Nitrogen Doses Research Articles

Crop and soil productivity of a rice‐green gram system under integrative nutrient management

AbstractA field study was conducted at the Instructional Farm, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, on exploring productivity and soil quality of aromatic rice‐green gram system by dual influence of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients. Among integrated nutrient management practices, 50% NPK + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN)‐farm yard manure (FYM) to rice produced the highest grain yield (3875 kg ha−1) followed by 75% NPK+ green manure (GM; 3489 kg ha−1). Likewise, residual effect of 50% NPK + 50% RDN‐FYM to rice and application of 75% NPK+ Rhizobium+ phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to green gram produced the highest seed yield of green gram (812 kg ha−1).Combined application of 50% NPK+ 50% RDN− FYM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium+ PSB to green gram resulted in significantly (p = 0.05) higher system rice equivalent yield (6521 kg ha−1) and production efficiency (31.2 kg ha−1 day−1) while increasing the nutrient uptake of short grain aromatic rice‐green gram system. The highest PFPN (132.7 ± 12.4 kg kg−1) and nitrogen uptake efficiency (0.73 ± 0.06 kg kg−1) were also recorded due to the application of 50% NPK+ 50% RDN‐FYM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium + PSB to green gram (99.0 ± 26.3 kg kg−1, 0.61 ± 0.01 kg kg−1, 1.32 ± 0.40, and 19.5 ± 2.9, respectively). Application of 75% NPK+ GM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium + PSB to green gram significantly (p = 0.05) increased soil organic carbon, available N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu as well as microbial status of soil.

Quantitative and Qualitative Response of Fodder Maize to Use of Bulk and Nano-fertilizers in North Western Plains of India

Optimizing nutrient management strategies is crucial for enhancing the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of fodder maize (Zea mays) while minimizing environmental impacts. This study investigated the effects of innovative nitrogen (N) and zinc (Zn) management approaches on fodder maize production. Different combinations of nitrogen fertilizers, including conventional urea and nano-urea, were applied in conjunction with targeted foliar sprays of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and nano-zinc. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial Randomized Block design with four nitrogen management strategies (control N, 100% recommended nitrogen dose RDN through urea, 50% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stages, and 33.33% RDN through urea + two sprays of nano-urea at six and ten leaves stage) and four zinc management strategies (control Zn, soil application of ZnSO4, foliar application of ZnSO4, and foliar application of nano-Zn) which were replicated thrice. The study revealed that applying 50% of RDN through urea, along with dual foliar sprays of nano-urea, achieved comparable productivity to the 100% RDN through urea only. Among the Zn managements, both foliar and soil applications of conventional ZnSO4 recorded similar green and dry fodder yields, although foliar application of ZnSO4 was observed to be superior in terms of qualitative attributes. Maize subjected to the integrated nitrogen and zinc management strategy exhibited elevated protein content and reduced fiber fractions. These findings highlight the potential of nano-urea and foliar zinc application in enhancing both productivity and nutritional quality, while reducing dependence on conventional chemical fertilizers.

The effect of nitrogen fertilisation on the yield and quality of winter wheat grain on meadow‐chestnut soil

Aim. The study of the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the yield and quality of winter wheat grain on meadow‐chestnut soil.Methods. Analyses of soil samples were carried out using generally accepted standard techniques. Assessment of the biological yield of grain and its structure was carried out according to the "Methodology of the State Variety Testing of Agricultural Crops". Tillage for winter crops after stubble predecessors was carried out according to the irrigation halfsteam system.Results. With an increase in the hydrothermal coefficient, a more elastic gluten is formed. Studies have shown that as the dose of nitrogen fertilizing increases, the indicators of the sowing qualities of seeds and the baking qualities of winter wheat grain of the Grom variety improve. In the best variant N90P90, the following indicators were obtained: seed germination energy – 99%, germination – 100%, weight of 1000 grains – 34.7 g, protein content – 14.8%, gluten 27.4%, which represent respectively 4%; 4%; 3.9 g; 1.3% and 6.1% more than in the control variant without the use of mineral fertilizers and higher than in the variants N30P90 and N60P90.Conclusion. The research area determines the use of the high‐intensity Thunder variety, which helps to stabilise productivity and improve product quality. The use of nitrogen top dressing (N30, N60 and N90) against the background of P90 increases the yield of winter wheat grain from 6.25 to 7.90 t / ha and improves the main indicators of baking qualities of grain: protein – 14.3–14.8% and gluten – 22.1–27.4%, the best option with nitrogen top dressing being a dose of N90 (N30 in autumn + N60 in spring).

Impact of Drip Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Levels on Yield and Economics of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

A field experiment was conducted at College farm, Water Technology Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2018 to 2019 to study the effect of differential drip irrigation and fertigation schedules on yield and economics of summer sesame. The experiment was framed with ten treatments viz., two irrigation levels (0.8 and 1.0 Epan), two fertigation levels (75% and 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium), two schedules (Equal and differential) and two treatments with soil application of 100% RDF with Drip irrigation (1.0 Epan) and conventional furrow irrigation (1.0 IW/CPE) and were replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that, application of 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium (RDNK) through drip fertigation @ 0.8 or 1.0 Epan either in differential dosages based on crop growth stage or in equal splits recorded significantly superior yields (1011, 971, 977 and 990 kg/ ha, respectively) compared to the other treatments. These treatments recorded 13.5 and 26.7% higher yields, obtained from soil application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan (882 kg/ha) and furrow irrigation at a 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (774 kg/ha). Further, the highest water productivity of 0.24 kg/m3 was recorded with differential application of 100% RDNK under a drip irrigation regime of 0.8 Epan. This treatment also recorded the highest gross returns ( ₹ 96,489 /ha), net returns (₹ 53,604 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.95).

Evaluation of the Quality of Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) Grown in Balanced Fertilization Conditions

(Background) Raspberry (R. idaeus L.) is very popular with consumers around the world for its intense flavor, attractive appearance, and health benefits. In recent years, interest in healthy eating and natural products has increased, and raspberry fits perfectly into these trends, which translates into its greater importance on the consumer market. (Aim) The aim of this study was the commodity evaluation of raspberry fruits bearing fruit on 2-year-old shoots, cultivated under conditions of varied nitrogen fertilization against the background of constant phosphorus-potassium fertilization. (Methodology) The first-order factors were cultivars (‘Laszka’ and ‘Glen Ample’), and the second-order factor was nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha−1), against the background of constant phosphorus-potassium fertilization (100 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O ha−1). The experiment was set up in a dependent split-plot design with three repetitions. (Results) The importance of raspberry on the consumer market was shaped by taste and quality of fruit, health benefits, naturalness and freshness, universality of use, availability, and nutritional trends. (Conclusions) The tested cultivars were characterized by similar production and quality capabilities. Fertilization of the tested cultivars with a dose of 135 kg N·ha−1 turned out to be justified in terms of yield. Increasing nitrogen doses resulted in a significant increase in fresh fruit yield and fruit weight. Different doses of nitrogen increased fruit resistance to mechanical damage, firmness, and quality indices.

Identification of Optimum Plant Population and Nitrogen Dose in Maize for Mid Hills Conditions of Nepal

An experiment was conducted in the summer seasons of 2021 and 2022 at the National Agronomy Research Centre's Farm Khumaltar to find out the appropriate row spacing and optimum nitrogen dose for maize. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design where nitrogen levels were allocated in the main plot and row spacing was assigned in subplots. The four different nitrogen levels were 120:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 150:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1, 180:60:40 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 and 210:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1. Four different rows spacing were 75 cm, 60 cm, 50 cm and 43 cm. Seeds were sown at 25 cm apart. The individual plot size was 4m x 3m. Maize variety BGBY POP was used in the experiment. The sowing dates were 6 May and 19 May in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In the combined analysis of two-year data, days to 50% tasseling was found significant in 150:60:40 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 while other traits were found non-significant. The mean grain yield was 4.29 t ha-1. Few traits were found significant in subplot factor i.e., cob diameter (4.38 cm), cob length (16.72 cm), ear height (107.1 cm) and seed per row (28.84) were found superior to other treatments within traits while all other traits in subplot factor were non-significant in pool analysis. Late maize sowing in the second year and rainfall during earthing up affected maize performance and gave lower maize yield. From the experiment, we could say that sowing of maize should be done within the second week of May and more experiments need to be done to conclude nitrogen optimization.

Response mechanisms of 3 typical plants nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient cycling to nitrogen deposition in temperate meadow grasslands.

The increase of nitrogen (N) deposition and the diversity of its components lead to significant changes in the structure and function of temperate meadow steppe, which could affect plant nutrient uptake, nutrient resorption and litter decomposition, thus affecting the biogeochemical cycle process. The distribution and metabolism of nitrogen and phosphorus in plants determine the growth process and productivity of plants. Plant nutrient uptake, nutrient resorption and litter decomposition play an important role in the nutrient cycling process of ecosystem. This study closely combined these three processes to carry out experiments with different nitrogen dosages and types, and systematically explored the response of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient cycling to nitrogen deposition. The results showed that nitrogen deposition can greatly affect ecosystem nutrient cycle of nitrogen and phosphorus. Firstly, Nitrogen deposition has significant effect on plant nutrient uptake. Nitrogen uptake of stems and leaves increased with the increase of nitrogen addition dosage, while phosphorus uptake of stems and leaves showed a downward trend or no significant effect. Besides, nitrogen addition type had a significant effect on nitrogen and phosphorus content of stems. Secondly, Nitrogen addition dosage had a significant effect on plant nutrient resorption, while nitrogen addition type had no significant effect on it. Thirdly, nitrogen deposition has significant effect on litter decomposition. With the increase of nitrogen addition dosage, the initial nitrogen content of litters increased and the decomposition rate of litters accelerated. Nitrogen application type had significant effect on stem litter decomposition. These results indicated that nitrogen deposition significantly affects plant nutrient cycling, and thus affects the structure and function of grassland ecosystem.

Agronomic performance of wheat genotypes and the use of nitrogen doses

This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of wheat cultivars and to evaluate the use of nitrogen doses. Two experiments took place at Centro de Pesquisas e Resultados Agronômicos das Missões (CEPRAM), in the municipality of Entre-Ijuís, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Experiment I took place in a randomized block experimental design, evaluating 22 wheat genotypes in four replications. Experiment II took place in a randomized block experimental design, organized in a factorial arrangement of 7 nitrogen doses x 2 wheat genotypes. The doses of nitrogen were 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 kg ha-1 and two wheat cultivars ORS Senna and TBIO Audaz, with 4 replications. In 10 plants, randomly collected, in each experimental unit were evaluated the morphological and productive variables. Performing Analysis of variance and Tukey's mean comparison test in both experiments. Applying principal component analysis and genetic dissimilarity in experiment I. The cultivar TBIO Noble showed productive and morphological characteristics that maximize the agronomic performance of wheat. There is genetic divergence between wheat genotypes for productive and morphological traits. Cultivar ORS Senna enhanced ear length and number of tillers at doses of 44 kg of N ha-1 and 48 kg of N ha-1, respectively.

Weed seedbank, above‐ground weed community and crop yields under conventional and conservation agriculture practices in maize–wheat–mungbean rotation

AbstractWeeds are the major biological barriers to achieving higher yields in agro‐ecosystem. We aimed to determine weed community (seedbank and aboveground) and crop yield responses to conventional tillage (CT) and different types of conservation agriculture (CA) practices with variable nitrogen (N) doses in a maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) rotation. After 8 years of implementation, CA practices including zero‐tilled (ZT) permanent narrow‐bed with crop residues and 100% required N (PNB + R + 100 N), and ZT permanent broad‐bed with residues and 100% required N (PBB + R + 100 N) had a lower weed seed density by 45% at 0–7.5 cm and 53% at 7.5–15 cm soil layers than CT. CT promoted dominance of Cyperus rotundus L., Cyperus esculentus L. and Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panz. while, specific CA practices (PNB + R + 100 N and PBB + R + 100 N) promoted dominance of Digera arvensis Forsk. and Melilotus indicus (L.). Compared to PNB + R + 100 N and PBB + R + 100 N, CT seedbanks had 41–46% higher ecological dominance, which is an indicator that delineates dominance of few specific weed species. The PBB + R + 100 N also had a lower total above‐ground weed density in maize–wheat–mungbean rotation by 34% (mean of years) than CT. The PBB + R + 100 N had 31.1% higher system productivity over CT. Thus, PBB + R + 100 N could reduce the weed seed density in the soil and above‐ground weeds and increase crop yields for sustainable crop production in maize–wheat–mungbean rotations.

Determination of Macro Element Contents of Herbages of Elâzığ/Karakoçan/Savucak Village Pasture with Different Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization

The study was carried out in the natural pasture of the Savucak village of Karakoçan district in Elazığ province in 2021 and 2022. The aim of the study is to determine the macro element contents of the herbages of the pasture where five different nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 kg da-1) and phosphorus (0, 4, 8, 12, 16 kg da-1) were applied. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) levels were determined in the herbages cut from the pasture. The determination of Ca, Mg, K and P in dried and ground herbs was made by ICP-MS and the research was carried out in randomized blocks with three replications in accordance with a two-factor factorial experiment design. In the study, it was determined that the effect of increasing nitrogen and phosphorus doses on the macro element contents of pasture herbage was statistically significant. It was observed that Ca, Mg, K and P contents of pasture herbage decreased with the increase of phosphorus doses applied to the pasture, and macro element contents increased with the increase of nitrogen doses. It was determined that the Ca, Mg, K and P contents increased with the increase of the nitrogen dose, but the increase in the phosphorus ratio did not have any effect on the Ca, Mg, K and P contents of the pasture herbage. According to the results obtained from the research, it was concluded that 10 kg da-1 nitrogen and 4 kg da-1 phosphorus fertilization is appropriate in Elazig and pastures with similar ecologies.

English

The objective of this study was to identify the rate of molybdenum that when associated with nitrogen fertilization, would provide the best responses on the vegetative structure of Mombasa grass. Forty days after planting, a uniform pruning was made when the established levels of molybdenum were applied and the experimental period started. The experimental design was a randomized block, with four replications (blocks), in a 5×6 factorial scheme, considering the combinations of treatments, the combinations of five levels of molybdenum (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g ha-1 year-1), in six evaluation ages (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 after pruning for uniformization) and four rates of nitrogen (0, 100, 250 and 500 of N. ha-1 year-1). The variables were subjected to variance analysis and adjustment in regression using orthogonal polynomials. Among the variables, an assessment of the number of leaves that were fully expanded (exposed ligula), in development or senescent in the main tillers (NFCE, NFEE and NFS, respectively) was carried out, as well as the total number of tillers per pot (NP) and the height of the vegetation (ALT). The rise in molybdenum supplies up to 200 g ha-1 increases the production of vegetative biomass of mombasa grass in pastures, by using levels of 500 kg ha-1 year-1 of N, but there is no difference between the other doses of nitrogen (0, 100 and 250 ha-1 year-1). Key words: Development, tropical grasses, intensive management of pastures, pots, biomass.

The influence of different doses and ratios of mineral fertilizers on the yield of winter rye in the Urals

Winter rye is an important crop of the Non-Chernozem belt of Russia, the productivity of which depends on the use of fertilizers. The paper presents data on the agronomic and economic efficiency of cultivating Falenskaya 4 winter rye under conditions of long-term use of mineral fertilizers. The studies were carried out in 2019-2021 in Perm Region on sod-podzolic heavy loamy soil in a long-term stationary experiment based on a reduced factorial design (6x6x6) with a wide range of doses and NPK ratios. The highest yield in 2019 was obtained in N30P120K120 variant (3.07 t/ha), the highest payback of mineral fertilizers by grain was noted in N90 and N30P30K30 variants (6.00 and 5.69 kg of grain). The highest yield and payback of grain in the conditions of 2021 and for two years of research in average was obtained in the variant N90: in 2021, 3.01 t/ha and 13.96 kg of grain, for 2 years average – 2.95 t/ha and 9.82 kg of grain. The efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers has been proved by a regression equation for two years average, phosphoric and potash fertilizers did not have a significant effect. The rise in the yield increase occurred up to a nitrogen dose of 90 kg/ha and amounted to 0.42 t/ha at N90. The highest payback by grain was noted among nitrogen treatments – by N30 (7.3 kg of grain), with each increase in doses by 30 kg/ha, this indicator decreased linearly by 1.3 kg. The highest profitability over the years of research was obtained in the variant without fertilizers– 60 %, over two years in average. The profitability of using N90 was higher compared with the control only in 2021 – 50 % versus 43 %. All the studied doses of nitrogen used separately provided positive profitability, but the most cost-effective was the use of N30 and N60 – profitability was 52 and 45 %, respectively.

Feasibility of Multispectral Observations for Detecting Nitrogen Stress and Yield Potential in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) through Remote Sensing

The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2019-20 at Department of Agronomy farm, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. Treatments consisted of different nutrient management practices including FYM and nitrogen doses viz., Absolute Control (N1), FYM @ 5 t ha-1 (N2), N2 + 30 kg N ha-1 (N3), N2 + 60 kg N ha-1 (N4), N2 + 90 kg N ha-1 (N5), N2 +120 kg N (N6) and N2 + 150 kg N ha-1 (N7). Cotton crop was sown on 29th June 2019 and was harvested in four pickings. Among various spectral bands, significantly higher positive and negative correlation coefficient values (at 0.05 % level of significance) for plant chlorophyll content were noted with the simple ratio of NIR/G (r2=0.829) and G/NIR(r2=-0.826), respectively, being most efficient in detecting the nitrogen stress in cotton crop. Yield potential of cotton was established (at 0.05 % level of significance) with negative and positive (both) correlation coefficient of simple ratio of R/NIR (r2=-0.815 and r2=-0.869) and NIR/R (r2=0.811and r2=0.865) respectively at 180 DAS.

Yield and Economics of Dual Purpose Barley as Influenced by Various Nitrogen Dose and Seed Rate

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season 2019-20 at wheat and barley section research area of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The experiment was comprised of three nitrogen doses (N1-60, N2-75 and N3- 90 kg N/ha) as main plot treatments and four seed rates (S1- 87.5, S2- 100, S3- 112.5 and S4-125.0 kg/ha) as sub plot treatments. With four replications, experiment was laid out in split plot design. Based on the research investigation, it was found that nitrogen dose and seed rate both had significantly influenced the yield attributes and yield of dual purpose barley Among nitrogen doses, 90 kg/ha being at par with 75 kg/ha recorded significantly higher grain yield (4895 kg/ha), biological yield (12220 kg/ha) and green fodder yield (3706 kg/ha) which were 9.7, 12.0 and 15.1 percent higher than nitrogen dose of 60 kg/ha, respectively due to higher yield attributes i.e. number of effective tillers (85.08), number of grains per spike (44.15), number of spikelets per spike (23.10), spike length (7.47) and test weight (37.82) with nitrogen dose 90 kg/ha which were 8.5, 5.1, 7.9, 11.4 and 4.8 percent higher than nitrogen dose of 60 kg/ha, respectively. Among seed rates, 125.0 kg/ha closely followed by 112.5 kg/ha recorded significantly higher effective tillers (85.11), grain yield (4922 kg/ha), biological yield (12181 kg/ha), green fodder yield (3729 kg/ha) which were 8.0, 11.0, 11.8 and 16.7 per cent higher than seed rate of 87.5 kg/ha, respectively.

Impact of soil fertility characteristics on artificial fertility gradient approach developed using sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in Alfisols

In the advent of precision agriculture, applying fertilizer based on soil testing is a crucial tool to prescribe nutrient levels for crops, to increase nutrient use efficiency and production. A field experiment was conducted in a farmer's field in the Dindigul district, Southern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu to ascertain the effect of artificial soil fertility gradient method on soil fertility, green fodder production of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) (var. CO 30) and nutrient absorption. A fertility gradient technique has been investigated to produce fertilizer recommendations for location-specific in red soils (Alfisols, Typic Rhodustalf). The experimental field was separated into three equal strips: strip I, II, and III, which received applications of the three graded levels of ertilizer N0P0K0, N1P1K1, and N2P2K2, respectively. Urea, single super phosphate, and muriate of potash fertilizers, respectively, were used to apply NPK. As a gradient crop, S. bicolor was raised. The N1 level was set based on the general fertilizer recommendation of feed sorghum, while the P1 and K1 values were set based on the soil’s ability to fix 100 kg ha-1 of phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 of potassium, respectively. Plant samples were taken at harvest time, and their NPK content and nutrient uptake were determined. With addition of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in Strip I, II & III increased the soil's available N, P & K status substantially in the order of Strip I<II<III and minimize the heterogeneity in the soil population , management strategies employed, and prevailing climate conditions to induce fertility variations in the same field. The outcomes showed that sorghum crop yields for fodder (Strip III – 25.01 t ha-1) and NPK uptake were significantly impacted by the application of graded amounts of NPK fertilizers.

Soil chemical attributes under west indian cherry fertigated with nitrogen and humic substances

The use of humic substances (HS) in the soil can increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizers and contribute to the increment in soil organic matter and plant nutrient availability. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate, in two production cycles, the effect of applying HS and different nitrogen (N) doses on the chemical attributes and organic matter fractions of a soil cultivated with West Indian cherry in the Brazilian semiarid region. The experiment was set up in split plots, arranged in strips with four replicates. The absence or presence of HS using KS100 as the source was tested in the plots, and N fertilization (50; 75; 100; 125 and 150% of the recommended dose), using urea, was tested in the subplots. Soil pH, H+Al, Al3+, and Na+, K+, P, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ contents were determined, and cation exchange capacity and bases saturation (V %) in the 0-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m layers were calculated. Analyses of stocks of total organic carbon and carbon (C) of the humic acid, fulvic acid and humin fractions, and humic substances were performed. It was possible to observe that, in the second production cycle of West Indian cherry, the soils showed higher contents of nutrients available to plants. Increase in N availability did not enable a clear trend in the behavior of chemical attributes and organic C stocks in the soil. Under the studied conditions, KS100 application allowed a reduction in the C stocks of the HS of the soil.

Root System Response and Yield of Irrigated Rice in Relation to Irrigation, Potassium and Nitrogen under Subtropical Conditions

Irrigation and fertilizer are two essential factors affecting rice root traits and yield. In this respect, a pot experiment was performed at the boro (dry season irrigated) season of 2021–2022 in the Department of Agronomy of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The variety Binadhan-10 was planted at two irrigation conditions, i.e., saturation (S) and continuous flooding (CF); two potassium (K) doses, e.g., 65 kg ha−1 (K65) and 98 kg ha−1 (K98); and two nitrogen (N) doses, i.e., 140 kg ha−1 (N140) and 210 kg ha−1 (N210). The experiment was laid in a split plot design with eight treatments and replicated thrice. The findings confirmed the significant variation in irrigation, K and N and the effects on root number (RN), root length (RL), root volume (RV), leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM), yield attributes and yield. Considering the interaction among irrigation, K and N, the S conditions with K65 and N140 showed best performance in relation to root parameters. At 80 DAT, the highest RN (373.00), RL (1700.00 cm), RV (8.90 cm3 hill−1), LAI (4.94) and TDM (25.83 g plant−1) was obtained from this combination. Grain yield (GY) and root traits, except root porosity, showed a significant positive association. Grain yield (GY) was the highest (27.12 g pot−1) under S conditions with K65 and N140. Therefore, the variety Binadhan-10 can be successfully cultivated with K65 and N140 under S conditions.

Effect of PGPR and Biogas Slurry on Growth and Yield Parameters of Pea under Salt Affected Conditions

Salt stress is a significant abiotic plant growth restrictive factor; it is becoming a severe environmental threat. The microorganism in the rhizosphere especially fungi and bacteria can increase the plant production under stress conditions both by direct and indirect mechanisms. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of biogas slurry and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) at different levels of salinity to improve the growth and yield of pea (Pisum sativum ). In field experiment biogas slurry @ 600 kg ha-1 and 800 kg ha-1 and PGPR strain “bacillus subtilis” was applied along with 6 dS m-1 and 8 dS m-1 levels of salt stress in addition to recommended doses of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus fertilizer. The results revealed that the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry under normal soil conditions increased shoot length by 30.27% while under saline conditions it increased up-to 65.27%. Soil salinity reduced root length up-to 79.155% at 8 dS m-1 as compared to control. Application of biogas slurry improved 5.93% root length under salt stress as compared to respective control, on the other hand the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry increased root length by 33.128% under normal conditions and under salinity stress it increased by 73.53%.Soil salinity reduced chlorophyll content 36.54% of pea decrease under salt stress, the application of biogas slurry under the same condition improved 29.26% chlorophyll content of pea but the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry enhanced the chlorophyll contents 4.68% as compared to solely application of biogas slurry. The results clearly indicated that the combined application of PGPR and biogas slurry is the best source to enhance the growth and yield of pea under normal as well as under salinity stress.
 Key Words: PGPR, Bio gas, Salinity, Peas, Growth, Yield.

Effect of a native bacterial consortium on growth, yield, and grain quality of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum) under different nitrogen rates in the Yaqui Valley, Mexico

ABSTRACT A field experiment was carried out to quantify the effect of a native bacterial inoculant on the growth, yield, and quality of the wheat crop, under different nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates in two agricultural seasons. Wheat was sown under field conditions at the Experimental Technology Transfer Center (CETT-910), as a representative wheat crop area from the Yaqui Valley, Sonora México. The experiment was conducted using different doses of nitrogen (0, 130, and 250 kg N ha−1) and a bacterial consortium (BC) (Bacillus subtilis TSO9, B. cabrialesii subsp. tritici TSO2T, B. subtilis TSO22, B. paralicheniformis TRQ65, and Priestia megaterium TRQ8). Results showed that the agricultural season affected chlorophyll content, spike size, grains per spike, protein content, and whole meal yellowness. The highest chlorophyll and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values, as well as lower canopy temperature values, were observed in treatments under the application of 130 and 250 kg N ha−1 (the conventional Nitrogen dose). Wheat quality parameters such as yellow berry, protein content, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-Sedimentation, and whole meal yellowness were affected by the N dose. Moreover, the application of the native bacterial consortium, under 130 kg N ha−1, resulted in a higher spike length and grain number per spike, which led to a higher yield (+1.0 ton ha−1 vs. un-inoculated treatment), without compromising the quality of grains. In conclusion, the use of this bacterial consortium has the potential to significantly enhance wheat growth, yield, and quality while reducing the nitrogen fertilizer application, thereby offering a promising agro-biotechnological alternative for improving wheat production.

Plant Photosynthesis and Dry Matter Accumulation Response of Sweet Pepper to Water–Nitrogen Coupling in Cold and Arid Environment

In order to optimize the water and nitrogen management mode and realize the efficient scale production of sweet pepper, from 2021 to 2022, field experiments on sweet pepper cultivation with different water and nitrogen coupling modes were conducted in the Hexi Oasis irrigation areas. The regulation effects of the water–nitrogen coupling mode on the dry matter accumulation characteristics, photosynthesis, yield, and water–nitrogen utilization efficiency of sweet pepper were further discussed. Irrigation was set for full irrigation (W1, 75–85% FC [field capacity]), mild (W2, 65–75% FC), and moderate (W3, 55–65% FC) water deficit levels. Three levels of nitrogen were applied, high (N1, 300 kg·ha−1), medium (N2, 225 kg·ha−1) and low (N3, 150 kg·ha−1), with full irrigation and no nitrogen application used as the control (CK). The results showed that the appropriate water–nitrogen coupling mode could enhance the photosynthetic rate, increase dry matter accumulation and the accumulation rate, advance the days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation, and improve yield and water–nitrogen utilization efficiency. N1W1 had the greatest dry matter accumulation, the mean rate and the maximum increase rate of dry matter accumulation in sweet pepper, which was not a significant difference from N2W2, but significantly increased by 19.61%, 19.67%, and 23.45%, respectively, compared with CK. Water deficit significantly advanced the days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation. The days of a maximum rate of dry matter accumulation appeared 1.18–5.79 days earlier at W3 than at W2 and W1, and the maximum rate appeared gradually later with increasing irrigation. The net photosynthetic rate, the transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance of N2W2 sweet pepper showed the best performance at all growth stages, significantly increasing by 23.87%, 27.71%, and 27.39%, respectively, compared with CK. Moreover, the Intercellular CO2 concentration was significantly reduced by 14.77% in N2W2 compared to CK. The N2W2 had the highest yield, water use efficiency, and irrigation water use efficiency of sweet pepper, significantly increasing 26.89%, 33.74%, and 31.22% compared to CK. Excessive water and nitrogen dosage reduced nitrogen partial factor productivity, while an appropriate increase in irrigation under reduced nitrogen conditions facilitated the water nitrogen potential. Passage path analysis further showed that water–nitrogen coupling promotes plant biomass formation and distribution by increasing photosynthetic assimilation capacity, ultimately increasing yield. Therefore, the N2W2 treatment (65–75% FC, 225 kg·ha−1) is the ideal water and nitrogen mode for obtaining higher yields and water and nitrogen use efficiency of sweet pepper in a cold and arid environment.