Nutrient Management Approaches Research Articles

Effect of Crop Geometry and Nutrient Management Approaches on Soil Properties and Availability of Nutrients under Transplanted Finger Millet

The present investigation was conducted for two consecutive years with the objective to know various crop geometries and nutrient management approaches on soil chemical properties at Agricultural college farm, Bapatla. The experimental design was split plot with three replications. The present study comprised of three crop geometries with different age of seedlings (30x10 cm with 30 days old seedlings, 30x30 cm with 15 days old seedlings and 45x45 cm with 15 days old seedlings) and seven nutrient management practices (S0: absolute control, S1: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + application of dravajeevamrutham, S2: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + application of dravajeevamrutham along with wooden log treatment, S3: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 100% RDF, S4: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 100% RDF along with wooden log treatment, S5: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 125% RDF, S6: FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 125% RDF along with wooden log treatment in subplots were given to kharif finger millet. integrated application of FYM @ 10 tonnes ha-1 + 125% RDF along with wooden log treatment (S6) resulted in higher organic carbon and nutrient status of the soil and reduced C:N ratio of the soil significantly though other soil properties were non significant due to various crop geometries and nutrient management treatments.

Coastal wetland management in the Great Barrier Reef: Farmer perceptions

AbstractPoor water quality caused by intensive sugarcane farming has been among the main causes of coastal degradation around the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Despite regulations and incentives, water quality in the GBR has yet to reach government targets, and there is an urgent need to investigate alternative management approaches. In this study, we have employed a social‐ecological approach to understand farmers' attitudes to existing nutrient and sediment management approaches, assess farmers' perceptions of managing coastal wetlands to ameliorate agricultural run‐off, and propose how these findings could inform integrative policy development for the GBR. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with sugarcane farmers in the Wet Tropics to understand perceptions of ecosystem services, coastal wetlands and industry challenges. We linked our analysis of key issues of concern to farmers with broader environmental and land use issues and have outlined future policy considerations in the face of socio‐economic and climatic change. Our conclusions emphasise the need to rethink future land tenure in low‐lying areas of North Queensland, the importance of considering ecosystem services provided by coastal wetlands in policy models and the need for a payments for ecosystem services (PES) model to safeguard the future of the GBR.

Nutrient Use Efficiency as a Strong Indicator of Nutritional Security and Builders of Soil Nutrient Status through Integrated Nutrient Management Technology in a Rice-Wheat System in Northwestern India

Nutrient use efficiency is reported as a strong indicator of the buildup soil nutrient status for nutritional security of crops through an integrated nutrient management approach under a rice-wheat system. The data revealed that integrated application of manures and fertilizers reported maximum organic carbon (0.39%) in the treatment receiving 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + farmyard manure and lowering the pH to 6.39. The maximum available N (360.8 kg ha−1) was found in 100% RDF + press mud treatment; available P (66.30 kg ha−1) was found in 75% RDF + poultry manure; and available K, Zn, Cu, and Fe (226.3 kg ha−1 and 2.220, 0.732, and 36.87 mg kg−1, respectively) in 100% RDF + farmyard manure treatments. Similarly, total macro- and micronutrient content in soil increased with the addition of organic manures alone or in combination with chemical fertilizers. The highest agronomic efficiency and utilization efficiency of nitrogen (41.83 and 102.55 kg kg−1, respectively) and phosphorous (83.57 and 204.9 kg kg−1, respectively) were recorded in the treatment receiving 75% RDF + poultry manure. This study concluded that the integrated application of manures and chemical fertilizers is a must for improving soil nutrient status and nutrient use efficiency and ultimately enhances nutritional security under a rice-wheat system.

Meta-analysis of yield and nitrous oxide outcomes for nitrogen management in agriculture.

Improved nitrogen (N) use is key to future food security and environmental sustainability. While many regions still experience N shortages, agriculture is the leading global emitter of N2O due to losses exacerbated by N surpluses in other regions. In order to sustainably maintain or increase food production, farmers and their advisors need a comprehensive and actionable understanding of how nutrient management affects both yield and N2O emissions, particularly in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems. We performed a meta‐analysis to determine the effect of N management and other factors on N2O emissions, plant N uptake, and yield. Our analysis demonstrates that performance indicators—partial N balance and partial factor productivity—predicted N2O emissions as well as or better than N rate. While we observed consistent production and environmental benefits with enhanced‐efficiency fertilizers, we noted potential trade‐offs between yield and N2O emissions for fertilizer placement. Furthermore, we observed confounding effects due to management dynamics that co‐vary with nutrient application practices, thus challenging the interpretation of the effect of specific practices such as fertilization frequency. Therefore, rather than providing universally prescriptive management for N2O emission reduction, our evidence supports mitigation strategies based upon tailored nutrient management approaches that keep N balances within safe limits, so as to minimize N2O emissions while still achieving high crop yields. The limited evidence available suggests that these relationships hold for temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions, but given the potential for expansion of N use in crop production, further N2O data collection should be prioritized in under‐represented regions such as Sub‐Saharan Africa.

Integrated nutrient management to improve some soil characteristics and biomass production of saffron

Due to its profitability as well as low-water and -nutrient requirements, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) has been vastly promoted and recommended as an alternative plant in arid and semi-arid agricultural systems. Soil fertility guarantees sustainable nutrient availability for plants and biomass production. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the interaction effects between organic and chemical fertilizers and mycorrhizal inoculation on some soil characteristics, plant nutrient composition, and biomass production of saffron. To this purpose, we compare the experimental results of two growing seasons (2015–2016 and 2016–2017) obtained under semi-arid conditions. The experiment consisted of different nutrient management approaches: control (non-amended soil), compost (COM), compost + biochar (COM + B), and chemical fertilizers (CF), which were either inoculated or non-inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus (Glomus mosseae). The results indicated that CF fertilization significantly increased the total biomass, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency of saffron when inoculated with AM. Findings also showed that applying merely organic amendments not only led to a significantly higher soil pH, available phosphorus (P), soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity, and lower bulk density but also had positive effects on total biomass, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency in AM-inoculated plots. We also found that inoculation of organically-amended plots with AM increased the soil-available P by raising SOC decomposition during the growing season of 2015–2016, which was accompanied by higher P uptake and P use efficiency, especially over the season of 2016–2017. Further, lower nitrogen uptake (NU), lower nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), as well as lower soil N content were recorded in COM + B and non-amended soils. This decline can be attributed to higher C: N ratios, meaning that C: N ratio was negatively correlated with N acquisition parameters. However, AM-inoculation significantly increased N content and subsequently N acquisition in COM-amended soil. Based on the results of this study, it is safe to say that applying chemical fertilizers inoculated by AM can be considered as an approach to enhance nutrient acquisition and biomass production of saffron. Moreover, we managed to improve soil characteristics and saffron nutrient composition through integrated application of AM and compost, which can be another helpful approach to maintain soil fertility and enhance yield potential of saffron fields in semi-arid regions.

A comparative study of the effective response of di-potassium phosphate (K2HPO4) on physiological, biochemical and anatomical aspects of crops dwelling with zinc oxide nanoparticles toxicity.

The dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4) is a source of phosphorus (P), which is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and reproduction and also acts as a stress alleviator against abiotic stresses. Therefore, it could also become a potential mineral to cope up with zinc oxide nanoparticles' (ZnONPs) toxicity in crops. This study primarily includes synthesis, characterization and differential toxic impacts of ZnONPs on two crop plantsThis study includes synthesis, characterization and differential toxic impacts of ZnONPs on two crop plants, i.e. Triticum aestivum and Solanum lycopersicum, as well as assuage the toxic impacts of ZnONPs through nutrient management approach implied via supplementation of P. The growth and physiological changes under toxic doses of ZnONPs and ameliorative potential of P in crop plants were examined by analysing growth, intracellular Zn accumulation, photosynthetic pigment contents, the kinetics of photosystem II (PS II) photochemistry, root cell anatomy and cell viability via histochemical staining 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and propidium iodide. ZnONPs at 500 and 1000μM concentrations significantly affected the growth, photosynthetic pigment and PS II photochemistry and cell death in both the plants. It also caused deformation in root anatomy of T. aestivum and S. lycopersicum. Whereas supplementation of P caused significant improvement against ZnONPs stress by causing remarkable enhancement in growth, photosynthetic pigments and activity of PS II photochemistry and decreased cell death. Moreover, the study also discloses the tolerant nature of S. lycopersicum comparing with T. aestivum seedlings. Thus, P is comparatively more effective in managing the ZnONPs toxicity in S. lycopersicum than in T. aestivum.

Nutrient management technologies of millets for higher productivity and nutritional security

Millets are important source of food and livelihood in arid and semi-arid ecologies and covers a significant area in these regions due to their strong abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, particularly their capacity to withstand dry conditions. Since, the grains of these crops have better nutritional qualities compared to other cereals, therefore, to ensure nutritional security in the vulnerable regions, millets can be good option to be included as staple food. The continuous application of high analysis chemical fertilizers without organic manures resulted in reduced water holding capacity, emergence of multi-nutrient deficiencies and consequently lower crop yields. Thus, for long-term ecological and economic sustainability in rainfed millet systems, there is a need to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient buffering capacity of soil by integrated nutrient management through increasing the use of organic sources such as farmyard manures (FYM), biocompost, biofertilizers and legumes inclusion in cropping systems. Efficient nutrient management approaches are among key strategies to realize higher yields in rainfed regions. The systematic information is lacking on nutrient management in different millets, particularly on precision nutrient management. Use of cost effective and locally available organic nutrient sources and biofertilizers in combination with chemical fertilizers, not only enhances yield and soil fertility but also improves grain quality.

Effect of irrigation and nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)- chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence under command area

A field experiment was conducted at AICRP on water management, Belavatagi, UAS, Dharwad, during 2013-14 on soil deficient in available nutrients to study the effect of irrigation and nutrient management approaches on maximizing productivity, and economics of maize (Zea mays L.)-chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence under command area. The results revealed that, crop receiving irrigation at 0.8 IW/CPE recorded significantly higher maize grain yield (70.80 q/ha) with higher gross return (Rs.88,924 ha-1), net return (Rs. 65,804 ha-1) and B-C ratio (3.84) compared to other treatment. However, in pooled analysis, the yields were on par with different irrigation levels. Among different level of boron applied to soil or through foliar application from 2 to 6 kg granubour/ha increased the yield over no boron application. But significant results obtained at 6 kg granubour/ha application and foliar application of 0.5 % of FeSO4 and 0.5 % of ZnSO4 with borax @ 0.1 % at 30 and 45 DAS. The interaction effects between irrigation and boron levels showed that, irrigating the crop at 0.8 IW/CPE along with foliar application of 0.5 % FeSO4 and 0.5 % ZnSO4 with borax @ 0.1 % at 30 and 45 DAS recorded higher yield, higher gross returns, net returns, B-C ratio and WUE over the treatments. But, it was on par with all the treatments that receive the boron either through soil or foliar application. During Rabi season chickpea was grown as succeeding crop after maize in Kharif the results showed that, irrigating at 0.8 IW/CPE with Granubor (boron) @ 6 kg/ha followed by growing of chickpea with 0.6 IW/CPE recorded significantly yield and economics.

Nutrient management approaches (SSNM & STCR) and their economic feasibility in maize (Zea mays L.) crop

The SSNM and STCR approaches are not specifically aim to either reduce or increase fertilizer use, instead, they aim to apply nutrients at optimal rates and time to achieve higher yield through high efficiency of nutrient use by the crop, and thus leading to more net returns per unit of fertilizer invested. The Field experiment was conducted during the kharif 2012 at Agricultural college farm, Raichur to study the effect of soil test based nutrient management approaches on maize. The results revealed that, yield and yield components of maize were influenced favourably with application of fertilizer by SSNM for targeted yield 8 t/ha recorded significantly highest grain yield (7.74 t/ha), stover yield (10.76 t/ha), number of grains per cob (701.82), number of grains per row (38.94), number of rows per cob (18.17) and cob length (20.81 cm). The growth parameters of maize were also influenced favorably with application of fertilizer by SSNM for targeted yield 8 t/ha, dry matter production (376.67 g/plant), leaf area per plant (2527.74 cm2), leaf area index (1.40) and plant height (201.83 cm), over STCR for targeted yield 8 t/ha and RDF. The highest net returns (74,075 ₹ ha-1) and B:C (3.57) was recorded in SSNM for targeted yield 8 t ha-1 as compare to RDF, (45,051 ₹ ha-1) and (3.03), respectively.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on flower quality and physiological parameters of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.)

The present experiment was under taken to study the effect of integrated nutrient management approach on flower quality and physiological parameters of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) at Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. One year old pruned plants of three Nerium cultivars (Red, White and Pink) were planted at a spacing of 3×1m accomodating five plants per plot. Among the parameters studied, under ambient condition, treatment T6 (NPK @ 90:120:120 g/plant/year + Farm Yard Manure + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria) marked the longest shelf life (4 days) and under cold storage condition, the treatment T8 (NPK @ 90:120:120 g/plant/year + Vermicompost + Azospirillum + Phosphobacteria) and T10 (NPK @ 85:85:85 g/plant/year) had the longest shelf life of 6.9 days. Among all the nutrients, organic manures and their combinations, treatments T7 i.e., NPK 120:160:160 g plant-1 year-1 along with farmyard manure and biofertilizers exhibited better performance with respect to physiological characters viz., leaf area (38.03 cm2), total chlorophyll content (5.560 mg g-1), chlorophyll “a” content (2.864 mg g-1) and chlorophyll “b” content (1.599 mg g-1) and total soluble protein content (132.69 mg g-1) while the highest relative water content of 50.68 mg was recorded in treatment of NPK @ 150:200:200 g/plant/year (T3). Hence the results by the application of inorganic fertilizers combined with organic manures and biofertilizers proved to be a better option for enhancing the flower quality and physiological characters in one year old pruned plants of Nerium (Nerium oleander L.) as compared to the application of inorganic fertilizers alone.

Vermicompost and integrated nutrient management approach for yield enhancement of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) under hill agro ecosystem of Meghalaya, North East India

Vermicompost and integrated nutrient management approach for yield enhancement of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) under hill agro ecosystem of Meghalaya, North East India

Growth, productivity, physical and economic optima and yield gaps estimation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through site specific nutrient management approaches under inner-Terai region of Chitwan, Nepal

An on-farm field experiment was accomplished during the winter season of 2018/19 under inner Terai region at Khairahani, Chitwan for evaluating the influence of various site specific nutrient management approaches on growth, yield, optimum fertilizer dose and yield gaps of wheat (Triticum aestivum, L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replications with different eight nutrient management practices: T1- farmers fertilization practice (FFP) (52:33:18 kg NPKha-1), T2 - Blanket recommendation (BR) (100:50:25 kg NPK ha-1), T3 - SSNM-NE (110:47:46 kg NPK ha-1),T4 - LCC-N+NE-P&K, T5 - NE-N + farmers -P&K, T6 - LCC- N + farmers–P&K, T7 - Nitrogen Omission Plot (NOPT) + NE- P&K, and T8 - NARC recommendation (120:60:40 kg NPK ha-1). The result findings indicated that the NARC recommendation was comparatively superior over other treatments in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and yield, but the profitability (B:C ratio) was found higher in SSNM-Nutrient Expert recommendation. The physical and economic optimum level of fertilizer for wheat obtained was 135:47.66:43.94 kg NPK ha-1 and 130: 47.86:43.61 kg NPK ha-1, respectively. The yield gaps between farmers practice and SSNM-Nutrient Expert was found to be 110% and 41%, respectively over potential yield of wheat. Thus, it could be suggested that there is great potential to improve the yield of wheat through the NARC recommendation and the SSNM- Nutrient Expert model to raise sustained productivity and income of wheat farmers in inner-Terai region of Nepal.

Biological control of Fusarium wilt and growth promotion in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) by antagonistic rhizobacteria, displaying multiple modes of pathogen inhibition

Fusarium udum is one of the most important pathogens impacting the production of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) legume. Legume growers depend heavily on pesticides; however, toxicity danger to farmers, consumers, non-target organisms as well as environmental health cause huge concern. Besides, the rise of fungicide resistance is problematic. The objectives of this study were to decipher the multiple mechanisms of biological control in previously identified two promising rhizobacteria (Pseudomonas sp. NS 1 and Bacillus sp. NS 22) in vitro and evaluate their disease suppression and plant growth promotion ability in pigeon pea in vivo. These rhizobacteria inhibited F. udum mycelia growth and biomass in vitro and reduced wilt disease severity in plants grown in Fusarium-infested soil in controlled environmental conditions. Fungicidal action of these rhizobacteria was due to the production of numerous biocidal compounds including different antifungal metabolites, chitinolytic (endochitinase, exochitinase, chitobiase) and other cell wall degrading lytic enzymes (proteinase, cellulose, amylase, pectinase, lipase), siderophores, and antifungal volatile compounds such as ammonia and cyanide. In planta assay, these rhizobacteria made the plant more resistant to fungal attacks through the induction of systemic defense in host tissue by improving the status of different defense enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase) and phenolics. Furthermore, these two bacteria significantly reduced disease severity, root mortality, and at the same time, promoted shoot and root elongation in pigeon pea seedlings as compared to the absolute, pathogen, and chemical control. In nutshell, Pseudomonas sp. NS 1 and Bacillus sp. NS 22 displayed the potential as biofungicides and biofertilizers to prevent F. udum induced disease incidence and promote plant growth in an integrative disease and nutrient management approach of sustainable agriculture practices.

Response of integrated nutrient management on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) hybrid under polyhouse conditions

The research was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College Amritsar, Punjab to study the response of integrated nutrient management on yield and its related characters of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) hybrid under protected environment. Experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design comprising of six treatments replicated thrice. The effect of vermicompost, inorganic and bio fertilizers in different combinations on yield and related characters of cucumber were studied. Plants fertilized with RDF + vermicompost @5 t/ha + Azotobacter @5 Kg/ha + PSB @5 Kg/ha shown maximum value for yield and related traits and it is the best integrated nutrient management approach for protected cultivation of cucumber under Punjab conditions.

Response of bajra in its growth and yield attributes to integrated nutrient management

Kumbu known as pear millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] is one of the important millet crops for arid and semi-arid climatic condition and serves as poor man’s staple source of food in short period relatively in arid regions of India. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) experiment was carried out at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2009- 10 to study the outcome of integrated nutrient management where the results have shown that on inoculating seed with azotobacter increased both pant height and in total dry matter content. A study conducted to analyse fertilizer effect on pearl millet revealed that under semi-arid inceptisols, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha−1 + Zn at 25 kg ha−1 + S at 25 kg ha−1 recommended can help in getting maximum yields of Bajra. At the Agricultural Farm of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur experiment was conducted to study phosphorus and zinc nutrients, their effect on overall nutrient uptake and quality in pearl millet. N, P and K content in grain and straw have been found to be increased from 1.56 to 2.02, 0.773 to 1.320, 1.10 to 1.97 % and 1.11 to 1.41, 0.23 to 0.50 and 0.68 to 1.20 %, respectively. In Annamalai University, on the basis of experimental data significant results were recorded in the nutrient content, quality and highest nutrient content, protein content, protein yield and water productivity were observed with PHB-3 among all the experimented genotypes of bajra. It was also found that using vermicompost @ 500 kg ha-1 gave highest nutrient content, protein content, protein yield and water productivity over the rest of the treatments. Considering all approaches giving out their benefits, the best approach for maximising yields in bajra under arid conditions by maintaining soil properties would be the Integrated Nutrient Management approach.

Assessment of site specific nutrient management on the productivity of wheat at Bhairahawa, Nepal

Low and unbalanced fertilizer application rate are the major factors contributing to the poor yield of wheat in Nepal. The Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) provides the field specific recommendations in a cost effective and precise manner. A field experiment was done at National Wheat Research Program (NWRP), Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, Nepal during 2019- 20 to evaluate the site specific nutrient management approaches in order to enhance wheat productivity. The SSNM dose was determined at NWRP by using omission plot techniques. The calculated SSNM dose (148:65:71 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), was compared with SSNM + Zn + B, (148:65:71:5:1 N: P2O5:K2O Zn : B kg ha-1), Research recommended dose (RRD, 150:50:50 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1); National recommended dose (NRD, 100:50:25 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), Nutrients expert dose (NED,110:50:73 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), and farmers dose (FD, 80: 40:15 N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) in a RCB design with four replications. The data on growth, yield attributes and yield were collected and analyzed using Genstat Statistical package. Results showed that research recommended dose (RRD) along with SSNM dose and SSNM +Zn +B were statistically similar (p>0.05), but these treatments were comparatively superior over rest of the treatments for yield attributes and yield. Hence it can be concluded that wheat yield can be improved through adoption of SSNM and RRD of fertilizers at Bhairahawa condition.

Impact of Cropping Systems and Resource Conservation Techniques on Productivity and Profitability of Systems

Background: A suitable cropping system seem to be the possible solution to meet the continuous increase in demand for food, stability of income and diverse requirement of food grains. Selection of suitable cropping system for conservation of resources has prime importance now a day. The cropping systems selected in study have higher potential of production along with incorporable residues during winter. The residues of cotton, castor and mustard crops (Crops in selected cropping systems) have more potential to feed nutrients to soil as compared to burning. So incorporation of such crop residues in to soil helps to recycle the nutrients to correct their deficiencies. Farmyard manure is being used as major source of organic manure in field crops. Thus to maintain the soil health, integrated nutrient management approaches involving FYM and mineral source need to be standardized. So there is need to find out agronomically efficient and economically viable cropping system which can perform better for increasing productivity and profitability with association of conservation of natural resources. Methods: The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three replications. Sixteen treatment combinations comprising of four cropping system treatments viz, C1 : Cotton- Summer Pearlmillet, C2 : Greengram + Kharif Castor (Relay), C3 : Greengram - Mustard - Summer Pearlmillet and C4 : Greengram - Rabi Castor and two residue incorporation treatments viz, R0 : No residue incorporation and R1 : Residue incorporation as well as two fertilizer doses viz, F1 : 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer and F2 : 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% RDN through FYM were evaluated in the study. Result: Cotton - summer pearlmillet cropping system found significantly superior by recording higher pearlmillet equivalent yield, system productivity and system profitability while, total weed count/m2 and total weed dry weight were found the lowest under greengram- kharif castor (relay) cropping system. Residue incorporation secured top position by recording significantly the highest pearlmillet equivalent yield, system productivity and system profitability as well as lowest total weed count/m2 and total weed dry weight. Application of 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% RDN through FYM recorded significantly highest pearlmillet equivalent yield, system productivity and system profitability. In case of weed count and weed dry weight, 100% RDN through inorganic fertilizer found significantly superior by recording lowest total weed count/m2 and total weed dry weight.

The Effects of Biofertilizers, Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Growth Parameters and Yield of Piper betle L. (Betlevine) under Gangetic Alluvial Soil of West Bengal

An experiment was carried out during two consecutive years of 2012-13 and 2013-14 at the experimental site of AICRP on MAP and Betelvine, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) replicated thrice with 9 treatments comprising of different combinations of organics (Azotobacter, Phosphobacter and mustard oil cake) and inorganic (urea and SSP) sources of nutrients. The maximum vine elongation, basal girth, leaf size, leaf yield and other yield attributing characters were found significantly better under application of Azotobacter @ 10 Kg + 140 kg N (MOC) + Phosphobacter @ 5 Kg + 50 Kg P +100 Kg K ha-1year-1. However, the treatment was statistically at par with Azotobacter @ 5 Kg + 170 Kg N (MOC) + Phosphobacter @ 5 Kg + 50 Kg P + 100 Kg K ha-1year-1 in respect of dry matter production. Hence, the treatment with Azotobacter @ 10 kg + 140 kg N (MOC) + Phosphobacter @ 5 Kg + 50 Kg P +100 Kg K ha-1year-1 application can be used as a best sustainable and eco friendly integrated nutrient management approach for better yield of betelvine under the gangetic alluvial zone of West Bengal.

Effect of Site Specific Nutrient Management Approach In Productivity Of Spring Rice In Kanchanpur, Nepal

AbstractA field experiment was carried out in sub-tropical climate of Bhimdattanagar, Kanchanpur to assess the effect of site specific nutrient management approach in productivity of spring rice. The experiment was carried in single factor randomized completely block design with four replication, in four different farmer’s field, each farmers’ field as single replication. The seedlings were grown in the mat nursery bed and transplanted in the experimental plots with different nutrient management practices. Nutrient management practices were Site Specific Nutrient Management with Nutrient Expert dose (SSNMNE)(109:28:38 kg NPK/ha), Government recommendation dose (100:30:30kg NPK/ha +6 ton FYM), Farmer’s field practice (FFP)(different among farmers) with three omission plots viz. omission of Nitrogen (0:28:38 kg NPK/ha), Omission of Phosphorus (109:0:38 kg NPK/ha) and Omission of Potassium (109:28:0 kg NPK/ha). SSNM-NE dose was obtained by household survey in the respective area and using nutrient expert model. The growth parameters, yield, yield attributing traits and total cost of production were recorded. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) in Genstat. Result indicates that the highest grain yield (5.81 t/ha) was obtained from SSNM-NE which was statistically at par with government recommendation (5.54 t/ha). Similarly, thousand grains weight, straw yield in the experiment 23.20g, 6.90t/ha were significantly higher in SSNM-NE respectively. Straw yield, grain yield and thousand grain weight of SSNM-NE were found to be statistically at par with government recommendation. The economic analysis revealed that higher B: C ratio (1.91), net return and gross return were higher in SSNM-NE.

Biofertilizer as a tool for soil fertility management in changing climate

Many biotic and abiotic factors affect agriculture production worldwide. Bio-fertilisers of microbial origin can be a good option for sustaining productivity with more environment-friendly and integrated nutrient management approach. They have been advanced to use the naturally occurring nutrient mobility mechanisms, which promotes soil fertility and results in improved crop production.