Doses Of Nutrients Research Articles

Impact of Nutrients on the Development and Yield of Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.): A Review

Maize (Zea mays L.),the most important and multipurpose crops, different environmental condition is suitable for maize crop growing ,and has miscellaneous uses as animal feed and human food. Maize not only provided energy but also provided protein, crude protein, crude fibre, etc. All macro and micro nutrients affect different growth stages of fodder maize crops. Different doses of different nutrients affect differently over the plant enhancement and yield into fodder maize crops. Green fodder plays an important role as a feed o animal husbandry. Nutritious fodders are directly and primarily involved in the growth and production of the dairy department. As a nutritious and non-leguminous feed, fodder maize is the more significant green fodder. The growing time of maize is quick, with high dry matter accumulating, power and is a highly dainty fodder crop. Fodder maize holds adequate quantities of protein, minerals and annexes high digestibility as compared to legume and non-legume fodder crops. Fodder maize is use as silage for preservation due to the presence of high availability of soluble sugars in the early green stage. So, adopt proper macro and micronutrients with the proper dose which help the crop grow quickly and produce good quality fodder crops for animals.

Combine effects of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on maize–sesame cropping sequence of middle Gujarat

AbstractIncreasing uses of nutrients have played a major role in increasing the food supply to a continually growing world population. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in significant losses, inefficient utilization, and nutritional imbalance. However, poor soil management, inadequate nutrient application, and extreme weather conditions have all contributed to soil degradation. Prudent usage of integrated nutrient management (INM) is the greatest alternative to provide nutrients to crop needs and enhance soil conditions to repair the soil's nutrient depletion. To examine the impact of INM on the yield of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) and its lasting effects on succeeding summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under irrigated conditions during 2019–2020 to 2021–2022 at College Agronomy Farm, Bansilal Amrutlal (B. A.) College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India, a field trial was conducted on loamy sand soil of Agro‐Climatic Zone–XIII, Gujarat Plains, and Hills region, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 treatments. The improved growth, yield, and protein content of the maize crop were obtained by the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN) through vermicompost + nitrogen–phosporus–potassium (NPK) consortium (soil application). In the subsequent sesame crop, residual effects of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through farm yard manure (FYM) + NPK consortium (soil application) together with 50% RDF (50:25:00 NPK kg/ha) were reported, which led to higher crop growth and yield. Under the conditions of middle Gujarat, the application of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through the FYM + NPK consortium (soil application) led to a greater system net realization in the maize–sesame sequence.

Response of Nutrient Omission on the Performance of Rapeseed at Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal

The field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient on growth, yield and yield attributes of promising rapeseed genotypes, and assess the economics of nutrient management in Strip Plot Designat the station of Directorate of Agricultural Research, Parwanipur, Bara during winter season of 2019with two rapeseed genotypes (Morang Tori 2 and ACC 9109) in horizontal stripe and six combination of nutrient doses of NPKS (60:40:20:20 kg NPKS/ ha (N1), 0:40:20:20 kg NPKS/ ha (N2), 60:0:20:20 kg NPKS/ha (N3), 60:40:0:20 kg NPKS/ ha (N4), 60:40:20:0 kg NPKS/ ha (N5) and 0:0:0:0 kg NPKS/ ha. (N0) in vertical strip with three replications. The results revealed that at N1 treated plot the plant height at 30 DAS (64.53 cm), 60 DAS (84.22 cm), 90 DAS (104.62 cm, no. of primary (8.50) and secondary (41.50) branches, siliquae/plant (138.15), seed/siliqua (15.33), test weight of seed (3.45 gm), yield (1072.5 Kg/ha.), B: C ratio (1.94) were higher as compared to control treatment or N0. The interaction of ACC 9109 and 60:40:20:20 Kg NPKS/ha gives highest yield (1343 Kg/ha) with highest B: C ratio of 2.442 and interaction of ACC 9109 and control plot (315 Kg/ha) gives lowest yield with B: C ratio of 0.882. It was concluded that the cultivation of ACC 9109 with 60:40:20:20 Kg NPKS/ha can improve crop growth, grain yield and profitability of rapeseed in Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal.

Influence of nitrogen sources on grain yield of wheat and net global warming potential

ABSTRACT Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission is mainly associated with aerobic crop culture, which is influenced by nitrogen (N) fertilizer sources, rates, placement methods, and water management systems. The influence of N fertilizers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission patterns are not well documented in Asian region. The present investigation was undertaken to identify GHG emission patterns, net carbon budget, net global warming potential (GWP) and GHG intensity. N fertilizer from prilled urea (PU), urea super granule (USG) and N-phosphorus (P)-potassium (K) briquette (NPKB) were used and compared with control (no fertilizer). Equal nutrient doses were maintained for all the treatments irrespective of fertilizer sources. Static close chamber technique was used for measuring GHG emission. Depending on treatments, total methane (CH4), nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide (CO2) fluxes were 8.16–10.85, 0.57-0.49-0.59 and 1739–2309 kg ha−1 season−1, respectively and net GWPs varied from −1292 to −2438 kg CO2 eq. ha−1 season−1. Wheat grain yields significantly varied from 3.2 to 3.9 t ha−1 because of N sources and rates. Use of USG for wheat cultivation can increase CO2 removal about 22–88% from the atmosphere along with about 2–14% grain yield and 26–48% soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration improvements compared to other N sources in Bangladesh.

Influence of container, potting media and nutrients on production and post-production consumer acceptance of potted marigold (Tagetes patula L.)

Production of potted plants is influenced by factors viz., type of container, potting medium, nutrient dose. A study was conducted to standardize these factors for potted French marigold var. Arka Pari. The treatments comprised of two type of containers (plastic and coir), three potting media [red soil + FYM + sand (1:1:1 v/v), Arka fermented cocopeat (AFC), AFC + vermicompost (1:1 v/v)] and four nutrition concentrations (160:30:180 ppm N:P: K, 128:24:144 ppm N:P: K, 96:18:108 ppm N:P:K and 3% Jeevamrutha) laid out in factorial completely randomized design replicated thrice. Plants grown in potting media combination of Arka fermented cocopeat (AFC) + vermicompost (1:1 v/v) along with weekly application of nutrient solution (128:24:144 ppm NPK) produced maximum number of flowers plant-1 (147.61) and registered highest uptake of nitrogen (2.87 g plant-1), phosphorus (0.53 g plant-1), potassium (3.24 g plant-1), magnesium (0.85 g plant-1) and sulphur (0.21 g plant-1). Based on the attributes of the potted plants, this treatment combination also registered the highest score (81.2 on a scale of 100), willingness of the consumers to purchase (4.5 on a scale of 5), overall acceptability (2.7 on a scale of 3) and the benefit cost ratio of 1.18.

Effect of Spacing and Nutrition on Soil Nutrient Status and Uptake of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica)

A field study was conducted to investigate the influence of spacing and nutrition on soil nutrient status and Uptake of Broccoli and the investigation was titled "Effect of spacing and nutrition on soil nutrient status and uptake of Broccoli." The experiment consists of 3 limits of spacing i.e., S1 (45x30 cm), S2 (45x45 cm), S3 (60x45 cm) and 3 limits of nutrient i.e., N1 (100 percent recommended dose of nutrients), N2 (75 percent recommended dose of nutrients), N3 (125 percent recommended dose of nutrients). It was designed in FRCBD includes nine treatment combinations with three replications. The analysed experimental data showed that the available nutrient in the soil and nutrient uptake by the plant after harvesting of Broccoli. Increasing the spacing and nutrient levels enhances the soil N, P and K availability and absorbed by the broccoli after harvesting. The maximum availability of N (296.57kg ha-1), P (116.54kg ha-1) and K (72.85kg ha-1) in the soil was found in the S3. The higher availability of N (275.20kg ha-1), P (104.88kg ha-1) and K (71.37kg ha-1) in the soil was shown in the fertilizer limit N3. The higher N (160.16kg ha-1), P (127.13kg ha-1) and K uptake (65.83kg ha-1) by the Broccoli was reported in the wider level of spacing S3. The maximum N (158.09kg ha-1), P (127.94kg ha-1) and K uptake (65.84kg ha-1) by Broccoli was observed in the nutrient level of N3.

Improved agronomic practices and high yielding rice varieties maintain soil health and enhance yield and energy use efficiency under shifting cultivation landscapes of easternHimalayas

AbstractLow productivity, depletion of soil fertility, and inefficient energy use are the major challenges of fragile Jhum (shifting cultivation: 280 M ha worldwide) agro‐ecosystems in north eastern Himalaya. Farmers' participatory field trials were conducted in sloping lands of Meghalaya, India over 3 years to identify suitable agronomic management practices and input responsive rice genotypes for sustaining soil health and enhance carrying capacity of Jhum land. Eleven genotypes of rice (six high yielding varieties [HYVs] and five landraces) were tested under two management practices, namely, improved Jhum (line‐sowing in contour, 50% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) + farm yard manure 5 Mg ha−1with two hand weeding operations) and traditional Jhum (broadcasting, no manure/fertilizer/pesticides, and single hand weeding) as reference. Improved Jhum practices significantly increased (p = 0.05) rice yield (103.8%–133.7%), improved soil health, farm profitability, net energy output, and energy intensity. The HYVs of rice, namely, RCM 5, Bhalum‐3, and IURON 514 (1.92–1. 96 Mg ha−1) significantly out yielded local landraces, namely, Mannar, Kbaslu, Kba Khasi, Pnahiong, and Pnahlaispah (1.44–1.65 Mg ha−1). The soils under improved Jhum practices had significantly higher SOC (16.9 g kg−1), available N (278.2 kg ha−1), P2O5% (12.8 kg ha−1), K (217.1 kg ha−1), and more water infiltration rate (74.1 mm h−1) over traditional practice after 3 years of our present study. The rice yield for second and third year of cropping were also significantly higher (p = 0.05) under improved Jhum practices (2.23 and 2.01 Mg ha−1, respectively) as compared to traditional Jhum.The net income enhanced by 53% and 85 to 104.6% owing to adoption of improved Jhum and HYVs over local practice and genotypes, respectively. Hence, growing HYVs of rice, namely, RCM 5, Bhalum‐3, and IURON 514 along with improved agronomic practices are recommended for achieving higher productivity, extending carrying capacity, and sustaining soil health in Jhum ecosystems of north eastern Himalaya.

The effect of beneficial microorganism as biofertilizer application in hydroponic-grown tomato

<p>The use of N<sub>2</sub>-fixing bacteria and growth hormone-producing rhizobacteria delivers nitrogen, enhances nutrients absorption by plants, and reduces the usage of inorganic fertilizers. Implementing biofertilizer in the hydroponic system as a means to reduce application of synthetic nutrient is recently in interest due to economic, food safety, and sustainability factors. This study determines the effects of biofertilizer dose on tomato yields in the hydroponics system. A randomized block design was utilized that consisted of seven treatments, namely 100% inorganic fertilizer and 0% biofertilizer (control), and various doses of inorganic nutrient combined with 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% biofertilizer. The result illustrated that the application of biofertilizer augmented the population of endophytic bacteria, <em>Azotobacter</em> sp., <em>Azospirillum</em> sp., phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and nitrogen content. The distinct combination of biofertilizer did not alter the phosphorus and potassium content compared to control samples however resulted in superior tomato grade. The 50% inorganic fertilizer and 100% biofertilizer combination amplified the weight of the fruit by 36% compared to the control. This finding indicates that the application of biofertilizers in the hydroponic system for tomato plants is not only beneficial in minimizing the dosage of inorganic fertilizers but also enhancing the fruit quality.</p>

The Effect of Foliar Zinc Application on the Leaf Chlorophyll Concentrations and Grain Yields of the Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Field Experiments of Two Seasons

This research examined the effectiveness of zinc foliar fertilizers. Two winter wheat varieties, GK Pilis and Zvezdana, were tested in a Zn-limited meadow chernozem soil. Crop yields and chlorophyll concentrations of the leaves were examined in the growing seasons of 2020/2021 of favorable weather conditions and 2021/2022 of drought weather conditions. In the experiment, three treatments were carried out with monozinc foliar fertilizer of a concentrated 12% (w/v) zinc sulfate heptahydrate solution, and the fourth plot was designed as the untreated control. The first monozinc treatment was applied at a dose of 1 L ha−1 and the second monozinc treatment at a dose of 2 L ha−1. These treatments were applied at tillering (BBCH 21–22). The third monozinc treatment was applied at a dose of 1 L ha−1 at tillering and flag leaf emergence (BBCH 21–22, BBCH 37). Samples were taken several times in the vegetation period, and measurements were made using different methods (SPAD, determination of total chlorophyll concentration from acetone solution) before and after Zn treatments. In 2020/2021 of favorable weather conditions, the yield of Zvezdana was 5.47 t ha−1 and that of Gk Pilis was 6.11 t ha−1, compared to 2021/2022 of drought weather conditions, in which year the yield of Zvezdana was 3.14 t ha−1 and that of Gk Pilis was 2.79 t ha−1. Yields of both varieties increased with increasing NPK nutrient doses. In 2021/2022, even at nutrient level D (NPK basal fertilizer and two-times N topdressing), we harvested on average twice as much as in 2020/2021 at nutrient level A (N basal fertilizer and once N topdressing). No significant effects were found between the foliar fertilizers in 2020/2021. In 2021/2022, Zn treatments, mainly at four nutrient levels tended to increase the yields of both varieties. The first treatment resulted in a grain yield reduction of 3% for GK Pilis, and the second treatment resulted in a grain yield reduction of 1.2% for Zvezdana. After the second and third treatments, grain yield reductions were 0.1%–0.5%. Although there was no significant difference in terms of the main averages, foliar fertilizer was found to be effective in the second year. The relationship between chlorophyll and grain yield was found to depend on the year and variety. A weak correlation (r = 0.33, p < 0.05) was found between the total chlorophyll concentration in leaves for Zvezdana in 2021, and a medium correlation for GK Pilis (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Concerning grain yield and chlorophyll concentration, a strong correlation (r = 0.81, p < 0.05) was found for Zvezdana in 2022, and a weak correlation (r = 0.44, p < 0.05) for GK Pilis. A strong correlation was found between the total leaf chlorophyll concentration and SPAD index in both years (r = 0.81, p < 0.05)

Modeling of fertilization on the photosynthetic and yield indicators of melon (Cucumis melo L.) under the saline soils of southern Kazakhstan

Recommendations on the use of generalized regional fertilizers for agricultural crops lead to low fertilizer efficiency, and an imbalance of plant nutrition while identifying economic and environmental problems. The use of innovative methods with the modelling of fertilizers with balanced doses of nutrients used based on the needs of crops, the potential of fertility and the degree of soil degradation should be the main condition for sustainable precision farming. Therefore, a field experiment to study the application of mineral fertilizers on melon was carried out under two saline backgrounds of light serozem at a farmer’s field, Maktaaral District, Kazakhstan during 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 10 treatments: T1–Control (no fertilizer), T2–N120P80, T3–N120K80, T4–P80K80, T5–N120P80K80, T6–N60P80K80, T7–N180P80K80, T8–N120P120K80, T9–N120P80K120 and T10–N157K256 and N93K96 for a targeted yield of 30 and 20 t/ha on low and medium-saline soils, respectively, each replicated thrice. Ammonium nitrate (34%), double superphosphate (45%) and potassium sulfate (51%) were used as fertilizers. The study of photosynthetic productivity of plants showed that the accumulation of dry biomass (from 1.9 to 10.37 t/ha) and leaf area (from 7.8 to 26.5 m2/ha) adequately changed with changes in doses and ratios of fertilizers. On the low salinity background, high early yields were provided by T5 and T10-10.1 and 10.9 t/ha, against a medium saline background, they were lower than low saline background of 1.7 and 2.3 t/ha, respectively. When modelling the effect of fertilizers on the formation of an early melon crop, the unilateral action of nitrogen fertilizers, the interaction of nitrogen fertilizer with potash fertilizer and the interaction of phosphorus fertilizer with the soil salt concentration have been excluded from the equation as insignificant (P less than 0.05).

Performance of surface and subsurface drip fertigated wheat-moongbean-maize cropping system under different irrigation schedules and nutrient doses

Performance of surface and subsurface drip fertigated wheat-moongbean-maize cropping system under different irrigation schedules and nutrient doses

Pengaruh Komposisi Media Hidroponik dan Konsentrasi Pupuk Cair Cucian Beras terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Basil Merah (Ocium Basilicum L.)

Modification of the nutrient solution in the red basil plant can be done hydroponically, because it is able to stimulate the synthesis of secondary metabolites of the basil plant so that the plant can easily get the necessary nutrients through the addition of nutrient doses. The application of liquid organic fertilizer can help the addition of nutrients, while the use of different planting media is expected to obtain a good combination for the cultivation process. This study used rice washing water with the trademark pandanwangi and a combination of planting media between husk charcoal, sand, and bokashi. This study used a factorial complete randomized design (4x3) and repeated 3 times. The factors used are the concentration of rice laundry liquid fertilizer (P), consisting of 4 levels: (P0) : Control 0%, (P1): Rice washing liquid fertilizer concentration 25%, (P2): Rice washing liquid fertilizer concentration 50%, (P3): Rice washing liquid fertilizer concentration 75%, and substrate media composition factor (Q), consisting of 3 levels: (Q1): Husk charcoal and sand 1:1, (Q2): Husk charcoal and bokasi 1:1, (Q3): Husk charcoal, sand and bokasi 1:1:1. The observation variables in this study are plant height, number of leaves planted, leaf area, fresh weight of leaves, dry weight of leaves, fresh weight of plants, dry weight of plants and volume of roots. Based on the results of research that has been carried out, the results of the treatment obtained The interaction between the composition of the planting media and the addition of liquid fertilizer for rice laundry does not have a noticeable effect on all treatments except the root volume parameter. The composition treatment of the growing medium had an unreal effect on all treatments except plant height and leaf area with recommendations of husk charcoal:sand (1:1) for plant height and husk charcoal:bokasi (1:1) for leaf area. The treatment of adding concentration of liquid fertilizer to rice laundry has a noticeable effect on all treatments except the fresh weight of the leaves and the fresh weight of the plant with the best recommendation in applying the concentration of liquid fertilizer of rice laundry 25% perliter - 50% perliter on each plant.

Nutrient Management for Optimizing Fodder Production of Sorghum – A Review

An area under cultivation of fodder crops has almost remained static (8.3 million ha) for the last 3 decades and area under permanent pastures has been declining over the years. Whereas, uncontrolled overgrazing reduced productivity of permanent pastures. Overgrazing also affect the soil bio-physic-chemical properties. The situation is further aggravated due to increasing human population and preferential need for food and growing commercial crops. In India, supply of forage has always been a limiting factor for enhancing livestock production. Demand of green and dry fodder continuously increasing as enhancing country’s livestock population. The gap in feed and forage supply, however, can effectively be reduced through integrated crop management practices with greater emphasis on nutrient management in forage crops. Application of nitrogen increases crude protein, digestible dry matter content and metabolic energy. Growth attributes with respect to plant height, stem diameter, Leaf Area Index (LAI) and number of basal node tillers increased with increase of phosphorus application levels. Application of micronutrients improves enzymatic activities and it leads to increase growth and yield of the fodder sorghum. Review regarding the use of adequate and optimum dose of nutrients especially nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients are of prime concern for the fodder sorghum crop in India. Keeping these points in view, the literature reviewed pertaining to the nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients in this crop to obtain higher biomass and good quality fodder production.

APLIKASI TEKNOLOGI HIDROPONIK PADA YIELD DAN KUALITAS PURWOCENG “VIAGRA DARI ASIA”

Purwoceng (Pimpinella pruatjan Molkenb) is a medicinal plant native to Indonesia known as Indonesian Viagra from Java. The decline and scarcity of Purwoceng is an important obstacle in meeting the demands of harvesting from the original habitat without conservation and the extreme climatic conditions in the Dieng plateau. Therefore, it is necessary to apply controlled cultivation technology, namely hydroponic technology with drip irrigation in the greenhouse, to increase the yield and quality of Purwoceng. This study aimed to obtain the effect of hydroponic methods and hydroponic nutrition (EC) on the yield and quality of Purwoceng. The study was conducted from December 2020 to March 2021 at a greenhouse of ± 1500 m above sea level. The experiment used a randomized block design with three replications. Each replication consisted of 15 plants. Hydroponic type, which was recirculating drip, non-circulating drip, and nutrient concentration which were 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, and 2000 ppm. The harvest weight (aerial part and root), moisture, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, water extractive, and ethanol extractive content, and the contaminant (microbial and heavy metal) content, were analyzed. In conclusion, to produce high-quality Purwoceng, a hydroponic system could be used using recirculating drip and 1000 ppm nutrient dose.

SYNBIO® Probiotic and Antioxidant Dietary Supplementation: Clinical Trial Evaluation of Potential Effects on Airline Flight Crew Members' Well-Being.

The irregular lifestyle of airline crew members, wide/adverse job-related exposures, and the impact of temporary hypoxia on gut microbiota well-being have increased concern about the daily recommended dose of certain nutrients among flight crew. The aim of this study was to determine if daily consumption of a SYNBIO® probiotics-elderberry extract supplement (ACTIVE) may contribute to the well-being of flight attendants. Forty healthy crew members enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study consumed one ACTIVE capsule/day or placebo for 30 days. Bowel well-being, health-related quality of life, and gastrointestinal tolerance were assessed by validated questionnaires. Saliva and fecal samples were analyzed to determine secretory immunoglobulin-A (sIgA) levels and to characterize gut microbiota composition, respectively. ACTIVE subjects presented a physiological improvement and a statistically significant higher Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) global score compared to PLACEBO subjects. The ACTIVE subjects showed significantly increased levels of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria compared to the PLACEBO group, while a significant increase in lactobacilli and a significant reduction in Enterobacteriaceae were registered when compared with the beginning of supplementation, confirming the persistence of probiotics in the gastrointestinal tract and the direct antagonism and competitive exclusion effects. Additionally, sIgA levels were significantly higher in the ACTIVE group compared to the baseline and to the PLACEBO group at the end of supplementation. The ACTIVE supplementation might be beneficial to airline crew members, improving their physiological state, their immune defenses, and the strength and efficiency of their gastrointestinal tract when responding to stressful conditions.

TOLERANCE OF MARANDU GRASS TO EXCESS IRON AND MANGANESE

In soaked soils there is an increase in the availability of iron and manganese. Thus, it becomes important to investigate the tolerance levels of plants to excess of these nutrients. The objective was to evaluate the tolerance of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu cultivated in nutrient solution with different levels of iron and manganese. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of a nutrient solution and consisted of: 1- adequate concentration of Fe (8.22 mM) and Mn (2.05 mM); 2– Fe, four times the adequate concentration; 3– Fe, eight times the adequate concentration; 4– Mn, four times the adequate concentration; 5– Mn, eight times the adequate concentration; 6– Fe and Mn, four times the appropriate concentration, and; 7– Fe and Mn, eight times the appropriate concentration. The variables evaluated were visual diagnosis (symptomatology), shoot height, root volume, Fe and Mn content in shoots and dry mass production. Grass plants were not tolerant to excess Fe and Mn. The excess of nutrients promoted less development of the root system, with a reduction in volume and dry mass, and the treatment with the highest dose of nutrients resulted in the lowest values. Grass plants were sensitive to the increase in nutrient concentrations, showing reductions in total dry mass production of 55% for treatment with the application of the highest concentration of nutrients in relation to the adequate dose of Fe and Mn.

Evaluation of Fertilizer-manure Blocks as a Slow Release Fertilizer Formulation for Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench

Background: Fertilizer use efficiency is the output of any crop per unit of the nutrient applied under a specified set of soil and climatic conditions and slow/ ccontrolled release fertilizer formulations offer agricultural producers the opportunity to increase fertilizer/nutrient use efficiency, especially in soils with very low cation exchange capacity. Methods: In pot culture study, fertilizer-manure blocks consisting of selected proportions of different organic manures and fertilizers were prepared in two dimensions (100 g and 25 g) with three different dosages of fertilizers (100% POP, 50% POP, 25% POP) and were evaluated in a pot culture experiment using Okra variety Arka Anamika. Result: Fertilizer-manure blocks showed significant effect on growth and yield of okra. The use of fertilizer-manure blocks of proportion; Coirpith-35%, Cowdung-25%, Vermicompost-13%, Groundnutcake-10%, Neem cake 10%, Zeolite-2%, Humic acid-5%, 100 g size containing 25% of the recommended dose of nutrients placed 5cm below the level of planting and top dressing of 50% of KAU POP recommendation was identified as the best treatment (B:C ratio-1.26 and nutrient use efficiency-28.12) for enhancing the productivity of okra in grow bags. Days to flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, length of fruits, girth of fruits and number of seeds per fruit were significantly influenced by the treatments. The selected treatment had recorded highest value for number of fruits per plant (20.70), fruit yield per plant (457.9 g), fruit length(17.90 cm), fruit girth (6.326 cm) as well as number of seeds per fruit (58.67). The general application of the recommended fertilizers and soil test based recommendation were found to be on par with the placement of slow release fertilizer- manure blocks with respect to fruit yield per plant.

Growth, phenology and yield of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) as affected by intercropping systems and application of nutrients level to intercrops

An experiment was carried out during kharif season for the two consecutive years (2015 and 2016) at Students Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to study the performance of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] as influenced by intercropping systems and application of different nutrients levels to intercrops. Plant height, dry matter accumulation and seed yield of pigeonpea were not influenced by different intercropping systems and nutrients levels applied to intercrops. Pigeonpea equivalent yield was significantly affected by intercropping systems and nutrients levels applied to intercrops. Among the different intercropping systems and planting patterns, maximum pigeonpea equivalent yield of 18.4 and 19 q/ha was recorded with pigeonpea (50 x 25 cm) + maize fodder intercropping system during 2015 and 2016, respectively, which was statistically superior than all other intercropping systems with different planting patterns. The application of 100% recommended dose of nutrients to the intercrops resulted in the significantly higher pigeonpea equivalent yield (16.3 and 17.3 q/ha) than the 50% recommended dose (14.9 and 16 q/ha) and control (13.7 and 14.4 q/ha) during both the years.

Effect of optimal and suboptimal nitrogen application on nitrogen content, uptake and use efficiency by wheat in different crop establishment methods, Zn fertilization and microbial inoculation options

To address the significance of cost-effectiveness and environmental concerns of nitrogen nutrition a field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. The major objective of the study was to know the effect of different crop establishment methods (CEMs), sources, and rates of N application on the concentration, uptake, and efficiency of applied N. The combination consisted of two microbial consortia (MC) Anabaena sp. (CR1) + Providencia sp. (PR3) consortia (MC1) and Anabaena-Pseudomonas biofilm formulations (MC2) were applied with a 75% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN). These microbial inoculations were compared with RDN (120 kg N ha−1 and 25.8 kg P ha−1), 75% RDN, and control. All the treatments were applied with and without zinc (Zn) (soil application of 5 kg Zn ha−1) in a split-plot design with three replications. The order of significance of treatments in enhancing the grain N concentration and total N uptake was the rate of nutrient application (RDN)> CEMs > Zn fertilization > microbial consortia. The contribution of these factors to the increase in total N uptake was 23.8–61.6, 26.5–28.5, 21.1–23.7, and 18.0–20.2 kg ha−1, respectively. Considering the contribution of microbial inoculation to N concentration and uptake and the positive correlation between them, they have contributed significantly to nutrient endowments along with improvement in wheat yield. In nutshell, our study concludes that the most promising combination for nitrogen nutrition in our experiment was 75% RDN + MC2 + Zn.

Evaluation of growth and seed yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

The field experiment was conducted during rabi 2020 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Mandya to study the impact of intercropping and nutrient dose on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) growth and seed yield. The results revealed the significant differences for growth and yield parameters of chickpea due to intercropping systems and fertilizer doses. A sole grown chickpea showed significantly higher plant height at harvest (35.73cm), number of pods per plant (42.02), hundred seed weight (23.20 g) and seed yield of chickpea (1733 kg/ha) compared to intercropping of chickpea with sorghum, safflower or linseed. Whereas, among fertilizer doses, application of 150 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) produced noticeably taller plants at harvest (35.51 cm), number of pods (38.38), hundred seed weight (22.53 g) and seed yield of chickpea (1343 kg/ha) compared to other fertilizer doses. Therefore, sole cropping of chickpea with 150 per cent RDF could be recommended for certified seed production programme.