cv. Winter Dawn, the combined application of nano urea and Azotobacter was investigated for its impact on quality and biochemical attributes under protected cultivation. The findings revealed a noteworthy response of strawberry plants to foliar nano applications compared to conventional soil application of urea. Despite the lower nitrogen dosage associated with nanoparticle supplementation, strawberries with nanoparticles exhibited significant improvements in qualitative and biochemical parameters. These results underscore the potential of urea nanoparticles as a viable nitrogen source, advocating for alternative approaches to nitrogen fertilization. By fine-tuning the dosage ratio, this strategy shows promise in fostering a more environmentally friendly, sustainable and modern method for cultivating strawberries. The enhanced quality and biochemical attributes observed in strawberries treated with nano urea highlight the efficacy of this innovative approach in optimizing plant growth and productivity. Furthermore, the utilization of nano urea in combination with Azotobacter demonstrates synergistic effects, potentially enhancing nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency in plants. This holistic approach improves crop quality and reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional fertilization methods. In conclusion, the findings of this study support the adoption of urea nanoparticles as a valuable tool in strawberry cultivation, offering a pathway towards sustainable agricultural practices. Future research efforts should focus on optimizing application protocols and assessing long-term effects to fully exploit the potential of nano-based fertilizers for strawberry.

Application of different phosphatic fertilizers influences the different phosphorus fractions and morphophysiological traits of wheat in saline sodic soil

Nutrient constraints in salt-affected soils are one of the limiting factors for crop production. We investigated phosphorus (P) availability to wheat crop and its correlations with different fractions of P in salt-affected soils in response to various phosphatic fertilizer’s application. Three different types of soils having electrical conductivity of soil extract (ECe) < 4 dS m−1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) < 13.2 (mmol L−1)1/2, ECe 8 dS m−1 SAR 20 (mmol L−1)1/2 and ECe 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L−1)1/2 were used for this experiment. Different P fertilizers viz. control, diammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and nitrophos (NP) were applied on these soils. The doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were remained same for all the treatments. The P fractions, agronomic parameters and P-availability to plants were determined. Results indicated increase in shoot dry weight (61%) and photosynthetic rate (9%) in SSP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2. The total P (7.6%) in soil and respiration rate (1.9%) in plant was recorded maximum in DAP treated soil at EC 8 dS m−1 and SAR 20 (mmol L)1/2, and membrane stability index (44%) in plant shoot, extractable P (23%) in soil and P concentration (22%) in shoot were recorded maximum in SSP treated soil at EC 12 dS m−1 and SAR 30 (mmol L)1/2. It was concluded that SSP fertilizer perform better in salt-affected soil for growth and yield of wheat compared to other phosphatic fertilizers.

Growth-Promoting Bacteria, Silicon Supply and Nitrogen Fertilization in Zoysia Grass Production Area

ABSTRACT One of the alternatives for reducing nitrogen fertilization is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), such as Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azospirillum brasilense, which can provide a sustainable form of production, with increased profitability for rural producers, because bacteria are a low-cost technology compared to fertilizer. In view of the above, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (P. fluorescens and A. brasilense) combined with the supply or not of Si and doses of nitrogen (N) in zoysia grass sod production area. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with 12 treatments arranged in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replications, in plots of 9 m2. The treatments were: two inoculations with PGPB (A. brasilense and P. fluorescens) and non-inoculated, combined with two doses of N, with or without supply of Si through fertilization (through the commercial fertilizer known as Potasil). There was an increase in the shoot dry matter with the supply of Si, the standard dose of N and the inoculation with PGPB. The standard dose of N promoted an increase in the content of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the shoot of Zoysia japonica. There was an effect of inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria combined with the supply of silicon and N rates in the zoysia grass production area, where the use of Pseudomonas combined with the application of Si with 75% of the N dose is recommended.

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.

Effect of different sources of nitrogen on productivity, profitability and N useefficiency of fodder oat (Avena sativa)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21, to assess the effect of different source of nitrogen on fodder yield, economics and N use efficiency of oat (Avena sativa L.). The experiment consisted of seven treatments viz. control (no N); recommended dose of N (RDN); 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through FYM; 50% N through fertilizer + 50% N through vermicompost; 50% N through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea; two spray of nano-urea and site-specific nitrogen management (SSNM). Results showed that application of 50% RDN through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea produced 58.3 t/ha green fodder which was at par with all other treatments except two sprays of nano urea and control. However, green fodder yield reduced under two foliar sprays of nano-urea by 20.7% as compared to 100% RDN (59.2 t/ha). The SSNM treatment recorded the highest net returns (` 49947/ha) and benefit to cost ratio (1.45) which were significantly higher than all other treatments except 100% RDN and 50% RDN through fertilizer + two sprays of nano-urea. The nano-urea treatments exhibited the highest nitrogen use efficiency. The study suggested that 50% recommended dose of nitrogen through con- ventional fertilizer along with two sprays of nano-urea could be applied in oat to get higher nitrogen use efficiency without any yield reduction.