Nutrient Application Research Articles

Effective combination of nutrient application on growth and yield of Palak

Effective combination of nutrient application on growth and yield of Palak

Influence of tillage practices and nutrient application rates on soil properties in a rice-mustard-black gram cropping system

Influence of tillage practices and nutrient application rates on soil properties in a rice-mustard-black gram cropping system

Impacts of Long-Term Nutrient Management Based on Soil Test and Crop Response on Soil Health and Yield Sustainability in Typic Haplustalf

We studied the effect of soil tests and crop response-based long-term nutrient management on yield sustainability and soil health under rice-rice system in a Typic Haplustalf. The experiment was designed in randomized block design having five treatments, viz, control, the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), STCR–NPK for target yield of 6 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 5 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–NPK6), STCR–NPK for 7 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 6 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–NPK7), and STCR–IPNS for 7 t ha–1 for kharif rice and 6 t ha–1 for rabi rice (STCR–IPNS7), and these treatments were replicated thrice. The 10-year mean data suggested that minimum yield was observed from control whereas highest was achieved in STCR–IPNS7 in both kharif as well as rabi seasons. The highest sustainable yield index (SYI) was 0.93 in kharif and 0.77 in rabi rice was observed under STCR–IPNS7, and lowest in control. Soil fertility status revealed that disregard for external application of nutrients resulted in depletion of 108 kg N, 11.6 kg P, and 200 kg K ha-1 and intensity of nutrient depletion was lowest in STCR–IPNS followed by STCR–NPK7, STCR–NPK6, and RDF. The urease, phosphatase, and dehydrogenase activities and microbial biomass C were found to be higher in STCR–IPNS when compared with other nutrient management practices while minimum values were recorded in the control.

Urea and Trichoderma harzianum Loaded Clay-Polymer Composite in Conjunction with Farmyard Manure Sustains Soil Moisture and Nitrogen Availability to Manage Fusarium-Meloidogyne Disease Complex in Lentil (Lens culinaris)

ABSTRACT The present investigation reports the development and characterization of a clay-polymer composite loaded with urea and Trichoderma harzianum (UTCPC) to enhance soil moisture and nitrogen availability and manage wilt-nematode complex in lentil grown in residual moisture after rainfed rice. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization proved successful synthesis of UTCPC. The bentonite clay (8% w w−1) and Th concentration (10% w w−1) were optimized based on the maximum spore count of the UTCPC and viability of the Th spores at one month of storage at room temperature. The incubation and pot culture experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six N levels replicated thrice in combinations with UTCPC. Under incubation experiment, the treatment of 100% N through farmyard manure (FYM) along with UTCPC application (T3) resulted in the highest soil moisture (18.5%) and lowest nitrate (NO3-N) content (42%) at 6 and 10 days after incubation, respectively, suggesting its sustained moisture-retaining and slow nitrate (NO3-N) release properties of the UTCPC. Under pot experiment, the treatment T3 expressed the highest soil moisture (28.8%) and NO3-N (17.6 kg ha−1) content even at 60 days after sowing. The disease severity index of all the treatments comprising UTCPC with or without nutrient application was significantly lower than the untreated soil. The lowest population of Fusarium spp. (13.8%) and Meloidogyne spp. (8%) were observed in T3. Therefore, UTCPC can be considered as an eco-friendly agri-input in enhancing moisture retention and sustaining nutrient release to the soil as well as providing biocontrol agents to manage Fusarium-Meloidogyne complex in lentil.

Effect of Different Nutrient Sources on Soil Properties and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Organic Farming

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2021-22 at organic farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, to study the effect of different organic nutrient sources on rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with 3 replications. The Factor-A comprised of soil application (S), i.e. S1, 100% RDN through NADEP compost, S2, 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each, S3, 60% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each and S4, Ghan-jivamrut @ 500 kg/ha + Jivamrut @ 500 l/ha, and Factor-B comprised of foliar application (F), i.e. F0, control, F1, Novel Organic liquid nutrient @ 1% and F2, Moringa leaf extract @ 3%, with 12 treatment combinations of soil and foliar application with organic rice variety ‘GNR-7’. The results indicated that, application of 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each recorded significantly higher organic carbon (80%), available K2O (520.1 kg/ha), bacterial count (159.3×10-5 cfu/g), Actinomycetes count (39.8×10-3 cfu/g) and straw yield (5442 kg/ha) than the S4, but it was statistically similar with S1. Application of 100% RDN through NADEP compost recorded significantly higher available N (269.7 kg/ha) and grain yield (3749 kg/ha) over the S4, but it was found at par with S2. In case of foliar application F2, Moringa leaf extract @ 3% produce numerically maximum organic carbon (0.79%), available K2O (518.3 kg/ha), bacterial count (156.9×10-5 cfu/g), Fungal count (12.3×10-3 cfu/g) and (Actinomycetes count (39.0×10-3 cfu/g), it also ensured significantly higher grain (3312 kg/ha) and straw yield (5265 kg/ha). Application of Novel Organic liquid nutrient 1% produce numerically maximum available P2O5 (61.0 kg/ha). On the basis of results, it can be concluded that the application of 80% RDN through NADEP compost along with Azospirillium and PSB @ 2 l/ha each before transplanting and foliar application with either 3% Moringa leaf extract or 1% Novel Organic liquid nutrient at 15, 30 and 45 days after transplanting may be improved physical and chemical properties of soil, available macronutrients, and organic carbon after harvest may be due to the effect of manures like NADEP compost combined with biofertilizer, which significantly improved physical and chemical properties of soil, available macronutrients, and organic carbon as well as yield compared to manure application alone.

An overview of foliar application of macro and micronutrients on the yield of maize in Ghana

Maize is a major staple crop in Ghana which plays a significant role in consumer diets. For some time now, the farming methods used by the farmers have been negatively affected by components such as climate, soil nutrient depletion, and constant monocropping resulting in the adoption of inorganic fertilizers. Conventional fertilizers supplied through soils are subjected to slow release of nutrients, leaching, fixation, surface runoff, erosion, and volatilization, which hinders optimal plant growth and yield. Foliar application of fertilizer offers an alternative method of fertilizer application that supplies nutrients directly to the stomata and cuticle of the leaves of maize thereby enabling rapid absorption and enhancing crop vigor. The The main objective of this paper is to review research papers which explores the potential of foliar application of vital nutrients – phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) – to improve the yield of maize crop. According to the literature gathered, foliar fertilization in combination with soil applied fertilizers emerges as a promising strategy, particularly in addressing nutrient deficiencies and stress scenarios. The efficient uptake of nutrients through leaves, as opposed to traditional soil-based approaches, holds promise for augmenting yield and enhancing protein content in maize crops. Notably, prior research highlights the efficacy of foliar-applied P, S, Zn, and Fe in significantly boosting grain yield. By understanding the complex mechanisms of nutrient absorption and the advantages of foliar application, the agricultural sector can explore innovative avenues to surmount soil-related challenges and achieve sustainable crop development.

Effect of Foliar Nutrition and Growth Regulators on Growth, Quality and Economics of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

Aim: Foliar nutrition is aimed to eliminate the problems of fixation and immobilization of nutrients. Hence, foliar application of plant growth hormones is being recognized as a significant way of fertilizing modern agriculture, especially under rainfed conditions. Growth regulating substances or growth regulators are known to influence a wide array of physiological parameters like alteration of plant architecture, assimilate partitioning, promotion of photosynthesis, uptake of nutrients (mineral ions) and enhancing metabolism.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete block design with three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field experiment was conducted in medium black to deep black soil with clay loam texture at Agricultural Research Station, Bheemarayanagudi, Yadgir district during kharif season of 2022.
 Methodology: The experiment consisted of eleven treatments viz., T1: Control (water spray), T2: Pulse magic @ 10 g l-1 at flower initiation, T3: Nitrobenzene @ 500 ppm at flower initiation, T4: Urea @ 2 % spray at flower initiation, T5: DAP @ 2 % spray at flower initiation, T6: N: P: K (19:19:19) @ 2 % spray at flower initiation, T7: Boron @ 0.25 % spray at flower initiation, T8: Urea @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm spray at flower initiation, T9: DAP @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm spray at flower initiation, T10: N: P: K (19:19:19) @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm spray at flower initiation and T11: Boron @ 0.25 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm spray at flower initiation. 
 Results: Foliar application of DAP @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm at flower initiation was found beneficial for growth and yield of greengram along with higher net returns and benefit-cost ratio (BC ratio). Alternately, foliar application of N:P:K (19:19:19) @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm at flower initiation stage or foliar application of pulse magic @ 10 g l-1 at flower initiation stage can be recommended for achieving higher net returns from greengram cultivation.
 Conclusion: Foliar application of nutrients and plant growth hormones would reduce the burden on soil application of fertilizers through urea and DAP for greengram cultivation. Thereby, cost incurred on fertilizers could be reduced and net returns could be increased. Foliar application of DAP @ 2 % + salicylic acid @ 75 ppm at flower initiation was found beneficial for growth and yield of greengram.

Evaluating Coastal Douglas Fir Growth Responses to Nitrogen Application Using Tree Ring Chronologies

Dendrochronology is a technique that can be applied as a retrospective monitoring (RM) approach to evaluate the performance of nutrient application in forest ecosystems. Applying the RM approach across operations lacks experimental controls, which may adversely affect accuracy and precision of estimates due to greater mismatches in stand conditions between treated and untreated plots. To test the rigor of the RM approach, we collected increment cores of coastal Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) at eight sites of an experiment where stands were fertilized in 1971. First, we tested the approach under ideal conditions by sampling from treated and untreated plots of the experiment. Second, we tested the approach using newly established surrogate control (SC) plots, which differed in ecological site classification from those of the treated plots to understand how robust the approach was to mismatches in conditions between treated and untreated samples. We hypothesized that detrending ring width would mitigate error in responses to nutrient application resulting from mismatches in site classification. Within the experiment, the approach indicated an average increase of 15% (5% to 26%, p < 0.05) growth response to operational doses of urea. Different responses were found when the analysis relied on SC plots. Detrending low-frequency variation in ring widths eliminated differences in results arising, at least in part, to mismatches in site class. However, it also reduced the growth response using the experimental control plots to 10%. Dendrochronology with detrending shows promise in the ability to mitigate variation introduced by mismatches in ecological site classification that may occur in operational monitoring. Based on these results, we see potential to implement RM with operations to evaluate and optimize stand selection criteria.

Yield and grain quality of oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties grown on typical chernozems

Purpose. To determine the yield potential and grain qua­lity of varieties of oat (Avena sativa L.) as a function of the nutritional and climatic conditions. Methods. Field, laboratory (grain quality determination) and statistical methods were used in the research. Results. Using different fertilization systems, seven oat varieties were studied, of which the most productive were ‘Ayvori’, ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ and ‘Zakat’. The greatest increase in yield due to the use of fertilizers in 2022–2023 (1.24–2.73 t/ha with average increases of 0.32–2.83 t/ha) was observed for the cultivation of the ‘Ayvori’ variety. Additional increases due to the introduction of sulphur, compared to the options where only nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were used, were observed for the varieties ‘Neptun’ – 0. 26–0.39 t/ha; ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’ – 0.47–0.49; ‘Svitanok’ – 0.23–0.66; ‘Zakat’ – 0.39–0.64; ‘Zubr’ – 0.41–0.54; ‘Albatros’ – 0.58–0.78; ‘Ayvori’ – 0.34–0.66 t/ha. The average yield of the control varieties in 2021–2023 was as follows 2.28 t/ha – ‘Neptun’; 2.64 – ‘Lehin Nosivskyi’; 2.50 – ‘Svitanok’; 2.70 – ‘Zakat’; 2.71 – ‘Zubr’; 2.60 – ‘Albatros’; 2.81 t/ha – ‘Ayvori’. Increasing the rate of nutrient application to the soil helped to improve grain quality. Thus, with the addition of N30P30K30 + N30 BBCH32, the protein content in the grain was within 10.2–10.8%; N60P60K60 + N30 ВВСН32 – 10.4–11.2; N90P90K90 + N30 ВВСН32 – 11.0–11.8; N120P120K120 + N30 BBCH32 – 11.4–12.4%. The addition of sulphur to the fertilization system resulted in a more efficient use of nitrogen and therefore an increase in the protein content of the grain of 1.3–1.8% compared to the options where the rate of macronutrients was the same for all varieties. The content of albumins and globulins was higher in the grain of the control variant (17.0–19.3 and 20.1–21.6% respectively) and did not vary significantly between varieties. The amount of reserve proteins – prolamins and glutelins – increased (from 28.4–30.2 to 34.8–36.2%) with an increase in fertilizer rate, especially with the introduction of N120P120K120S45 + N30. Conclusions. All investigated oat varieties are highly productive and give yields in the range of 3.33–5.54 t/ha, depending on the fertilizer rate. The variety ‘Neptun’ is slightly lower in yield than the others, but has grain with a significant content of biologically valuable protein fractions. The application of sulphur­containing fertilizers increases yield, improves grain quality and allows a more efficient use of nitrogen, which makes it possible to reduce the basic rate of addition of macronutrients to the soil.

Combined Soil Microorganism Amendments and Foliar Micronutrient Nanofertilization Increased the Production of Allium cepa L. through Aquaporin Gene Regulation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in aquaporin expression on the growth of onion (Allium cepa L.) plants when subjected to dual applications of microorganism-based soil amendments and foliar nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients. Multiple physiological parameters related to water, gas exchange, and nutrient content in leaf, root, and bulb tissues were determined. Additionally, the gene expression of aquaporins, specifically PIP1, PIP2 (aquaporin subfamily plasma membrane intrinsic protein), and TIP2 (aquaporin subfamily tonoplast intrinsic protein), was analyzed. The findings revealed that the foliar application of nutrients in a nanoencapsulated form significantly enhanced nutrient penetration, mobilization, and overall plant growth to a greater extent than free-form fertilizers. Amendments with microorganisms alone did not promote growth but influenced the production of secondary metabolites in the bulbs. The combination of microorganisms and nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients demonstrated synergistic effects, increasing dry matter, mineral content, and aquaporin gene expression. This suggests that aquaporins play a pivotal role in the transport of nutrients from leaves to storage organs, resulting in the overexpression of PIP2 aquaporins in bulbs, improved water uptake, and enhanced cell growth. Therefore, the combined treatment with microorganisms and nanoencapsulated mineral nutrients may be an optimal approach for enhancing onion productivity by regulating aquaporins under field conditions.

Effects of combined application of nitrogen and potassium on oil concentration and fatty acid component of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

ContextNutrient inputs significantly affect the quality of rapeseed, yet comprehensive research on combined nutrient applications is lacking. ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of combined application of N and K on rapeseed traits, including N, K, oil, and protein concentrations, fatty acid component, seed yield and oil yield. MethodsA 2-year field experiment was conducted in the Yangtze River Basin involving the rapeseed cultivars H9 (low oil) and Z11 (high oil). Sixteen N and K fertilizer combinations encompassed four N rates (0, 90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1) and four K fertilizer rates (0, 60, 120, and 180 kg K2O ha−1). ResultsThe results revealed that the combined application of N and K significantly affected rapeseed oil and protein concentrations by modulating the nutrient concentrations. Specifically, applying N reduced the oil concentration while applying K increased the oil concentration. Each 1.0% rise in seed K concentration corresponded to a 14.9% average increase in oil concentration, counterbalancing a 2.8% increase in N concentration. Additionally, the higher oil concentration of Z11was closely linked to its seed K concentration. In contrast, protein concentration increased with the N application and decreased with the K application. Furthermore, applying N reduced palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acid content and increased oleic (C18:1) acid content, which further increased with K. Combining the K application with the N treatment resulted in higher seed yield and oil yield compared to a single N application, which particularly benefited the high oil cultivar Z11. ConclusionUtilizing an N180K120 combination significantly improved rapeseed oil concentration, fatty acid composition, seed yield, and oil yield. ImplicationsThis study details the effects of applying K at various N fertilizer rates on enhancing rapeseed quality and yield, emphasizing the importance of the N and K ration in oilseed rape production.

Nitrogen Foliage Application at Anthesis Improves Grain Yield and Quality of Wheat in a Genotype-Dependent Manner

Crop quality tends to decrease with an increasing grain yield. Nitrogen is an important nutrient and moderate nitrogen foliage application (NFA) can significantly improve the wheat yield and quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NFA on the grain yield and quality of wheat and its genotype-dependent variation. Eighteen wheat cultivars were used, and two NFA levels (N1 and N2; 10.70 and 21.40 kg N ha−1 two day−1, respectively) were applied. Significant genotypic differences in the yield and quality were observed among the 18 varieties, and their responses to NFA differed. For nine varieties in the experiment, N1 increased the grain yield, but N2 did not. In contrast, high concentrations of NFA had no effect on the grain yield in the other nine varieties. The protein content and composition and trace element (Fe, Zn, etc.) are all nutrient elements that notably affect the wheat grain quality and yield. NFA significantly increased the grain prolamin and glutelin concentrations in the grains, thereby increasing the total protein concentration. The prolamin, glutelin, and total protein concentrations in the grains of the lower-protein cultivars were more sensitive to NFA than those of the higher-protein cultivars. In addition, NFA significantly decreased the amylose concentration in the grains. By affecting the prolamin, glutelin, and amylose concentrations in the grains, NFA significantly increased the development and stability times of the corresponding wheat flour dough, thereby improving the dough quality. Moreover, NFA reduced the molar ratio of phytic acid to Fe and Zn, increasing the bioavailability of trace elements. The judicious application of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in the synergistic improvement in the yield and quality.

Effect of foliar nutrition on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] productivity under rainfed condition of Manipur

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2017 to find out the response of soybean yield to application of foliar nutrition under rainfed condition of Manipur. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments which were replicated thrice. Treatments consist of application of foliar nutrient with recommended dose of fertilizer. Results showed that application of foliar nutrients significantly influenced the yield of soybean. Application of RDF + MOP 0.5% at pod initiation produced maximum seed yield of 2096 kg/ha followed by application of RDF + Urea 2% spray at pod initiation (1988 kg/ha) and RDF + 19:19:19 (NPK) 2% at pod initiation (1964 kg/ha).

Influence of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Yield and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

The present experiment was laid out at research farm of R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) during Kharif season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment replicated three times. The Blackgram (cv. Pratap -1) was sowing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha-1 and with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizer viz. 20:40:20 kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively was applied to the crop. Results revealed that foliar spray application of nutrient shows significant effect on yield and yield attributes. Treatment T7 (2% Spray of DAP + 0.5% Spray of ZnSO4 at pre-flowering and pod initiation stage) found higher for yield and yield attributes i.e. number of pods/plant (13.67), number of seeds/pods (6.15), seed index (4.76 g), seed yield/plant (2.21 g), seed yield/plot (836 g), seed yield/ha (786 kg), straw yield (1730 kg/ha), biological yield (2516 kg/ha), harvest index (31.21 %). While, minimum values found with T1 (Water spray at pre-flowering stage and pod initiation stage).

Effect of Liquid Organic Formulations on Productivity and Profitability of Mung-bean crop under Semi Arid Environment of Rajasthan

Aims: The increasing cost and unavailability of fertilizers, poor soil health, growing ecological concern, consumer health problems and the government’s interest in promoting the organic farming have forced to try new methods of application of nutrients in the form of liquid organic formulations. Hence, the present investigation was aimed to know the effect of liquid organic formulations on productivity and profitability of mungbean crop under semi-arid environment of Rajasthan.
 Methods: The field experiment was conducted at Agronomy farm, School of Agriculture, OPJS University Churu, Rajasthan. This experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications, consist of twelve treatments namely Control, Water spray, Panchgavya (2 spray), Vermiwash (2 spray), Cow urine (2 spray), Matka khad (2 spray), Panchgavya + Vermiwash, Panchgavya + Cow urine, Panchgavya + Matka khad, Vermiwash + Cow urine, Vermiwash + Matka khad and Cow urine + Matka khad.
 Results: The results revealed that independent two spray of panchgavya and spray of panchgavya+ vermiwash (one spray of each) resulted significantly higher crop growth attributes, yield attributes and yields as well as net returns of mungbean. The said treatments recorded highest grain yields (1128 and 1051 kg/ha), net return (55576 and 49361 Rs/ha) and befit cost ratio (2.30 and 2.07) which was significant over rest of the treatments. According to our findings independent two spray of panchgavya at 25 and 45 DAS and combined spray of panchgavya + vermiwash (one spray of each) is recommended for higher productivity with more economic returns.

Comprehensive study of on-the-go sensing and variable rate application of liquid nitrogenous fertilizer

Variable rate technology (VRT) provides a sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective nutrient application option. A pioneered study is carried out to develop a variable rate liquid fertilizer application system to detect on-the-go deficiency of Nitrogen within a field and apply it according to the requirement of crop. The system includes microcontroller, nitrogen sensor (i.e. Green-seeker sensor), proportional solenoid valve, pressure relief valve, pump, battery, etc. Microcontroller receives a signal from Green-seeker sensor and it transmits to the proportional solenoid valve (PSV). The PSV opening is change based on the prescribed nutritional dose. The experimental study is conducted on groundnut crop. The experiment is carried out for different level of fertilizer (N1-150, N2– 200, N3-250, and N4-300 l ha−1) as well as different operating speed is 3, 4, 5 km h−1 to estimate actual fertilizer dropped (AFD), % error, droplet size, droplet density (DD), uniformity coefficient (UC), and spray deposition. The response time of the system is in the range of 1.12 s to 1.80 s. It is observed from the experimental study that the error in the fertilizer to be dropped and AFD increases with increase in the speed of operation. The percentage error is found to be 2.73 %, which is the lowest one, at 3 km h−1 operating speed. The maximum droplet size is found to be 272.5 μm at 5 km h−1 forward speed and 300 l ha−1 nitrogen application rate, whereas minimum droplet size is found to be 241.23 μm at 3 km h−1 forward speed and 150 l ha−1 nitrogen application rate. The present study proposes maximum of 24.30 % saving in the fertilizer application for groundnut crop. Thus, the present system improved fertilizer use efficiency, profitability while minimizing environmental hazards.

Influence of Soil and Foliar Application of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L)

Aims: This study aims to scrutinize the intricacies of nutrient management to optimize the cultivation of black gram (Vigna mungo L.) during the Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Coimbatore. The primary objectives include evaluating the efficacy of various treatments, such as recommended doses of inorganic fertilizer (RDF), rhizobium, and Phosphobacteria microbial inoculants as soil applicants, as well as TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP as foliar sprays.
 Study Design: A meticulous Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed to explore diverse treatments. This design allowed for a systematic investigation into the impact of different nutrient management strategies on the growth and yield of black grams.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Coimbatore, and the Rabi season of 2022-2023 was chosen for its duration. The experimental setup was established at the research farm under the auspices of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.
 Methodology: A total of ten treatments were tested, including various combinations of RDF (25:50:25), rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, TNAU Pulse Wonder, nano urea, and DAP. Plant growth metrics, such as plant height and leaf count, were measured at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Yield attributes, including pod count, seeds per pod, and test weight, were also evaluated. Economic scrutiny included the calculation of the cost of cultivation, gross return, net income, and benefit-cost ratio.
 Results: Treatment T7, consisting of 75% RDF, rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria, and 1% TNAU Pulse Wonder, demonstrated substantial efficacy in enhancing plant growth metrics. At 60 DAS, this treatment exhibited an appreciable increase in plant height (39.89 cm) and leaf count (15.33). Moreover, T7 positively impacted crucial yield attributes, with elevated pod count (24.33), seeds per pod (9.33), and test weight (4.98 g). Economic scrutiny identified T7 as the epitome of economic viability, featuring a cost of cultivation at 30,240 INR, gross return of 125,587.80 INR, net income of 95,347.80 INR, and a commendable benefit-cost ratio of 4.15.
 Conclusion: These findings underscore the profound significance of strategic nutrient management paradigms for fostering sustainable and economically robust black gram cultivation. The identified treatment T7 stands out as a promising approach to optimize yields and economic returns in black gram cultivation, offering valuable insights for future agricultural practices.

An Application of System Dynamics to Characterize Crop Production for Autonomous Indoor Farming Platforms (AIFP)

Smart farming using technology-monitored controlled environment agriculture (CEA) has recently evolved to optimize crop growth while minimizing land use and environmental impacts, especially for climate-threatened regions. This study focuses on characterizing crop production using system dynamics (SD) modeling, which is a relatively new approach in CEA settings. Using tomatoes in a hydroponic growing system, we explore an alternative food resource potentially accessible to underserved areas in rural and/or urban settings under abrupt climate variability. The designed autonomous indoor farming platforms (AIFP) are equipped with the Internet of Things (IoT) to monitor the physiological parameters, including electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and water temperature (WT) associated with plant growth. Two varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants were used in this study with two different nutrient inputs (N-P-K ratios of 2-1-6 and 5-5-5) to assess the nutrient application impact on yield, especially focusing on the early stages of tomato to conceptualize and parametrize SD modes. Repeated measure analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of the environmental factors (EC, pH, and WT) in response to changing plant nutrients. The results show that different nutrient compositions (N-P-K ratios) have a noticeable effect on both pH and WT (p < 0.001) as opposed to EC. The study indicates that the proposed AIFP would be a promising solution to produce other crops for indoor farming in a changing climate. We anticipate that the proposed AIFP along with SD tools will be widely adopted to promote indoor farming in changing climates, ultimately contributing to community resilience against food insecurity in disadvantaged areas for years to come.

Impact of Foliar Application of Nutrients on Economics of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

The present experiment was laid out at research farm of R.A.K. College of Agriculture, Sehore (M.P.) during Kharif season of 2022. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with 8 treatments and each treatment replicated three times. The Blackgram (cv. Pratap -1) was sowing with a seed rate of 15 kg ha-1 and with a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. The recommended dose of chemical fertilizer viz. 20:40:20 kg ha-1 N: P2O5: K2O, respectively was applied to the crop. Results revealed that foliar spray application of nutrient shows significant effect on yield economics. Treatment T7 (2% Spray of DAP + 0.5% Spray of ZnSO4 at pre-flowering and pod initiation stage) found higher for yield and yield attributes i.e. grain yield (0.836 kg/plot and 7.86 q/ha respectively), straw yield (17.30q/ha), biological yield (25.16 q/ha), harvest index (31.21 %), gross return (₹ 62550 ha-1), net return ((₹ 36491 ha-1) and B:C ratio (2.40). While, minimum values found with T1 (Water spray at pre-flowering stage and pod initiation stage).

Evaluation of precision nutrient tools and nutrient optimization in maize (Zea mays L.) for enhancement of growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency

Modern agriculture relies heavily on inputs, with nutrient application being a significant cost factor and a critical driver of crop productivity. Maize, a nutrient-demanding cereal crop, necessitates precise nutrient management to enhance yields. Optimizing nutrient application in maize is essential for timely nutrient supply and improved nutrient use efficiency. Considering these facts, a field study for two consecutive years during 2021-22 and 2022-23 rabi season was conducted by considering 13 nutrient management treatments, which were replicated three times. The treatments included the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with its higher and lower levels in combination with nutrients prescribed by different precision nutrient management tools and the foliar application of nano urea. Among different nutrient management practices, the treatment chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% resulted in taller plant height (240 cm), leaf area (3259 cm2/plant), dry matter accumulation (2069 g/m2) and stem girth (8.1 cm) at harvest. The yield attributes such as number of cobs/ plant (1.78), number of grains/ cob (239.3), weight of cob (312 g) and number of rows/ cob (14.4) were also significantly superior to RDF with the former treatment. As a result, the treatment consisting of chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% produced significantly higher grain (7.74 t/ha), stover (12.40 t/ha) and biological yield (20.12 t/ha) as well as registered higher agronomic nutrient use efficiency. The study concludes that chlorophyll content meter sufficiency index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI 90-95% can be adopted in maize cultivation for enhancing growth, productivity and nutrient use efficiency.