Nutrient Management Treatments Research Articles

Productivity and Profitability of Fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management: A Review

Fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable feed resource for livestock, providing high-quality forage rich in nutrients essential for animal health and productivity. This review summarizes the key components and benefits of integrated nutrient management in fodder oats cultivation. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manure enhance soil quality while inorganic fertilizers provide essential macro and micronutrients necessary for robust crop growth and yield.Various researchers found that higher green and dry fodder yields were obtained with the application of Farmyard Manure @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (329.76- 518.32 q ha-1) and 75% RDF along with 2 t Poultry manure ha-1 (77.57- 91.31 q ha-1 ). While 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased fodder quality traits- Crude protein (9.44-10.10%), ether extract (4.5-5%), total ash yield (33.8-34.6%), ADF and NDF. Uptake of N, K, P, S and Mn by oat crop was highest at 75% NPK+2.5t Vermicompost +10kg Mn+20kg S ha-1. Higher net returns per ha were obtained by integrated nutrient management treatment of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers and the application of 75% RDF (60:40 NP) kg ha-1 along with 2 t poultry manure ha-1. Thus Integrated nutrient sources increased the yield and quality of fodder oat besides enhancing profitability.

Effect of NPK and Growth Regulators on Yield Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present experimental study was carried out during Rabi season 2020-21 at Instructional farm, BTC College of Agriculture and Research station, Bilaspur (C.G.). The soil of the experimental field was clay in texture. The wheat Var. HI-1544 was grown and treatments were replicated three times in randomized block design. The experiment consists of nine treatments The crop was sown on 11th November, 2020 and harvesting was done on 24th March, 2021.The result revealed that maximum yield parameters the significantly higher grain (45.55 q ha1) and straw (46.45 q ha-1) yields were observed under the treatment 150 % RDF NPK + Two spray of growth regulator at first node (35 DAS) and boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9). Further, among the nutrient management treatment, significantly maximum grain and straw yield up to (43.65q ha-1) and (46.35q ha-1) respectively were recorded under150 % RDF NPK (T6). However, the treatment (T9) was statically similar with the treatment (T6). The improvement in yield attributes and yield of wheat was recorded with the application of 150 % RDF NPK + Two spray of growth regulator at first node (35 DAS) and boot leaf stage (60 DAS) (T9) which was at par with the application of 150 % RDF NPK (T6). Treatment (T9) assigned yield advantage of 21.19 % and 21.52 % in grain and straw yield respectively as compared to 150 % RDF NPK (T6).

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth, Yield and Pests Incidence of Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Rainfed Situation of Assam

The field experiment was conducted in organic block on experimental farm of AAU-Assam Rice Research Institute, Assam Agricultural University, Titabar, Assam during kharif season of 2019 and 2020 to study the effect of organic nutrient management practices on growth, yield and pests incidence of scented rice (Oryza sativa L.) in rainfed situation of Assam. Eight treatment combinations of organic inputs were laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications including one control where no organic nutrients were added. The study revealed that combined application of different proportion of green manure, enriched compost, azolla, vermicompost, neem cake with bio fertilizer consortium and rock phosphate as different treatment significantly improved the growth behavior, yield and also reduced pests incidence of scented rice. Among the organic nutrient management treatments, combination of Green manure (2.5 t/ha)+ Vermicompost (2.5 t/ha)+ Biofertilizer consortium (4 kg/ha seedling) as root dip +Rock phosphate (17 kg/ha)+Azolla (20 kg/ha) recorded the highest yield (3.80 t/ha) by improving yield attributing parameters, viz., Panicles (276.3 /m2), Spikelet /panicle (25.50 number) and Panicle weight (3.37g). The organic treatments also significantly enhanced the growth physiology viz., leaf area index (4.32), and specific leaf weight (8.56 mg/cm2) at panicle initiation stage (90 DAT). In organic management treatments, pests and disease incidence significantly reduced compared to control plot. Highest reduction of dead heart (DH%) and white ear head (WEH%) infestation due to stem borer, gall midge (silver shoot) and leaf folder damage was noticed in the treatment combination of Green manure (2.5 t/ha) + Vermicompost ( 2.5 t/ha)+ Biofertilizer consortium (4 kg/ha seedling) as root dip+Rock phosphate (17 kg/ha)+Azolla (20 kg/ha).

Growth and Productivity of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Influenced by Precision Nutrient Management and Intercropping Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) under Hot and Sub-humid Region of Odisha

Background: Cereal-legume intercropping is an age-old practice in most of the countries. Among the major cereals, maize is a better choice to include in legume intercropping due to its morphology and wider row spacing. Therefore, legume intercropping in consort with proper nutrient management can enhance overall productivity of the system, further improving crop diversification, nutritional security and agriculture sustainability. Considering these aspects, the present study was performed to examine the growth and productivity of maize as influenced by precision nutrient management and cowpea intercropping. Methods: The present study was carried out during rabi season of 2022-23 at P. G. Research Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with five intercropping combinations and five nutrient management treatments. All the treatments were replicated thrice. The plot size maintained was 5.0 m x 4.8 m. In case of maize and cowpea, high yielding hybrid ‘JKMH 4510’ and ‘KBC 9’ variety were taken for the study, respectively. Result: The results revealed that the growth parameters were significantly affected by intercropping ratios and nutrient management treatments. Although the yield attributes of maize were differed non significantly among the intercropping treatments but were significantly influenced by the nutrient treatments. In case of grain yield of maize, the Green Seeker-based nutrient management gave highest value with cowpea intercropping ratio of 1:1 and 2:2. LER and ATER were greater than unity, which indicated that the intercropping was advantageous. However, the maximum LER and Area Time Equivalent Ratio (ATER) were obtained from C3 (M+C 1:2) with 140:70:70 kg N, P2O5, K2O/ha, respectively. The study concluded that intercropping of maize + cowpea in 1:2 row ratio with Green Seeker-based nutrient management were advantageous over pure stand of maize fertilised with conventional nutrient management.

Influence of Different Sowing Times and Nutrient Management on Growthand Yield of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019 at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. The experiment was laid out in split plot designit included three sowing dates viz.D1:2nd week of February, D2:4th week of February,D3:2nd week of Marchas main plot as well as five nutrient management practices, including N1:100% RDN, N2:100% RDN + Sap (1%), N3:75% RDN + Sap (1%), N4:100% RDN + Urea (1%) , N5:75% RDN + Urea (1%) as sub plot and replicated in four times. The results of this study showed that sesame sown on second week of march recorded higher growth parameters, viz, plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g/plant) as well as seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index while remaining noticeably on par with 4thweek of February. Among the nutrient management treatments, the significantly improved the growth parameters like plant height (cm), dry accumulation (g/plant) and yield of stalk was observed with crop fertilize 100% RDN along with Urea spray 1% which was statistically at par with 100% RDN and Sap spray 1%. Highest seed yield was recorded when the application of 100% RDN with Urea spray 1%.

Response of Blackgram Varieties to Various NPK Doses in the Bundelkhand Region, India

Pulses play a pivotal role in contemporary agriculture, influencing food security and climate change mitigation. Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), with its nutritional richness and adaptability, addresses malnutrition and contributes to soil fertility. This study focuses on enhancing blackgram productivity in Bundelkhand, Uttar Pradesh, addressing challenges through tailored variety selection and balanced nutrient management. The experiment, conducted in 2022, evaluated three varieties (Azad-3, IPU 10-26, IPU 11-2) and three NPK doses (75% RDF, 100% RDF, 125% RDF) to comprehensively analyze growth, yield, and economic parameters of blackgram. Findings revealed that variety IPU 10-26 and NPK dose 100% RDF exhibited superior growth, yield, and economic performance, indicating its competitive and comparative advantage over the other varieties and nutrient management treatments. The study demonstrates that optimal blackgram production in Bundelkhand necessitates location-specific variety choices and a prudent balanced nutrient management strategy that could be exploited for increased productivity of the crop, as exemplified by IPU 10-26 and 100% RDF.

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.

Agronomic management: irrigation scheduling, mulching and integrated nutrient management influences growth, yields, quality, and economics of summer groundnut in a subtropical condition of India

In changing climate scenarios, practically sound and suitable agronomic management options are of utmost need for sustainable crop production. An experiment involving three irrigation scheduling, two mulching, and four integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments was undertaken for consecutive two years at the Research Farm of the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India in a split-split plot design with three replicates. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM on the performance of summer groundnut under sub-tropical conditions. Irrigation scheduling, mulching, and INM had a significant influence on growth and developmental parameters, yield attributes, yields, shelling (%), harvest index, quality parameters, and economics. Scheduling irrigation at lower cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) hugely benefited crops through increased pod yield (8.3%) haulm yield (5%), kernel yield (8.4%), oil yield (8.6%), and net returns (12.7%) over higher CPE (100 mm). The use of paddy straw mulch enhanced pod yield, haulm yield, kernel yield, oil yield, and net returns by 8.2, 3.6, 8.3, 9.0, and 13.2%, respectively as compared to dust mulch. Among INM, 75% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) adjudged significantly better and recorded higher biological yield (16%), net returns (39%), and B:C ratio (16.2%) than 100% RDN. It is concluded that scheduling irrigation at 60 mm CPE along with paddy straw mulch and 75% RDN + 25% N (FYM) + 60 kg S (gypsum) can be adopted for better yield and economics of summer groundnut under sub-tropical 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.

Comparative Effect of Subhash Palekar’s Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Performance of Fodder Sorghum and Pearl Millet Hybrids

Aims: To evaluate different nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids.
 Study Design: Randomized block design.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Fodder Section, CSK HPKV, Palampur during Kharif seasons of 2018 and 2019
 Methodology: Ten nutrient management practices i.e. absolute control (T1), 5% Jeevamrit (T2), 10% Jeevamrit (T3), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit (T4), seed treatment with Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit (T5), 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T6), 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T7), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit (T8), 50% recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit (T9) and recommended NPK through inorganic sources (T10) were tested in randomized block design with three replications.
 Results: The results indicated that integrated nutrient management i.e. 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 50 per cent recommended N + 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit and recommended NPK through inorganic sources remaining at par resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number, leaf stem ratio, percent proportion), higher fodder yield (green and dry fodder yields), NPK uptake and crude protein yield than rest of the organic (10 t/ha FYM + 10% Jeevamrit and 10 t/ha FYM + 5% Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit + 5% Jeevamrit and Beejamrit + 10% Jeevamrit) nutrient management treatments. Application of recommended NPK resulted in highest net returns (79049 INR/ha) and net returns per rupee invested (2.09).
 Conclusion: Integrated and inorganic nutrient management practices in fodder sorghum and pearl millet hybrids appeared best practices for realising higher yield than organic and natural farming nutrient management practices.

Effect of Natural Farming, Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Fodder Oat

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.) during Rabi 2021-2022 to study the effect of natural farming, organic, inorganic and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of fodder oat. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, comprising of six nutrient management treatments. Inorganic nutrient management and integrated nutrient management (FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers) behaving alike resulted in significantly better crop growth (plant height, numbers of shoots per square meter and dry matter accumulation) and higher fodder yield (green and dry) as compared to farmer’s practice(FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + 25 percent of recommended dose of fertilizers), organic nutrient management (FYM @ 10 t/ha + Jeevamrit) and natural farming nutrient management (Beejamrit + Jeevamrit + mulching) treatments. Inorganic nutrient management proved most profitable with highest net returns and net returns per rupee invested.

Influence of Natural Farming, Organic and Inorganic Systems of Nutrition on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment entitled “influence of natural farming, organic and inorganic systems of nutrition on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)” was conducted at Research Farm of School of Agriculture, Abhilashi University, Mandi (H.P.) during Rabi season (2021-2022). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications, consisting of six nutrient management treatments. Results of study revealed that inorganic and integrated nutrient management (FYM @ 5 ton ha-1 + 50 percent recommended dose of fertilizers) treatments behaving alike resulted in better crop growth (plant height, shoot number and dry matter accumulation), yield attributes (number of effective tillers, spike length, number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight) and higher yield (grain and straw) compared to treatments comprised of farmer’s practice (FYM @ 2.5 ton ha-1 + 50 percent recommended dose of fertilizers), organic (FYM @ 10 ton ha-1 + Jeevamrit) and natural farming (Beejamrit +Jeevamrit + mulching) systems of nutrition.

The Planter performance under varied seed rate and nutrient management in chickpea (<i>Cicer arietinum</i>)

A field study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at Agricultural Research Institute, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana to evaluate planter performance in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Experiment was laid in split plot design with 4 seed rates (52, 70, 77 and 105 kg/ha) with corresponding two inter and intra row spacings (30, 40 and 7.5, 10 cm) in main plots and 7 nutrient management treatments in sub plots, viz. Absolute control, 75, 100, 125% RDF, 75% RDF + Microbial consortia (MC) – Azotobacter + Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria + Potassium releasing bacteria + Zinc solubilizing bacteria (5 kg/ha), 100% RDF + MC and 125% RDF+MC. Results revealed that miss and multiple indices were 11.31 and 10.25 and 4.89 and 4.51% for 10 cm spacing and 7.21 and 6.00 and 5.12 and 5.19% for 7.5 cm spacing during 2020–21 and 2021–22. Higher energy use efficiency (4.64), energy intensiveness (1.61 MJ/₹), net energy benefit (58106.4 MJ/ha) and energy efficiency ratio (2.37) were with 105 kg/ha seed rate and higher specific energy (8.91 MJ/ha) was with 52 kg /ha. Among nutrient management, highest energy use efficiency (4.98) and energy efficiency ratio were with absolute control while, 125% RDF + MC resulted in higher energy intensiveness (1.61 MJ/₹) and net energy benefit (54365.1 MJ/ha). Higher specific energy and agro-chemical energy ratio was with 75% RDF (7.94 MJ/ha) and 125% RDF (0.48). Among seed rate, yield (seed and haulm) and energy indices were highest with 105 kg/ ha and among nutrient management, highest yield and energy indices were with 125% RDF + MC but, on par with 100% RDF + MC and 125% RDF treatments.

Responses of Crop and Soil Phosphorus Fractions to Long-Term Fertilization Regimes in a Loess Soil in Northwest China

Contrasting fertilization modifies soil phosphorus (P) transformation and bioavailability, which impact crop P uptake and P migration in the soil profile. A long-term (25-year) fertilizer experiment was employed to investigate crop yield, P uptake and changes in sequentially extracted P fractions in the soil profile, and their relationships on a calcareous soil derived from loess material under a winter wheat and summer maize double-cropping system. The experiment involved seven nutrient management treatments: control (CK, no nutrient input), N, NK, NP, and NPK, representing various combinations of synthetic nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), and potassium (K) applications, as well as combinations of NPK fertilizers with either crop residues (SNPK, where S refers to maize stalk or wheat straw) or manure (MNPK, where M refers to dairy manure). Wheat and maize yields were significantly higher with P input fertilizer relative to the P-omitted treatments. Long-term application of P-containing fertilizers markedly raised the contents of inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P fractions at 0–20 cm depth compared with the P-omitted treatments. Moreover, both Pi and Po fractions were markedly higher under MNPK than under NPK and SNPK treatments. For achieving high yield for wheat and maize, the critical contents of labile P were 54 and 63 mg kg−1, and those of moderately labile P were 48 and 49 mg kg−1, respectively, defined by the linear plateau model. In addition, the change points of labile P and moderately labile P were 99 and 70 mg kg−1, above which CaCl2-P content significantly increased. Moreover, long-term P input significantly accumulated different P fractions in the deeper soil layers up to 100 cm, with large portions of organic P being a composite of labile and moderately labile P, especially in MNPK treatment. Our results suggest that excessive P supply with organic manure resulted in massive P accumulation in the topsoil and promoted soil P fraction transformation and availability in the deep soil layers, especially in an organic P form that has often been neglected.

Impact of Long-Term Organic Manure Application on Yield, Zinc, and Copper Uptake in Maize, Peas, and Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) Cropping System

To evaluate the impact of the long-term application of organic manures on yield, uptake of zinc and copper in maize, peas and summer mungbean cropping systems, a field study was conducted at the integrated farming system of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The treatment combinations were; T1: 50% N through recommended NPK + 50% N was substituted through FYM, T2: 100% N through FYM, T3: T2 + intercropping (marigold in pea, cowpea in maize), T4: T2 + agronomic practices for weed and. pest control, T5: 50% N as FYM + rock phosphate to substitute the P requirement of crops + phosphate solubilizing bacterial. cultures (PSB), T6: T2 + biofertilizer (consortium) containing N and P carriers and T7: 100% Recommended NPK through chemical fertilizers. Significant increases in the yield, micronutrient content and uptake were recorded due to the application of 50% nitrogen through farmyard manure (FYM) and 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (T1) followed by 100% N through FYM + biofertilizer containing. N and P, carriers (T6). The highest grain yield of maize (5.72 t ha-1), pea (16.2 t ha-1) and summer mungbean (11.6 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T1, surpassing the 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (T7) by 13.7%, 20% and 10.4 %, respectively. The concentration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the grains of maize, pea and summer mung bean was 38.3%, 14.1%, 29.6% and 53.4%, 22.8 % and 19.8% higher in treatment T1 as compared to treatment T7. Moreover, the concentration of copper and zinc in the grains of maize, pea and summer mung bean was 32.1%, 24.2% and 29.5 % and 21.7%, 17.6% and 11.6% higher in treatment T1, respectively, compared to treatment T7. Similarly, the increase in the uptake of Cu and Zn was observed in both grain and straw of maize, pea and summer mung bean. The study concluded that the integrated nutrient management (INM) treatment is to substitute a portion of chemical fertilizers with a more sustainable and environmentally safe organic compost in order to mitigate soil degradation, improve crop production, and protect the environment.

Hyperspectral data and vegetative indices for paddy: A case study in Kerala, India

This paper reports the result of first attempt to study the variation in spectral signature of rice grown at different altitude and nutrient management practices using spectroradiometer in Kerala, India. Multiple experiments were conducted in Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Alappuzha districts, capturing essential spectral and agronomic data. The spectral data from Wayanad and Alappuzha plots at different growth stages revealed significant influences due to soil type and altitudinal variations. Furthermore, distinct spectral signatures emerged during different rice growth stages. The calculation of 15 indices, encompassing vegetative and water indices, yielded noteworthy variations at various physiological stages. Notably, the Leaf Area Index in Wayanad surpassed that in Alappuzha, maintaining this trend from panicle initiation to harvest stage. The spectral signatures also provided clear indications of water stress in the rice fields, with severity and mechanical processes were apparent through vegetative and water indices. Validation through conventional analysis of relative water content and membrane leakage corroborated these findings. Field experiment results confirmed the significant differences in spectral reflectance based on planting methods and nutrient management treatments. The spectral signature exhibited a robust correlation with rice yield (r = 0.94), capturing variations in management practices statistically. Regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between spectral and lab-analyzed values for different physiological and nutrient parameters. In conclusion, the developed spectral library for the rice cultivar Uma, along with the derived indices, proves instrumental in comprehending crop growth stages, identifying water or nutrient stress, and predicting the paddy yield during growing seasons, which will help for sustaining the rice production.

Influence of Sunn Hemp Biomass Incorporation on Organic Strawberry Production

Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a warm season leguminous cover crop, is commonly used in rotation with organic strawberry production in Florida’s subtropical environment. This study was conducted to explore the impacts of sunn hemp on growth and yield performance of the subsequent organic strawberry crop in sandy soils, taking into consideration the nutrient contribution from soil incorporation of sunn hemp biomass. Sunn hemp was seeded during the summer off-season and terminated before flowering, three weeks prior to the fall planting of two strawberry cultivars (‘Strawberry Festival’ and ‘Camino Real’). With sunn hemp residues incorporated into the soil, two application rates of nitrogen (N) through pre-plant organic fertilization for the strawberry season were used, including N at a rate of 84 kg/ha, without consideration of the N credit from sunn hemp, and N at a rate of 19.8 kg/ha, with consideration of the estimated N credit from sunn hemp. A summer fallow without cover crop and with a pre-plant organic fertilizer application at the N rate of 84 kg/ha was included as the control. Overall, the sunn hemp incorporation at three weeks after termination did not benefit the strawberry plant growth or fruit yield in this study, with rather low levels of soilborne pathogen and nematode infestations. Both sunn hemp treatments exhibited a significantly lower level of total soil N compared to the summer fallow plots at the end of the strawberry season. The reduction in the pre-plant N fertilization resulted in lower above-ground plant dry weight and accumulation of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at the end of the strawberry season, along with fewer leaves and smaller crowns of the strawberry plants during the early season. Both sunn hemp treatments decreased early fruit yields, while the sunn hemp treatment with the reduced N fertilization also led to a significant reduction in the total fruit number and weight, although no significant differences in the whole-season marketable fruit yield were observed among the nutrient management treatments. Overall, ‘Strawberry Festival’ yielded higher than ‘Camino Real’, but the effects of nutrient management did not vary with the strawberry cultivars. Further studies are needed to enhance organic strawberry nutrient management involving rotational cover crops.

Nodulation, Yield and Economics of Machine Planted Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under Varied Spacing and Nutrient Management

Background: Among the agronomic practices, optimum plant population and balanced nutrient management are pivotal for enhanced pulse production besides ensuring soil health. Methods: Present study was conducted during rabi 2020-21 and 2021-22 in split plot design with four main plots viz; seed rate (52, 70, 77 and 105 kg ha-1) and seven sub-plot nutrient management practices viz., N1- absolute control , N2- 75% RDF, N3- 100% RDF (20:50:20 kg N, P2O5 and K2O ha-1), N4 -125 % RDF, S5- 75% RDF + soil application of microbial consortia (Azotobacter + Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Potassium releasing bacteria (KRB)+ Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZnSB) @ 5 kg ha-1), N6- 100 % RDF + MC and N7- 125% RDF + MC. Result: Higher nodulation, seed yield (25.8 q ha-1) and economics (net returns ₹ 88807 ha-1 and B-C ratio 2.92) were registered with seed rate of 105 kg ha-1. However, protein content of chickpea was better with seed rate of 52 kg ha-1. Among the nutrient management treatments, crop growth, nodulation, seed yield (25.8 q ha-1) and economics (net returns ₹ 84388 ha-1 and B-C ratio 2.90) were found to be better with application of 125% RDF + Microbial consortia. Significant and positive correlation was found between the parameters at p less than 0.01.

Influence of Weed Control Measures and Nutrient Management on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Nutrient use Efficiency of Fennel Crop (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

A research experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the College of Agriculture, SKRAU, Bikaner. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate the influence of different nutrient management and weed control treatments on the nutrient content, uptake and nutrient use efficiency of fennel crop. The experiment consisted of sixteen treatment combinations, which included four nutrient management treatments and four weed control measures. The nutrient management treatments included control (no fertilizer applied), 75 % RDF, 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF and four weed control measures- weed free, pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg ha-1 (PE), oxyfluorfen @ 50g ha-1 (POE at 25 DAS) and weedy check. These treatments were replicated three times in a factorial randomized block design (FRBD), ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the results. The weed-free treatment was found to be significantly better in increasing the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in both the seed and straw of the crop. Additionally, the weed-free treatment also resulted in higher nutrient uptake by the crop compared to the weedy check treatment. Among the nutrient management treatments, the application of 100% RDF showed the most promising results. It improved the nutrient content in both the seed and straw of the crop and recorded the highest nutrient use efficiency. This efficiency was found to be at par with the application of 125% RDF and significantly higher than the remaining treatments. Overall, the experiment demonstrated the importance of weed control and proper nutrient management in enhancing the nutrient content and uptake by the crop. The weed-free treatment and the application of 100% RDF were identified as the most effective strategies in achieving these goals. These findings can be valuable for farmers and agricultural practitioners in optimizing crop productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Hybrid Pigeonpea (ICPH 2740) Nodular Activity and Biological Nitrogen Fixation as Influenced by Agronomic Practices

Background: To explore the impact of agronomic practices on nodulation, nitrogenase activity and biological nitrogen fixation in hybrid pigeonpea, a field investigation was under taken at BW5 block ICRISAT development center (IDC), International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, during kharif, 2021 and 2022. Methods: The seedlings were raised in portrays in advance to onset of monsoon during last week of May (28th May in 2021 kharif and 30th May in 2022 kharif) in both the years by filling portrays with cocopeat and vermicompost in 1:1 ratio. Transplanting of 24 days and 25 days old seedlings were done on 20th June in 2021 kharif and 23th June in 2022 kharif, respectively, on the same day of dibbling in the main field at 100 cm × 100 cm ,120 cm × 120 cm square geometry and 150 cm × 60 cm. Nutrient management treatments were imposed one week after sowing. Result: Among the planting methods higher nodule number and nitrogenase activity with transplanting compared to dibbling. 120 cm × 120 cm found higher nodule number plant-1 and nitrogenase activity but biological nitrogen fixation was higher with 100 cm × 100 cm ha-1 basis. With respect on nutrient management practices, control performed well in terms of higher nitrogenase activity and biological nitrogen fixation and on par with integrated approach of 100% soil test based NPK + vermicompost + PSB + seed treatment with Rhizobium. So, with transplanting method of establishment, 100 ´ 100 cm square plant geometry and 100% soil test based NPK + vermicompost + PSB + seed treatment with Rhizobium was recommended agronomic practices for hybrid pigeonpea.