Nutrient Application Research Articles

Influence of rice straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in potato (Solanum tuberosum) and onion (Allium cepa) under rice (Oryza sativa)–potato-onion cropping system

A field experiment was conducted during 2019–20 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the influence of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw incorporation and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of potato and onion (Allium cepa L.) in direct-seeded rice (DSR)-potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–onion cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design, consisting of 4 rice residue and nutrientapplication treatments in potato in main plots and 4 nutrient application treatments in onion in subplots, replicated 4 times. Results showed that, growth and yield-attributing characters of potato increased significantly with the incorporation of rice residue and application of FYM. Tuber yield (34.0 t/ha) as well as nutrient uptake was significantly higher when rice residue was incorporated with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 50 t/ha FYM in potato. Growth and yield attributes of onion were significantly higher with the application of 100% (RDF) + 50 t/ ha FYM along with the incorporation of rice residue in preceding potato and among the nutrient application treatments in onion, 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment was significantly superior to rest of the treatments. Significantly higher bulb yield was also obtained under these treatments. The interaction between rice residue and nutrient-management treatments in potato and nutrient-application treatments in onion was significant for bulb yield of onion, which was significantly higher with the combination of 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM treatment in onion when rice residue was incorporated with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM in preceding potato (35.8 t/ha) than all other treatment combinations, but it was statistically at par with the application of 100% RDF alone in onion when preceding potato received the same level of nutrients. Thus, in DSR-potato–onion cropping system, 50 t FYM/ha could be saved in onion crop when previous potato crop was supplied with 100% RDF + 50 t/ha FYM along with rice– residue incorporation without any yield reduction.

Foliar Application of Amino Acids and Nutrients as a Tool to Mitigate Water Stress and Stabilize Sugarcane Yield and Bioenergy Generation

Extended periods of water stress negatively affect sugarcane crop production. The foliar application of supplements containing specific nutrients and/or organic molecules such as amino acids can improve sugarcane metabolism, stalk and sugar yields, and the quality of the extracted juice. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the foliar application of an abiotic stress protection complement (ASPC) composed of 18 amino acids and 5 macronutrients. The experiments were carried out in the field with two treatments and twelve replicates. The two treatments were no application of ASPC (control) and foliar application of ASPC. The foliar application of ASPC increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH) was higher in ASPC-treated plants than in control plants, reflecting higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The level of H2O2 was 11.27 nM g−1 protein in plants treated with ASPC but 23.71 nM g−1 protein in control plants. Moreover, the application of ASPC increased stalk yield and sucrose accumulation, thus increasing the quality of the raw material. By positively stabilizing the cellular redox balance in sugarcane plants, ASPC application also increased energy generation. Therefore, applying ASPC is an effective strategy for relieving water stress while improving crop productivity.

Residual Effect of Humic Acid, PSB and Phosphorus Nutrition on Soil Chemical Properties after Harvest of Rice Crop under the Subtropical Condition of Jammu

Field experiments were conducted during Kharif season of 2022 at the Research Farm, WMRC, SKUAST- J, Chatha. The soil of the experimental site was sand clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen but medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD with three factors replicated thrice. Twenty treatment combinations comprising of five Humic acid treatments (Control, Soil Application of Humic acid @ 2.5kg/ha & 5kg/ha (Market ready), and Soil Application of Humic acid @ 2.5kg/ha & 5kg/ha (FYM), two PSB treatments (With and without PSB) and two levels of Phosphorus nutrition (100% Recommended N:100% Recommended P - 15:40 kg/ha and 100% Recommended N:75% Recommended P - 15:30 kg/ha). The utilization of Humic acid at a rate of 5 kg/ha, sourced from both Market Ready and Farm Yard Manure (FYM), combined with seed treatment employing (PSB) and a nutrient application of 100% recommended nitrogen (N): 100% recommended phosphorus (P) - 15:40 kg/ha, exhibited a more pronounced and favorable residual impact on soil properties. This was evidenced by notable improvements in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, surpassing their initial values but shows in non-significant results. Furthermore, this treatment employing humic acid application, PSB & Phosphorous nutrition showed improvement in seed yield and straw yield but failed to show significant results in residual rice crop.

Phenological Variation in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties through Foliar Application of Cytokinin Analogs and Nutrients under Water Deficit Stress

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a rainfed crop predominantly grown in temperate and subtropical climates, faces significant challenges in production due to terminal drought stress impacting various phenological stages. This study addresses the challenges posed by terminal drought stress on the phenological stage of chickpea varieties viz., JG 36 and JG 14. The experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 at the Experimental Research Farm, Seed Technology Research Unit, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P), using a split-split plot design with three replications. This research also investigates the impact of foliar applications of cytokinin analogs viz., Thiourea, Thidiazuron, and Benzyladenine and nutrients viz., ZnSO4 and KCl on chickpea under water deficit stress conditions. The results revealed significant differences in days to pod formation, seed formation, physiological maturity, and harvest maturity among the irrigation levels, varieties, and foliar spray of plant growth regulators and nutrients. Under different irrigation levels, D1 (Irrigation at 30 DAS and flower initiation) exhibited delayed phenological stages of the crop, while D2 (Drought stress at flowering up to physiological maturity) showed an early onset of all the phenological stages. Under water deficit conditions, JG 14 exhibited accelerated maturity beyond its typical early maturation in comparison to well-watered conditions, highlighting the impact of environmental stress on varietal responses. With respect to the application of plant growth regulators and nutrients, treatment T12 (TDZ @ 10 ppm + 1% KCl) significantly delayed pod and seed formation, as well as physiological and harvest maturity as compared to untreated control (T1). Foliar application of TDZ @ 10 ppm + 1% KCl (T12) enhanced seed filling duration by 2.59 days compared to the untreated control. Further investigations are needed to identify the impact of Thidiazuron and KCl in enhancing seed yield and seed weight of chickpea under optimal and sub-optimal soil water conditions, to provide recommendations for chickpea growers.

Secondary and micronutrient application effects on corn fertilized for different yield goals under highly weathered soil conditions

AbstractHighly weathered soils have low native fertility; thus, optimum nutrient management is critical, especially for a high‐input crop such as corn (Zea mays). Field studies were established in Plains and Tifton, GA, to assess secondary nutrient (SN; Mg, Ca, and S) and micronutrient (MN; B, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Mo) application effects on corn fertilized with primary nutrients (PN; N, P, and K) to achieve 12.5 Mg ha−1 (low) and 25.1 Mg ha−1 (high) yields. Both Plains and Tifton have Ultisol soil. However, the Tifton soil has a 30‐cm top sandy layer, and the Plains soil has no top sandy layer. Differences in corn nutrient concentrations were observed at the V5–V7 stage but not in biomass accumulation. The 12.5 Mg ha−1 target grain yield from applying the low PN was exceeded at both locations (by 19.0%–26.6% in Plains and 6.3%–19.7% in Tifton), irrespective of the SN or MN application. However, the 25.1 Mg ha−1 target grain yield from applying the high PN rate was not achieved, with yields of 16.9–17.7 Mg ha−1 in Plains and 15.7–17.1 Mg ha−1 in Tifton obtained. The SN and/or MN application increased corn yield (by 2.3%–13.6%) across all conditions, but the differences were statistically significant under just the low PN rate in Tifton. Overall, the results showed that SN and MN could be yield‐limiting factors of corn in the Ultisol soils tested in the study, and also 12.5 Mg ha−1 corn yield can be achieved with lower PN rates than currently recommended.

Fertilization during mineland rehabilitation may shift competitive outcomes toward invasive species

Managing invasive species is essential for achieving mineland rehabilitation goals and ensuring the long‐term provision of critical ecosystem services while preventing new dispersion sources to neighboring areas. Traditional techniques include chemical and manual weeding, but frequent reinvasion limits their long‐term success. Therefore, additional integrated tools, such as stimulating natural competitors, may become necessary, especially where sensitive ecosystems, e.g. the ferruginous savanna ecosystem (cangas) from the Carajás National Forest, Eastern Amazon, Brazil, are found nearby rehabilitation sites. Here, we investigate the influence of different substrates and fertilization levels on the biotic interactions between two native canga grasses (Axonopus longispicus and Paspalum cinerascens) and the invasive molasses grass (Melinis minutiflora), which is frequently found in anthropized and natural ecosystems in Latin America. Nutrient application significantly influenced the growth, resource use strategies, and competitive outcomes of M. minutiflora. Nutrient application has positive effects on the growth of native species when cultivated in isolation but reduces plant development when subjected to competition with molasses grass, potentiating the invader. Although neither of the tested native species exhibited competitive advantages over M. minutiflora, increased nitrogen availability favored the competitive ability of this invasive grass. Thus, eliminating fertilization during mineland rehabilitation may be important for reducing the cover of M. minutiflora in the Carajás region, as sensitive canga ecosystems lack natural barriers against invasion. This strategic approach mitigates the operational risks and costs associated with combating invasive species from rehabilitating minelands, reducing propagule pressure on neighboring canga areas.

Sustainable Management Practices to Enhance Rainfed Soybean Productivity under Changing Climate

Soybean being rainfed crop encounters various problems associated with climate change. Flood, poor distribution of rainfall, dry spell at critical stage during cropping season, pest and disease incidence, imbalance nutrient application and soil degradation resulted stagnation in country soybean productivity (<1.0 tones ha-1). Therefore, adaption of climate smart sustainable management practices could be viable options. The development of crop specific sustainable management practices under changing climate is continuous process. Hence, effort has made to describe some of the sustainable management (conservation agriculture, integrated crop management, organic farming and natural farming) practices in rainfed soybean to enhance productivity, restore soil fertility and farm profitability under changing climate.

HLB Progress and Yield Sustainability in Mature Sweet Orange Orchards Treated with Nutritional and Elicitor Products

Although the implementation of area-wide inoculum reduction and Asian citrus psyllid control are decisive in controlling Huanglongbing (HLB) epidemics, growers continue looking for enhanced nutritional and/or resistance inducer (ENRI) treatments to mitigate yield damage in HLB-affected trees. Therefore, an experiment was set up in an 8-year-old sweet orange orchard to evaluate the effects of the foliar application of nutrients, phosphite, and salicylate sprayed four to five times per year during flushing periods. The trial had eight treatments in four randomized blocks. HLB incidence and yield were assessed from December 2010 to January 2017. HLB-symptomatic trees with less than 5% HLB severity were selected from each plot in the first (Group 1), second (Group 2), and third years (Group 3) after the beginning of treatments to assess the frequency of trees with different HLB symptoms and micronutrient deficiencies, HLB severity, and fruit yield until January 2017. Twenty asymptomatic trees from each plot were also harvested for comparison each year. ENRI treatments did not reduce the progress of HLB incidence in the plots or the HLB severity progress or frequency of HLB symptoms in the selected trees. ENRI treatments did not improve the yield of symptomatic trees compared with asymptomatic trees. Hence, in a scenario without HLB-symptomatic tree removal in mature orchards, disease severity progress and yield reduction in HLB-affected trees remained regardless of ENRI treatment. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Yield sustainability through micronutrient management in Guava

A field study conducted with soil and foliar application of ZnSO4 and borax at different phenological stages of guava cv. Shewta in sandy loam soil, revealed that highest sustainable yield index (0.80) was recorded with two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval, followed by 0.63 with three sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax before flowering, fruit set and during fruit growth. Highest TSS (13.13°Brix), acidity (0.652%) and ascorbic acid (262.21 mg/100 g) was recorded in two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 + 0.2% borax at fruit growth in one month interval. Significant differences in Zn and B content in guava fruit pulp was recorded. It was noted that Guava fruit pulp had Zn content of 13.7 mg kg-1 in control tree fruits while 14.6 to 16.5 mg kg-1 in treated trees. Moreover, guava fruit pulp enriched with B (14.3 to 17.3 mg kg-1) in treated tree fruits as compared to 12.4 mg kg-1 in control trees. Micronutrient contents in leaf tissues showed significant difference in Zn and B concentration, whereas, Fe, Mn and Cu contents were statistically non-significant. The index suggested for attaining the sustainability and to economize the nutrient application, technology package consisting of two sprays of 0.4% ZnSO4 and 0.2% borax during fruit growth at one month interval should be adopted at growers’ field.

Seed Germination and Seed Vigour Induction through Foliar Application of Plant Growth Regulators and Nutrients under Drought Stress in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Chickpea cultivation in rainfed regions, such as Madhya Pradesh, faces challenges due to water stress, impacting crop yield and quality. The study conducted assesses the impact of foliar spray with plant growth regulators and nutrients on the germination percentage, seedling length, and seed vigour indices of chickpea varieties (JG 36 and JG 14) under water deficit conditions. Cytokinin analogues, known for breaking dormancy, and other growth regulators and nutrients were applied during the flowering stage. The results revealed significant differences in germination percentage, seedling length, seed vigour index I, and seed vigour index II among irrigation levels, varieties, and foliar spray of plant growth regulators and nutrients. Under different irrigation levels, D1 (Irrigation at 30 DAS and at flower initiation) recorded the highest germination percentage (97.24%), seedling length (31.41 cm), seed vigour index I (3054.81), and seed vigour index II (52.77) compared to control D2 (Drought stress at Flowering up to physiological maturity). JG 14 (V1) performed well, achieving the highest germination percentage of 96.99%. Among the treatments, foliar application of Benzyladenine (BA) at 40 ppm (T3) resulted in the highest germination percentage (98.17%) and seed vigour index II (60.33), whereas T8 (BA 40ppm + ZnSO4 1%) exhibited the highest seedling length (31.83 cm) and seed vigour index I (3099.85). This study demonstrates that foliar spray with plant growth regulators and nutrients, particularly Benzyladenine at 40 ppm, significantly improved germination percentage, seedling length, and seed vigour index, offering potential solutions for enhancing chickpea productivity under water deficit conditions.

Improving grain quality and nitrogen use efficiency of cereal-based cropping systems on vertisols in semi-arid tropics

ContextSemi-arid tropics is facing serious issues of malnutrition in population owing to poor quality of food grain production. Malnutrition is directly linked to lower grain protein and zinc yield due to inappropriate land and water, and nutrient management practices, which also resulted into reduced nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in cereals. ObjectiveThe objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of land and water and nutrient management on grain protein and zinc yield, and NUE of cereal-based cropping systems on vertisols soils in semi-arid tropics. MethodsThe study was carried out at Hyderabad in India during 2014–15 and 2015–16 and involved three cropping systems (two rotation systems: sorghum-chickpea and maize-groundnut; and one intercropping: pearl millet + pigeonpea), two land and water management i.e. flatbed and broad bed furrows and four nutrient management-N1: Control (no fertilizer), N2: 100% recommended application of macronutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) through chemical fertilizer, N3: N2 + 100% recommended application of secondary nutrient (sulphur) and micronutrient (zinc and boron) through chemical fertilizer, and N4 (integrated nutrient): 50% of N2 + 50% nitrogen in cereals or phosphorus in legumes through organic fertilizer as vermicompost. ResultsIn sorghum-chickpea rotation system, the treatment interaction broad bed furrows with 100% recommended application of macronutrient, secondary nutrient and micronutrient recorded significantly higher grain zinc yield in both the years, while grain protein yield was significantly higher in second year. The grain protein and zinc yield in sorghum-chickpea rotation system, and agronomic nitrogen use efficiency in pearl millet+pigeonpea intercropping system was significantly higher in broad bed furrows than flatbed. The agronomic NUE of broad bed furrows was higher by 61% in 2014–15 and 65% in 2015–16 over flatbed. Among the nutrient management treatments, grain protein and zinc yield, and agronomic NUE were significantly higher in combined application of macronutrient, secondary nutrient, and micronutrients through chemical fertilizer i.e. N3 followed by N4, N2 and N1. ConclusionThe broad bed furrows and application of macronutrient, secondary nutrient and micronutrient could be an effective integrated land and water and nutrient management approach to improve grain quality and agronomic nitrogen use efficiency of cereal-based cropping systems in semi-arid tropics. ImplicationsThis study contributed to develop integrated land and water and nutrient management as an innovative agronomic management practice for cereal-based cropping systems, which needs to scale-up through Government agricultural policies to overcome the issue of malnutrition in population living in semi-arid tropics.

Evaluation of foliar application of bio-stimulants and nutrients on the seed yield of transplanted finger millet (Eleusine coracana)

Foliar application of bio-stimulants and nutrients is a rapid and promising strategy to enhance the availability of nutrients at a critical stage of crop growth. This favoured the nutrient balance in improving crop growth and yield potential. Therefore, this field study was conducted during 2021 at a farmer’s field in Srivilliputhur block, Tamil Nadu to assess the effect of foliar application of bio-stimulants and nutrients on transplanted finger millet CO15. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and eight treatments viz., Control, GA3 @ 50 ppm, Panchagava @ 3%, Seaweed extract (Sargassum wightii) @ 5%, Humic acid @ 5%, Boron @ 0.3%, ZnSO4 @ 0.5% and FeSO4 @ 0.5% sprayed twice at 20 DAT and 45 DAT. Ten characters namely plant height, number of tillers/hill, Leaf area index, dry matter production, number of ear heads/hill, number of fingers/ear head, finger length, test weight, seed yield and straw yield were studied. Among the different foliar treatments, NPK along with the foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T6 ) significantly enhance the growth and yield parameters compared to the other treatments. Hence, foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T6 ) could be adopted to get a higher seed yield.

Agro-Physiologic Traits of Soybean in Response to Biological Fertilizers

Plant nutrition is one of the most important environmental factors affecting the quantitative and qualitative yield of crops. This study investigated the effect of rhizobium and azospirillum inoculum and foliar application of humic acid and nutrients of molybdenum, cobalt, and boron on node formation, yield, yield components, and morpho-phenological traits of soybean (Saman cultivar). The experiment was carried out in a factorial randomized complete block design at Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2018 and 2019 in three replications. The results showed that experimental treatments had a significant effect on the measured traits. Most of the measured traits, including yield, under the influence of seed treatment with bacteria azospirillum and cobalt, molybdenum, boron showed more increase than the control. It was found that under humic treatment, application of bacteria and nutrients can be effective on improvement of seed yield, so the highest seed yield mean (3268 kg/ha) was obtained by humic acid + Rhizobium+Azospirillum + Co+Mo+B treatments. Also, the highest protein yield mean was obtained by humic acid + Rhizobium + Co+Mo+B treatments (1103 kg/ha) and highest mean of oil yield was obtained by humic acid + Rhizobium+Azospirillum + Co+Mo treatments (577 kg/ha). Overall, the results of this study confirmed the efficiency of nitrogen-fixing bacteria as well as foliar application of micronutrients in increasing soybean yield per unit area.

Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Remote Sensing for Agricultural Monitoring

Precision agriculture and Smart farming have become the essential backbone for sustainable agricultural production by leveraging cutting-edge remote sensing and communication technologies. With the remarkable development in recent decades, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) based sensing technologies have gained rapid proliferation and exploitation in precision agriculture. The unprecedented availability of high resolution (spatial, spectral and temporal) satellite images has promoted the use of remote sensing in many PA applications, including crop monitoring, irrigation management, nutrient application, disease and pest management, and yield prediction. Using thermal infrared or hyperspectral cameras, UAV remote sensing takes extensive pictures of farmland. It also collects the reflection bands of various crops, monitors and analyzes crop growth trends, locates disease and insect pests, and determines the moisture content of the soil based on variations in the bands. This paper will discuss the basic principles of UAV remote sensing technology for monitoring crop growth, disease, and insect pests, the application of soil vegetation index monitoring, and the development prospects of UAV remote sensing in agricultural monitoring.

Subsoil SOC increased by high C:N ratio straw application with optimized nitrogen supplementation

AbstractThe application of straw and nutrients to agricultural subsoils is of significant interest to enhance carbon (C) sequestration and soil fertility. However, little research has explored the effect straw application on microbial stoichiometry, soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization and accumulation and their relationships, in subsoil. In order to address these knowledge gaps, we examined the soil characteristics (organic carbon mineralization, available nutrient contents and microbial stoichiometric ratio) under straw addition (maize leaf and stem) with and without nitrogen (N) supplementation (no addition, 30 mg N kg−1 dry soil−1, 60 mg N kg−1 dry soil−1) during an 80‐day incubation experiment. The microbial stoichiometric ratio imbalance (C:N and C:Phosphorus (P)) and extracellular enzyme stoichiometry were measured as indicators of the systematic relationship between soil resource availability and the mineralization of organic carbon. Our study demonstrated that the addition of straw significantly enhanced CO2 emissions and led to an increase in the C:N imbalance, while simultaneously decreasing microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE). In addition, stem addition showed 5.6% lower CUE, but 8.2% higher SOC compared with leaf addition. We also found that nitrogen addition to subsoil alleviated microbial nitrogen limitation. 60 mg N kg−1 dry soil rates of nitrogen application had a positive effect on reducing C:N imbalance and promoting the accumulation of SOC. Extracellular enzyme activity and microbial stoichiometric ratio were the most important controlling factors of SOC mineralization and microbial CUE, respectively. In conclusion, the application of straw alongside N to balance stoichiometric ratios can significantly increase SOC content, indicating the potential for carbon sequestration in agricultural subsoils.

Foliar application of secondary nutrients and banana special on bunch and yield of banana cv. Ney Poovan under hill zone of Karnataka, India

Foliar application of secondary nutrients and banana special on bunch and yield of banana cv. Ney Poovan under hill zone of Karnataka, India

A microphysiological system for parallelized morphological and electrophysiological read-out of 3D neuronal cell culture.

Three-dimensional in vitro models in microfluidic systems are promising tools for studying cell biology, with complex models using multiple cell types combined with high resolution imaging. Neuronal models demand electrical readout of the activity of networks of single neurons, yet classical planar microelectrode arrays struggle to capture extracellular action potentials when neural soma are suspended distant from the microelectrodes. This study introduces sophisticated microfluidic microelectrode arrays, specifically tailored for electrophysiology of 3D neuronal cultures. Using multilayer photolithography of permanent epoxy photoresists, we developed devices having 12 independent culture modules in a convenient format. Each module has two adjacent compartments for hydrogel-based 3D cell culture, with tunnels allowing projection of neurites between compartments. Microelectrodes integrated in the tunnels record action potentials as they pass between the compartments. Mesh ceilings separate the compartments from overlying wells, allowing for simple cell seeding and later nutrient, gas and waste exchange and application of test substances. Using these devices, we have demonstrated 3D neuronal culture, including electrophysiological recording and live imaging. This microphysiological platform will enable high-throughput investigation of neuronal networks for investigation of neurological disorders, neural pharmacology and basic neuroscience. Further models could include cocultures representing multiple brain regions or innervation models of other organs.

Nutrient Properties of Fresh and Composted Cotton Gin Byproducts and Cattle Manure for Soil Amendment

Highlights N and P concentrations in composted vs. fresh Cotton Gin Byproducts (CGB) were at least 55% (dry basis) higher. P concentrations in composted vs. raw Beef Manure (BM) were approximately 25% higher. Characterization informs product formulations and process parameters for co-pelleting CGB with BM. Accurate formulation would enhance the potential for sustainable utilization of both byproducts. Abstract. Applications of fresh and composted Cotton Gin Byproducts (CGB) and cattle manure as soil amendments are very common practices in the industry. However, composting and direct application of the materials are often limited by factors such as bulkiness, varying nutrient composition and application rates, and handling/transportation costs. This study was conducted to characterize fresh and composted CGB and beef manure (BM) for subsequent co-pelletization and utilization as soil amendments, and to investigate the effects of composting on the nutrient composition and agronomic values. Raw and composted samples of CGB and BM at different storage periods and composting ages were sourced from two commercial gins and a beef farm. Nutrient content, acidity, and compost maturity indices such as carbon/nitrogen (C/N) and ammonium/nitrate (NH4-N/NO3-N) ratios were determined and compared. All samples were obtained at four sampling points on the respective storage or composting piles. The results showed that composted CGB generally contained at least 55% more total-N and phosphorus oxide (P2O5), but approximately 35% less potassium oxide (K2O) than fresh CGB. Composted BM had approximately 3% less total-N, but at least 25% more P2O5 than raw BM. The nutrient compositions affirm the potential for co-pelletizing both forms of CGB and BM to improve the agronomic values and enhance the utilization as soil amendments. In addition, establishing the various properties of CGB and BM is crucial for determining product formulations and selecting process parameters for co-pelletization. Keywords: Beef manure, Composting, Cotton ginning, Nutrient composition, Soil fertility.

Effect of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth and Yield Attributes of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) under Rainfed Condition of Southern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted at Dryland Farming Research Station, Arjia, Bhilwara, MPUAT, Udaipur during kharif, 2022 to assess the effect of foliar application of nutrients on growth and yield attributes of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) under rainfed condition of southern Rajasthan. The experiment consisted of eight treatments and replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design (RBD). The foliar spray of nutrients was done at flower and pod initiation stage. The experiment results revealed that maximum plant height (cm) (63.18), dry matter accumulation plant-1 (9.15), number of nodules plant-1 (48.02) and weight of nodules plant-1 were registered with treatment T8 (RDF + Foliar spray of NPK (18:18:18) @ 2% + ZnSO4 @ 0.5%). Significantly higher number of pod plant-1 (37.15), pod length (5.10 cm), number of seed pod-1 (7.42), test weight (43.94 g), grain yield (950 kg ha-1) and straw yield (1808.33 kg ha-1) were also reported in the same treatment of RDF + Foliar spray of NPK (18:18:18) @ 2% + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% (T8 ) and it was at par with treatment T7 (RDF + Foliar spray of DAP @ 2% + ZnSO4 @ 0.5%).

ЕКСПРЕС-ДІАГНОСТИКА ХЛОРОФІЛУ НА ПОСІВАХ ПШЕНИЦІ ОЗИМОЇ

The purpose of this research is a comparative analysis of the chlorophyll content in two varieties of winter wheat in different periods of plant development using an autonomous field device (N-tester) for operational measurement of nitrogen content and calculation of the optimal dose of nutrient application on winter wheat crops during different phases of vegetation. Methods and materials. The research was conducted in the Oleksandrivskyi and Bobrynetskyi districts of Kirovohrad region on the fields of two farms on winter wheat crops (varieties «Memory» and «Avenue») with selected control plots with an area of 3 m2 each. At the key moments of plant development, before applying fertilizers, chlorophyll was measured using the N-tester «CSM-200 Plus GPS» and the sugar content was measured with a refractometer «HT116ATC», after which the required dose of application of drugs was calculated. In both farms, fertilizing was carried out at the optimal time of fertilizer application, but the rates of fertilizer were radically different. Results. Wheat of the «Memory» variety in the control plot (the total amount of applied nitrogen was 198 kg/ha), starting from the earing phase, looked greener, taller, the ear had a larger size, the indicators of the N-tester and the content of sugars in the control plot had higher indicators, but also the ripening period in the control plot lasted longer than in the rest of the field (the total amount of applied nitrogen per year was 101 kg/ha). Winter wheat of the «Avenue» variety in terms of the main indicators in the control plot (the total amount of applied nitrogen 145 kg/ha) and in the field (the total amount of applied nitrogen 183 kg/ha) almost did not differ: the length of the ear, the height of the plant, and the color are the same, the indicators of the N-tester and the content of sugars are also almost the same. Therefore, it can be concluded that the introduction of an additional amount of 38 kg/ha per year was ineffective and did not increase productivity. Conclusions. Operational measurement of the nitrogen content in field conditions using the N-tester made it possible to effectively calculate the doses of nutrients applied to winter wheat crops during different phases of vegetation and contributed to increasing the yield level of the investigated crop varieties. Keywords: fertilizers, plant nutrition, winter wheat, refractometer, harvest, phases of plant development, chlorophyll, N-tester.