NPK Ha-1 Research Articles

Input optimization in short duration red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for the agri-food systems in southern Kerala

In the present study, a field experiment was laid out to assess the suitability of two short-duration varieties of red gram and standardize the agronomic management practices. The treatments included combinations of two varieties, two spacings, and three nutrient levels. Individual effects of the variety, APK 1, narrow spacing, and the highest nutrient level were found superior for yield and its contributing attributes. The pooled analysis registered the highest seed yield (1.38 t ha-1) in the combination APK 1 + 40 cm × 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1. The net returns and benefit-cost ratio were also the highest. Soil available nutrient status was found to be augmented with the cultivation, with wider spacing and the highest nutrient dose recording maximum postharvest soil NPK contents. The results proved that the variety APK 1 and the agronomic management of 40 cm × 20 cm spacing with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 are most suitable for red gram cultivation in southern Kerala.

Effect of biochar on soil physical properties and growth parameters of ginger cv. Karthika

A field study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of paddy husk biochar (PHB) and coconut frond biochar (CFB) on soil physical properties and growth and productivity of the dual-purpose ginger variety Karthika. Three different rates of PHB and CFB at 10, 20 and 30 t ha-1 along with NPK as per KAU package of practices (POP) recommendation (KAU, 2016) (30 t FYM + 75: 50: 50 kg NPK ha-1), KAU POP alone and absolute control were applied to a sandy soil. Characterization of biochar revealed that specific surface area (68.74 and 2.56 m2 g-1, respectively) and water holding capacity (276.33 and 256.51%, respectively) were higher for PHB compared to CFB, whereas bulk density was lower for PHB (0.27 mg m-3) compared to CFB (0.35 mg m-3). The physical properties of the soil were significantly improved by the application of the biochars compared to FYM as per KAU POP. The highest ginger yield was obtained for PHB @ 30 t ha-1 (12,858.3 kg ha-1), which was at par with CFB @ 30 t ha-1 (12,675.0 kg ha-1). From the investigations, it can be concluded that applying PHB or CFB @ 30 or 20 t ha-1 along with NPK as per KAU POP produces a significantly higher yield than the recommended dose of FYM as per KAU POP, hence can be regarded as an economically feasible option for sandy soil.

Mixture Effect of Rock Phosphate and Triple Superphosphate on Maize Yield in Acid Soils of Côte d'Ivoire

Aims: Determine the optimum rock phosphate (RP) / Triple superphosphate (TSP) ratio for improved maize yield Study Design: The experimental design was of random blocks with 3 replications. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in central Cote d'Ivoire, in a savannah area over 3 consecutive years 2019, 2020 and 2021. Methodology: Eight treatments were tested: control T0, T0r (100 Kg urea ha-1 + 200 Kg NPK ha-1), T1 (300 Kg RP ha-1), T2 (270Kg RP ha-1 + 19,6 Kg TSP ha-1), T3 (240 Kg RP + 39,2 Kg TSP ha-1 ), T4 (180 Kg RP ha-1 + 78,4 Kg TSP ha-1), T5 (60 Kg RP ha-1 + 156,8 Kg TSP ha-1 ), T6 (196 Kg TSP ha-1 ). For maintenance, 200 Kg NPK ha-1 and 100 Kg urea ha-1 were added to all treatments except control. After harvest, yields were calculated, pH levels were measured at the beginning, after three months and at the end of the trial. Results: the effect of the RP/TSP combination was effective in the second year. Ratio T3 obtained the best yield (5.71 t ha-1) and was more efficient than the treatment used for maize extension in Côte d'Ivoire (T0r). At the same time, the soil pH has become neutral, contributing to an improvement in soil fertility due to the gradual bioavailability of phosphorus from the solubilized phosphate rock. Conclusion: Mixing RP and TSP in proportions of T3 (240 Kg RP + 39,2 Kg TSP ha-1) is effective in improving maize yields.

Water-use-Efficiency in Spring Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.) as Affected by Fertilizer Combinations and Planting Pattern Under Arid Conditions

This research trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of planting pattern and fertilizer doses on Water-use-Efficiency of spring planted Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) on sandy loam soil under arid conditions at Main Line Lower Land Reclamation and Research Station, Bhakkar during spring season 2018. The trial was laid out in RCB design with split plot arrangement having three replications. The main plot consisted of four fertilizer (NPK) doses (30:60:15, 60:120:30, 90:180:45, 120:240:60kg ha-1) while the sub plot consisted of six planting patterns viz., 30, 45 & 60 cm (straight sowing) and 30, 45 & 60 cm cross sowing by applying half seed in horizontal direction and remaining half seed in perpendicular direction on sandy loam soil. Two irrigations were applied in a measured amount by the Cut throat flume during the whole life period of crop. Data was collected on number of plants (m-1), plant height, number of branches (plant-1), number of fruit bearing branches (plant-1), number of pods (plant-1), number of grains (pod-1), 1000-grain weight, biological, straw and grain yield. Almost all parameters were significantly affected by fertilizer doses, planting patterns and their interactions as well, except number of fruit bearing branches, number of grains (pod-1) and 1000-grain weight. Statistical analysis of data revealed that maximum grain yield (3180 kg ha-1) with net return Rs.157,312 and BCR 2.61 of spring planted mung bean was obtained by applying fertilizer before sowing @ 60:120:30 kg NPK ha-1 and sowing crop in first week of March in 60 cm apart cross lines by applying half seed in horizontal direction and remaining half seed in perpendicular direction on sandy loam soil under arid conditions.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.), in Jharkhand (India)

Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.) is a climber plant commonly called Gudmar belongs to family Apocynaceae is deciduous seed plant. A field experiment was conducted during 2017-2019 at the experimental field of Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand (India) to find out the integrated nutrient management technique for increasing the yield of the leaf of Gymnema sylvestre (R.Br.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with 12 treatments and one control replicated thrice. Nine plants were transplanted in each treatment at 80 cm x 80 cm spacing level. It is an important medicinal plant used as an herbal remedy for high blood sugar (type-II diabetes). The optimum doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer combination should be 10t ha-1 VC+10t ha-1 NC+5t ha-1 KC +30:40:40 kg NPK ha-1 for the maximum productivity of leaves and stem of Gudmar. The combination of organic and inorganic is superior to the application of fertilizer alone and controls for achieving higher growth and yield.

Effect of Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum) in Experimental Farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Optimum plant population, natural resources, such as nutrients, sunlight, soil moisture and efficient fertilization are some of the primary factors that ensure satisfactory growth and yield. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the effect of plant spacing and fertilizer application on growth and yield of bell pepper (Capsicum annum) in experimental farm at Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria using appropriate standard techniques. Three levels of spacing (S1=30cm x 50cm, S2=40cm x 50cm and S3 =50cm x 50cm) and four different levels of fertilizer application (F0 = control, F1 = 20 t ha-1 poultry manure, F2 = 300 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and F3 = 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 + 10 t ha-1 were adopted. The parameters measured were plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, fresh fruit weight per plant, fresh fruit weight per plot, fruit diameter, fruit length, and number of flowers per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The results showed that S3F1, (50cm x 50cm spacing + 20 t ha-1 poultry manure) had the highest plant height and stem diameter and S2F3, (40cm x 50cm spacing + 150 kg ha-1 NPK 15:15:15 and 10 t ha-1) had the highest fruit yield (1731.60 kg ha-1). The lowest yield (994.49 kg ha-1) was obtained at S1F0, (40cm x 50cm spacing + control). Therefore, farmers in this locality could grow bell pepper (Capsicum annum) at S2F3 for increased fruit yield.

Yield assessment of rice-black gram, rice-maize and rice-groundnut sequential cropping system influenced by rice establishment methods and nutrient management practices in the dry tract of the Southern zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices and suitable cropping systems are an effective and promising way for enhancing crop productivity. However, the impact of proper INM practices and cultivation methods in rice cropping systems in dry tracts remains unclear. The field study evaluated the suitable cropping system under different rice establishment methods with INM practices in a sequential cropping system( rice-black gram, rice-maize, and rice-groundnut). Treatments were designed as two rice establishment methods [Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and Transplanted Rice (TPR)] and five INM practices [RDF-Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (120:40:40 kg NPK ha-1) alone, RDF + Poultry manure compost @ 5 t ha-1, RDF+ Coir pith compost @ 5 t ha-1, RDF+ Green manure @ 6.25 t ha-1 and RDF-Green leaf manure @ 6.25 t ha-1]. TPR with the INM practice of RDF + poultry manure compost @ 5 t ha-1 recorded maximum productive tillers m-2 (351), number of filled grains panicle-1 (130.2), grain yield (6709 kg ha-1) and straw yield (9015 kg ha-1) of rice. Rice fallow crops (black gram, maize and groundnut) recorded 10 – 24,10-18 and 10 - 21 % higher values of yield components and yield, respectively, in DSR with INM treatment of RDF + Green manure @ 6.25 t ha-1 . Thus, RDF plus green manure or poultry manure application is an apt INM practice for a rice-based sequential cropping system under DSR, and the rice-black gram is an economical and sustainable cropping system for dry tracts of the southern zone of Tamil Nadu.

Effects of different NPK levels on growth and seed yield of sesame (<i>Sesamum indicum</i> L) varieties in Bauchi, Nigeria

Sesame is an important oil seed crop which is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of the world but farmers in the northern guinea savanna zone of Nigeria seldom apply fertilizers to the crop. Trials were conducted during the 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons at the Research Farm of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, to study the effects of different levels of NPK on the growth and seed yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in Bauchi. The experiment was laid out in split plot design consisting of four levels of NPK and 8 varieties of sesame, giving a total of 32 treatment combinations. The varieties were kept in the main plot while NPK levels were assigned to subplots. The parameters assessed include plant height, number of leaves, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches, stem diameter, internode length, dry matter, leaf area, days to 75% flowering and maturity, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule, number of seeds per locule, one thousand seed weight and seed yield. Results showed significant difference (p< 0.05) on growth, yield and yield attributes of sesame in both years. The different grain yield responses were associated with the differences in NPK levels. Sesame seed yield increased linearly from the application of 75 kg NPK ha-1, 100 kg NPK ha-1 to 125 kg NPK ha-1.

Influence of Foliar Nutrition for Maximising the Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) under Irrigated Condition

Background: A field experiment was conducted at the Central farm of Imayam Institute of Agriculture and Technology, Thuraiyur, during Thaipattam (Jan.- Feb.) 2019 to study the influence of foliar nutrients for maximizing the yield of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under irrigated condition. Methods: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice. The treatments comprised six different foliar nutrients viz.,T1 - Control (RDF alone - 25:50:25 kg NPK ha-1), T2 - RDF + foliar spray of 1% TNAU Pulse wonder, T3 - RDF + foliar spray of 1% (19:19:19), T4 - RDF + foliar spray of 1% KCl, T5 - RDF + foliar spray of 2% DAP, T6 - RDF + foliar spray of Salicylic acid 100 ppm, T7 - RDF+ foliar spray of PPFM @ 500 ml ha-1. The variety used VBN(Bg) 5. The foliar nutrients were sprayed on 30 and 45 DAS. Result: The results revealed that among the different foliar nutrients, foliar application of 1% pulse wonder resulted in higher LAI and DMP, closely followed by 2% DAP spray. Similar to the yield parameters, foliar application of 1% TNAU pulse wonder produced more pod clusters plant-1, number of pods plant-1 and number of seeds pod-1,and it, however, was on par with 2% DAP spray. Foliar spray of 1% TNAU pulse wonder produced a higher grain yield of 918 kg ha-1, comparable with a grain yield of 2% DAP (896 kg ha-1). The highest gross return (` 50,490 ha-1), net return (` 26,000 ha-1) and BCR (2.03) were obtained with foliar spray of 1% pulse wonder followed by 2% DAP spray, Hence, it is concluded that raising blackgram with foliar spray of pulse wonder spray @ 1% twice at 30 and 45 DAS is the viable package for getting higher yield and higher income.

Growth and Yield Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to different Soil Amendments

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an important vegetable that is ranked tenth among the succulent vegetables in the world. It is easy to cultivate and requires a moderate amount of nutrients in comparison to other vegetables. However, carrot production in Liberia is almost negligible, as farmers are not aware of its requirements, its cultivation, and the unsuitable environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to assess the growth and yield performance of carrot under different soil amendments. The experiment was done at the Cuttington University research and demonstration site in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments were: 10 t ha-1, 15 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1 compost; 300 t ha-1 NPK (15:15:15); and control (0 t ha-1). The distance between plots and between blocks was 0.5 m and 1 m, respectively. Results indicated that The highest recorded plant root length (11.10 cm) occurred in the 20 t ha-1 compost application, while the lowest (6.84 cm) was observed in the control treatment. The highest root diameter (22.89 mm) was recorded in the treatment with 20 t ha-1 while the lowest (17.59 mm) was recorded in the control treatment. Results showed that the maximum root weight (31.73 g) occurred in the 20 t ha-1 compost treatment, while the minimum (12.33 g) was observed in the control. These variations are likely attributed to nutrient levels, which play a vital role in promoting root length, diameter, and overall yield in the plant. That means the lowest values in all the parameters might be due to the low rate of compost applied to the soil. In conclusion, the highest overall growth and yield performance among carrot plants were observed in the 20 t ha-1 compost treatment, followed by 15 t ha-1, 300 t ha-1 NPK (15:15:15), 10 t ha-1, and the control. It is therefore recommended that farmers apply 20 t ha-1 of compost for maximum growth and yield performance in carrot production.

Growth and Yield Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Integrated Nutrient Management of Biochar, Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Aims: Maize yield is largely influenced by integrated nutrient management of biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizers application. In view of this, field study to evaluate varying rates of chicken manure (CM), Gliricidia sepium biochar (GB) and NPK fertiliser on growth and yield of maize was carried out.
 Study Design: The study design was a 2 x 6 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The field study was carried out at Mampong- Ashanti in the Forest-Savannah transition zone of Ghana over 2 years in 2021 minor and 2022 major cropping seasons.
 Methodology: The study treatments were different rates of amendments using biochar, chicken manure and NPK (15-15-15) fertiliser; [10 t ha-1 CM, 300 kg ha-1 NPK, 2.5 t ha-1 GB, 150 kg ha-1 NPK + 1.25 t ha-1 GB, 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM and No fertiliser (Control)] which were applied to two maize varieties (Omankwa and Obatanpa). Physiological growth parameters (crop growth rate and relative growth rate) were determined. Vegetative growth parameter (leaf count) as well as yield and yield traits (number of lodged plants per plot, husked cob weight per plot, number of filled and unfilled cobs per plot and grain yield) were estimated.
 Results: The results revealed that the application of 10 t ha-1 chicken manure and 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM to Omankwa and Obatanpa maize outperformed in crop growth rate (RGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and leaf count compared to the unamended plots in both seasons. Omankwa had significantly higher filled cobs per plot than Obatanpa across seasons. The interaction of Omankwa and 10 t ha-1 CM and 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM gave higher number of filled cobs per plot than Obatanpa on same although not significantly different in both cropping seasons. The grain yield of maize was enhanced by soil amendments in the major and minor cropping seasons, especially with interaction of Obatanpa and 10 t ha-1 CM (7474.0 kg ha-1), (3473.4 kg ha-1) respectively. Obatanpa x 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM (6802.1 kg ha-1) interaction followed closely in grain yield in the major season.
 Conclusion: Both biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizers have varying effects on growth and yield of different maize varieties. For optimize maize grain yield, 10 t ha-1 CM or 1.25 t ha-1 GB + 5 t ha-1 CM application is recommended.

THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT MICROBIAL FERTILIZERS ON THE WEEDINESS OF MAIZE

The experiment with low-input technology of maize was conducted at the field "Radmilovac", Faculty of Agriculture Belgrade in 2022 on the luvic chernozem soil type. Cropping system included tillage with a disc harrow at 25-30 cm with the complete previous crop residues incorporation and the pre-sowing tillage with a harrow. The basic fertilization was conducted in autumn with 500 kg ha-1 NPK (15:15:15). For top dressing in spring, the following microbiological fertilizers were applied: biofertilizer "Slavol" with 5.0 l ha-1 in two treatments and Eko lame 10 l ha-1 in three treatments. The top dressing in the control variant was done with nitrogen fertilizer AN at the rate of 60 kg ha-1 N. The maize (ZP SC 666) cultivar was grown in a six-crop rotation (winter wheat-maize-spring barley+red clover-red clover-soybean-sunflower). The weed community in maize consisted of 12 weed species, with dominating: Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers. (perennial), Solanum nigrum L. and Avena fatua L., (annual species). The obtained results show that the highest number of weeds, weeds per species, fresh and air-dry biomass were recorded in the control treatment. The statistically lowest values for the number of weed plants per species were recorded in the treatment with Eko lame, but for air-dried biomass in the treatment with Slavol. The differences in weediness in the variants with microbiological fertilizers were not statistically significant, while there were statistically very significant differences compared to the control. Application of microbiological fertilizers affected the initial faster growth of maize plants and increased competitiveness against weeds.

Cassava growth and yield on ultisol of different soil organic carbon content and NPK fertilizer levels

The demand for cassava tuber in Indonesia is high, however, domestic production is still limited therefore increasing production is important. Ultisol soils have the potential for cassava production, but low soil fertility in such soils needs to be improved. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of soil organic carbon (SOC) and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of cassava tuber in an ultisol. The experiment was conducted at the Jonggol Experimental Farm, IPB Bogor, West Java from September 2022 to January 2023. The experiment used a split-plot design with three replications. The main plot was SOC level of 1.93 (control), 2, 3, and 4%, and the subplot was NPK 15-15-15 level of 150, 300, 450, and 600 kg ha-1. SOC level was increased through the application of cow manure 0, 3.59, 54.93, and 106.27 tons ha-1 corresponding to SOC levels of 1.93 (control), 2, 3, and 4%, respectively. Results showed that enhancing SOC up to 3% and NPK 300 kg ha-1 were enough to support cassava growth as shown by plant height, stem diameter, and leaf number. The leaf number was the highest in the 3% SOC+150 kg NPK, 2% SOC+300 kg NPK or+450 kg NPK, and control+600 kg ha-1 NPK treatment. Leaf greenness was only affected by adding NPK fertilizer; a high greenness value was obtained at NPK level of > 150 kg ha-1 and 300 to 600 kg ha-1 resulting in non-significantly leaf greenness. The status of N and K in the leaves increased by SOC and NPK treatments, while the P status was unaffected. SOC at a level of 3% and NPK at a level of 150 kg ha-1 stimulated cassava to produce the highest fresh tuber weight (1.85 kg per plant) at 4 months after planting. Cassava productivity in ultisol soil can be increased by applying cow manure of 54.93 tons ha-1 to enhance SOC up to 3% combined with NPK of 150 kg ha-1.
 Keywords: Extensification; food security; intensification; tuber production; nutrient uptake

Growth and Yield of Meranti Tomatoes (Lycopercium pipinelifoliu) Effect of Chrysanthemum Flower Waste Organic Fertilizer (Chrysanthemum morifolium) and Mutiara NPK Anorganic

The purpose of this study was to obtain the right dose of organic fertilizer combination of chrysanthemum flower waste and NPK Mutiara inorganic fertilizer to support the growth and efficiency of nutrient absorption levels of tomato meranti plants. The method used in this study was a complete randomized design (RAK) with 4 treatments and each treatment was repeated 6 time. The treatment made is P0: 500 kg ha-1 NPK Mutiara (100% NPK); P1: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 15 Tons ha-1 + 25 % NPK; P2: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 10 Tons ha-1 + 50 % NPK; P3: Dose of Organic Fertilizer Chrysanthemum Waste 5 Tons ha-1 + 75 % NPK. With observation parameters, namely plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight of upper plants, dry weight of lower plants, total dry weight of plants, leaf area index, net assimilation rate, and plant growth rate. The results showed that with the addition of organic matter of chrysanthemum waste fertilizer combined with NPK inorganic fertilizer was able to support the growth of meranti tomato plants in the vegetative phase of plants with a combined dose of chrysanthemum fertilizer 5 tons Ha-1 + 75% NPK showed the best results on plant height parameters, number of leaves and dry weight of plants.

Combination of Fertilizer and Growth Regulators Impact on Nutrient Balance in Wheat Crop (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020 at All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Wheat, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.) to evaluate nutrient balance under the optimization of fertilizer levels with plant growth regulators. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design comprising nine treatment of different dose of fertilizer along with plant growth regulators namely chlormequat chloride and tebuconazole applied at the rates of 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively and replicated three times. The recommended dose of fertilizer, 120:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 was applied as per treatment. The result showed that using 150% recommended doses of NPK, recorded higher value of available nitrogen (297.320 kg ha-1), phosphorus (18.970 kg ha-1) and potassium (311.630 kg ha-1) content in soil after the harvest of wheat was significantly influenced by the application of different doses of fertilizer, while lowest available content of all the three major nutrients was recorded from control. Growth regulators had no significant influence on the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in soil. The highest nitrogen content in both grain and straw were observed with the application of 150% recommended doses of NPK with growth regulators (1.99%) and (0.567%), respectively. Phosphorus content and potassium content both in grain and straw were significantly influenced by fertilizer doses, highest value recorded with 150% recommended doses of NPK and the lowest phosphorus and potassium content in both grain and straw were recorded in control while all the other treatments receiving fertilizers with or without being at par with each other. Uptake of all the major nutrients viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium showed the similar trend with significantly highest uptake recorded with the application of 150% recommended doses of NPK with growth regulator and optimal NPK application demonstrated a positive nutrient balance in the soil. It concluded that nutrient management with growth regulator in wheat, economically viable and ecologically sound option to extend these benefits of balanced nutrition in enhancing both crop production and soil heath.

Economics of Cabbage Production Under Different Levels of Integrated Nutrient Management in Varanasi Region of Uttar Pradesh, India

The excess use of chemical fertilizers is hazardous for soil and environmental health. To reduce the level of chemical fertilizers the field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2016-17 at horticulture research farm, Department of Horticulture, U. P. College, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh). The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments. These treatments were replicated thrice. The treatments included various levels of NPK, FYM, vermicompost, Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza. Economic analysis of different treatments of cabbage production in Varanasi region (Uttar Pradesh) revealed variation in net capital investment. The results show that among different integrated nutrient management (INM) levels, half dose of NPK ha-1 + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5kg ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 has highest net return followed by half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 tons ha-1 + Phosphorus Solubilizing Mycorrhiza @ 5 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 5 kg ha-1. Lowest net return was observed with half dose treatment of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1. Cabbage crop nutrition by supplying recommended dose of NPK ha-1 (150 kg: 125 kg: 100 kg) recorded highest cost-benefit ratio (3.11) while, half dose of NPK ha-1 + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 gives lowest cost-benefit ratio (2.05) among the all INM levels.

Improving microbial properties in Psamments with mycorrhizal fungi, amendments, and fertilizer

Psamments is sandy soil with a texture class of fine loamy sand or coarser in all layers, deposited sands such as dunes in beach lands with low soil biological fertility. Adding mycorrhizal, soil amendments, and inorganic fertilizers could improve soil fertility. This research aimed to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal, soil amendments, and inorganic fertilizers on soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), and root infections in Psamments. This research was a pot experimental in screenhouse, arranged in a factorial completely randomized design with three factors: three of mycorrhizal doses, M0 = 0 spore pot-1, M1 = 3 spores pot-1 and M2 = 6 spores pot-1; three types of soil amendments, P0 = non amendment, P1 = cow dung 60 t ha-1, P2 = rice husk biochar (RHB) 25 t ha-1; and two doses of inorganic fertilizer, A0 = 0 kg ha-1, A1 = 100 kg ha-1 NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer, replied three times. The results showed that mycorrhizal combination with RHB and inorganic fertilizer increased MBC up to 23 times than control. The combination of mycorrhizal-cow dung-inorganic fertilizer was the highest of total-GRSP (4.4 times) and mycorrhizal dose 6 spores pot-1 with both amendments and inorganic fertilizer increase root infection up to 90%. It was proven that mycorrhizal with soil amendments and inorganic fertilizers could improve the microbial properties of Psamments.

Effect of Fertilizer Doses on Turmeric at Madhupur Tract under AEZ-28

A field experiment was conducted at MLT site, Madhupur (AEZ-28), Tangail during 2020-21 and 2021-22 to find out an optimum fertilizer dose of turmeric in Madhupur tract and increase productivity and economic return of the farmers. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five compact replications. The tested six treatment combinations were as T1: STB as per FRG’ 2018 (116-27-77-8-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1 ), T2 : T1 + 20% extra NK (139-27-92-8-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1), T3 :T1 + 20% extra NKS (139-27-92-9.6-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1), T4 :T1 + 20% extra NKSZn (139-27-92-8-1.8-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1), T5 : IPNS basis fertilizer with 5 t ha-1 cow dung (91-20-66-8-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1) and T6 : Farmers’ practice (115-50-125 kg NPK ha-1). BARI Halud-5 was used as test crop in this experiment. The unit plot size was 8m × 5m and spacing was maintained as 50 cm apart rows with plant to plant 25 cm. Seeds (rhizome) were planted @ 2000 kg ha-1 during 14-20 April, 2020 and 10-15 April 2021. The treatments showed significant differences in terms of yield and yield contributing characters. The highest fresh rhizome yield (17.13 t ha-1) was recorded from IPNS basis fertilizer with 5 t ha-1 cow dung i.e. (91-20-66-8-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1) treatment combination. The highest gross return (Tk.256950 ha-1) and gross margin (Tk.136740 ha-1) were recorded from the (T5) same treatment The marginal benefit cost ratio (3.79) was also highest in IPNS basis fertilizer with 5 t ha-1 cow dung i.e. (91-20-66-8-1.5-1.2 kg NPKSZnB ha-1) which further indicated the superiority among the treatments.

Yield Performance of Chia (Salvia Hispanica L.) In Response to Planting Spacing and Npk Fertilizers

Optimization of plant spacing, and fertilizer dose is very important for realizing maximum yield of a crop. An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during November 2020 to March 2021 to determine the effect of different spacing and NPK fertilizer levels on yield and yield attributes of chia seed. The experiment consisted of four different spacing viz. 30 cm × 15 cm (S1), 30 cm × 30 cm (S2), 40 cm × 15 cm (S3) and 40 cm × 30 cm (S4) and five levels of NPK fertilizer viz. No NPK (F0), 30: 20: 25 kg NPK ha-1 (F1), 60: 40: 50 kg NPK ha-1 (F2), 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 (F3) and 120: 80: 100 kg NPK ha-1 (F4). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that 40 cm × 30 cm spacing produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1, seed yield and haulm yield. The fertilizer level 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 showed the highest seed yield and haulm yield while 120:80 :100 kg NPK ha-1 exhibited the maximum number of inflorescences plant-1. The combination of 30 cm ×30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 produced the highest number of inflorescences plant-1 and seed yield whereas the combination of 40 cm × 30 cm spacing and 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 had the highest haulm yield. The present study concluded that cultivation of chia at a spacing of 30 cm × 30 cm and fertilized with 90: 60: 75 kg NPK ha-1 could be considered as the promising practice for reasonable seed yield.
 Bangladesh Agron. J. 2023, 26(1): 122-127

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.