Organic Nutrient Management Research Articles

Conservation tillage and organic nutrients management improve soil properties, productivity, and economics of a maize‐vegetable pea system in the Eastern Himalayas

AbstractSoil quality restoration and sustainable crop production in the rainfed ecosystem of the Indian Himalayas can be achieved through effective conservation tillage and organic management. Hence, a six‐year (2013 to 2019) study was conducted to quantify the effect of tillage and organic nutrient management on soil properties, productivity, and profitability of the maize‐vegetable pea (Pisum sativum) system. Three tillage practices [conventional (CT), reduced (RT), and no‐till (NT)] and four organic nutrients management practices [(ONM)‐farmyard manure @ 8 Mg ha−1farmers practice (ONM1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through manures (ONM2), 75% RDN through manures + maize/vegetable pea stover in either of the crops (ONM3), and 50% RDN through manures + maize/vegetable pea stover in either of the crops (ONM4)] were tested. The results indicated that the NT had higher soil organic carbon (SOC, 16.49 g kg−1), available N (354.5 kg ha−1), and lesser bulk density (1.31 Mg m−3) and penetration resistance (1.85 MPa) in comparison with that of CT at 0–10 cm depth. The system productivity under NT was 9.6% higher than that obtained under CT. The ONM3had higher SOC content, plant‐available N, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) than ONM1. The integration of RT‐ONM2enhanced SMBC, DHA, maize, and vegetable pea yield by 27.2%, 35.7%, 38.0%, and 60.3%, respectively, over CT‐ONM1. Thus, the study suggested that the adoption of effective conservation tillage with adequate organic nutrient management has the potential to advance the soil properties and productivity of maize‐vegetable pea system in the Himalayan Region.

Ten years of monitoring dissolved inorganic nitrogen in runoff from sugarcane informs development of a modelling algorithm to prioritise organic and inorganic nutrient management

Reducing nitrogen (N) losses from cropping systems to aquatic ecosystems is a global priority. In Australia, N losses from sugarcane production in catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) are threatening the health of this World Heritage-listed coral reef ecosystem. N losses from sugarcane can be reduced by improving fertiliser management. However, little is known about the contribution of organic sources of N, such as mill mud. We used more than 10 years of data from two of the main Australian sugarcane regions, a high (Wet Tropics) and moderate (Mackay Whitsundays) rainfall area, to calibrate and validate a model to predict dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) losses in runoff from both inorganic and organic fertilisers. DIN losses in runoff were well simulated (RMSE = 0.37 and 2.0 kg N ha−1 for the Wet Tropics and Mackay Whitsunday regions, respectively). Long-term simulations of rate and fertiliser deductions to account for N from organic sources showed that adopting best management practices for organic fertiliser (applying ≤50 wet t ha−1 mill mud) can significantly reduce DIN in runoff losses compared with applications of 150 wet t ha−1. Simulations of typical farmer practices in relation to fallow management (bare fallow vs. legume fallow) and organic fertiliser placement (buried in a fallow but surface applied to a green cane trash blanket in ratoons) showed that inorganic fertiliser rates need to be adjusted to account for N inputs from both mill mud and legume crops. Rates of application of organic N had a larger impact on DIN runoff losses than placement or timing of application. This work presents a DIN in runoff modelling algorithm that can be coupled with nitrogen models readily available in agricultural models to assess the impact of nutrient management on the quality of water leaving agricultural systems.

Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient management on nutrient uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The field experiment was carried out at AICRP IFS Research Farm, Krishi Nagar, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, and Jabalpur (MP), India during Kharif season of 2016. The study was carried out to evaluate the suitable organic and inorganic nutrient for rice crop. The results revealed that grain yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake viz., nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake by grain and straw of rice were higher with application of 100% NPK through fertilizers and 50% N through Vermicompost + 50% NPK through fertilizers, as compared to 100% N through Vermicompost, 75% N through Vermicompost, farmers practice N: 60, P: 30 through fertilizers + 3 tonnes FYM/ha, 75% N through Vermicompost + 25% NPK through fertilizers and absolute control.

Response of different organic nutrient management schedules on productivity, head quality, nutrient uptake and economics of organic cabbage

Field experiments were conducted to explore the possibilityof improving the productivity of organic cabbage byevaluating the response of different organic nutrientschedules comprising of enriched farmyard manure,vermicompost and poultry manure as basal and top-dressingduring winter season of 2017-18 and 2018-19 at UBKV,Pundibari, West Bengal. The experiment consisted of 8treatment combinations and laid out in randomized blockdesign with three replications. The results revealed that theuse of Azophos biofertilizer enriched poultry manure (5t/ha)as basal along with 2-times top dressing (1 t/ha) at 30 and 45days after transplanting significantly increased the headyield (1.64 kg/plant and 42.76 t/ha) along with superior headquality in terms of maximum vitamin A (126.01 IU/100 g),vitamin C (44.02 mg/100 g) and TSS (6.50 oBrix) of organiccabbage. The treatment combination comprised of Azophosbiofertilizer enriched vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) and enrichedpoultry manure (2.5 t/ha) as basal along with 2 times topdressing of both (0.5 t/ha) at 30 and 45 days aftertransplanting proved to be the second-best option fororganic cabbage cultivation of the region.

Conjunctive use of organic and inorganic nutrient management on economics and quality of hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Field investigation was carried out during kharif 2002 and 2003 at research farm, IGAU, Raipur (C.G.). The experiment aimed at comparing performance of different levels of inorganic fertilizer and its conjunction with different organic fertilizers. Results showed that application of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 in conjunction with PM gave the highest value of KLAC, ER and amylose content, which was comparable to inorganic fertilizer level of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 applied along with FYM or blending of N with cow dung. The hulling and milling percent was also increased under these combinations. The highest input cost, net profit and per rupee investment was found under 150:80:60 kg NPK ha-1 followed by application of 100:60:40 kg NPK ha-1 along with PM.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)

Background: Organic production of cluster bean is to contribute to the enhancement of production sustainability along with ecology. Sustainability in organic farming must therefore be seen in a holistic sense, which includes ecological, economic and social aspects. A synergistic effectof bio fertilizer with crop increases the crop productivity and sustainability also. Bio fertilizers are low cost, effective and renewable sources of plant nutrients to supplement chemical fertilizers. Therfore to overcome the ill effect of chemical based farming, organic system is becoming the emerging need of the society.Methods: A field experiment ’’was carried out in Pusa Navbahar variety of clusterbean during summer season (February to May) of 2019 at College farm, College of Horticulture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Jagudan, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat, India. Sixteen treatments having various combinations of organic sources of nutrients (FYM, vermicompost, and neem cake), bio fertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB + KSM) along with RDF (20/40/0 kg/ha) as a control. They were replicated thrice in a randomized block design having a plot size of 3.0 m × 2.0 m with a spacing of 60 cm × 20 cm. Standard practices were followed during the entire course of the investigation.Result: It showed highly significant differences among different treatments for majority of the growth and yield attributing traits, but treatment T6 (75% N through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB + KSM) was rated as the best treatment for characters like days taken for germination, number of root nodules per plant, plant height at 60 DAS (cm), number of pod per cluster, number of cluster per plant, green pod yield per plant (g), green pod yield per plot (kg) and green pod yield per hectare (kg) as compared to other treatment. It can be concluded that the organic nutrient management in cluster bean with the application of 75% N through FYM + Rhizobium + PSB + KSM is beneficial for obtaining a higher yield.

Microbiological and enzymatic properties of diverse Jaivik Krishi inputs used in organic farming

Jaivik Krishi is a system of production and natural agriculture free from all fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and synthetic harmful substances. Organic Farming is a method which forbids the application of synthetic inputs (such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, feed additives, hormones, etc.) Jaivik krishi products (organic inputs) are organic formulations that boost the biological productivity of crops and the nutritional quality of vegetables and fruits. The use of Javik Krishi inputs helped in sustaining crop yields in organic nutrient management system. In the present study, various organic formulations were prepared from the various indigenous cow-products and plant based waste materials. Microbial count viz., total bacteria, fungus and actinomycetes count, and enzymatic activities viz., acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase were also evaluated in different organic liquid formulations. The average microbial count of Panchgavya (14.9x108, 5.8x105, 8x105 cfu/mL for total bacteria, fungus and actinomycetes count respectively) was highest among various Javik Krishi inputs studied followed by Dasparni. In present study, enzymatic activities of Javik Krishi inputs was directly related and corresponded to the microbial count. The enzyme activities of Panchgavya was highest (29.97, 52.10 and 66.64 μg/mL for acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase respectively) followed by Dasparni. These Javik Krishi inputs will benefit in enhancing the soil carbon content of soil and improving the soil fertility and micro-fauna.

Nutrient management practices for improved crop and water productivity, grain quality and energy productivity of promising rice cultivars in Eastern Himalayas

Aim: To assess the influence of nutrient management practices on crop and water productivity, grain quality, energy productivity and profitability in promising rice genotypes of Eastern Himalayas. Methodology: An experiment was conducted at ‘Lowland Research Block’ of ICAR–RC–NEHR, Barapani, Meghalaya to assess the influence of different nutrient management practices [Organic nutrient management (through FYM + remaining P through rock phosphate); integrated nutrient management (INM) (50% NPK through fertilizers + 50% N through FYM + remaining P through rock phosphate); inorganic nutrient management (fertilizers); and absolute control] and rice varieties [Shahsarang–1, Lumpnah and Megha semi-aromatic–2] on productivity, quality, energetic and profitability replicated thrice in a split-plot design. Results: Rice grain yield was significantly higher in INM practice (4.18 t ha-1) followed by inorganic (4.02 t ha-1) and organic practice (3.74 t ha-1). INM practice exhibited highest hulling (68.6%), milling (59.9%), head-rice recovery (53.6%), protein content (7.56%) and protein yield (329 kg ha-1) followed by inorganic, organic practice and control, respectively. However, gross and net returns and B: C ratio were significantly greater in inorganic practice followed by INM practice. Highest TWUE (3.17 kg ha-1 mm-1), water productivity (47.6 INR ha-1 mm-1), energy output (140342 MJ ha-1) as well as net energy (130813 MJ ha-1) were recorded in INM practice. Interpretation: INM practice and rice variety ‘Shahsarang–1’ can be recommended to farmers for enhancing the rice productivity, profitability, resource-use efficiency and soil health in eastern Himalayan region of India. Key words: Energetics, Grain quality, Integrated nutrient management, Rice varieties, Water-use efficiency

Evaluation of Amritapani and Sanjivak liquid organic manures on growth, yield and economics of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

The field experiment in Finger millet was conducted during Kharif 2019 in red sandy lomy soil of University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru with different liquid organic nutrient management practices. The growth parameters were significantly varied with application of Amritapani + Sanjivak @ 125% N equivalent ha-1 produced significantly taller plants, number of tillers, leaf area and dry matter accumulation at harvest (95.14cm, 3.87, 1066.80cm2 & 99.93g respectively) as compared to all other treatments in the experiment. Whereas, lower plant height, number of tillers, leaf area and total dry matter accumulation at harvest Sanjivak @ 75% N equivalent ha-1(75.66cm, 2.80, 660cm2 & 72.57g respectively). Higher net returns and BC ratio (Rs. 95740 ha-1 and 3.53, respectively) recorded with application of Amritapani + Sanjivak @ 125% N equivalent ha-1 and lower net returns and BC ratio (Rs. 55338 ha-1 and 2.49, respectively) were obtained with Sanjivak @ 75% N equivalent ha-1.

Biochar and leguminous cover crops as an alternative to summer fallowing for soil organic carbon and nutrient management in the wheat-maize-wheat cropping system under semiarid climate

Cereal-based cropping systems under arid and semiarid climates have typically low soil organic matter and fertility, and natural fallowing during summer gap could have negative effects on soil quality and health. We tested an alternative approach of using biochar and leguminous cover crops to replace natural summer fallowing of about 75 days in the wheat-maize-wheat cropping systems with a view of studying the effects on legume productivity, soil organic carbon (C), and soil nutrients over the 2-year experiments. The two-factor completely randomized block experimental design consisted of biochar, developed from acacia tree biowaste and applied at 0, 5, and 10 t ha−1 rate, and leguminous cover crops (cowpea, mungbean, and sesbania) with natural fallow were used to test soil fertility and crop productivity. Treatments were laid out following completely randomized block design and each treatment had three replicates leading to 36 experimental plots in total. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to find the relationships between plant and soil variables. Regression analysis was performed to study correlations of total organic C with soil available N, P, and K contents. Results from the 2-year experiment indicated that plant height, pods plant−1, grains pod−1, 1000-grain weight, fresh and dry biomass, and grain yield were higher at 10 t ha−1 biochar rate; however, the nodule density plant−1 of cowpea and sesbania was the highest at 5 t ha−1 biochar. Integrating legumes with biochar further conserved and improved soil C which significantly positively correlated with soil fertility indicators. Despite linear positive changes in soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) with biochar rate, increase was minor and was never significant. We observed significant positive relationships of biochar rate with soil organic C contents and soil N and K contents whereas soil P contents were higher at 5 t ha−1 biochar rate. However, not always significant difference between 5 and 10 t ha−1 biochar rates for legume and soil productivity suggested flexibility of choosing the biochar application rate. Our study emphasized that adopting integrative biochar-leguminous cover crop fallowing to replace natural summer fallowing could yield beneficial effects in terms of conserving soil organic carbon, sustaining soil fertility, and improving soil quality. In addition to positive supplementary effects on the succeeding crops, this approach also allows at utilizing and recycling on-farm biowaste more efficiently and environment friendly.

Effect of organic amendments and nutrient management practices on yield and quality attributes of Cumbu Napier hybrid CO (BN) 5 under treated sewage irrigation

Globally, Treated sewage (TS) reuse for irrigation purposes has been advocated since it shows substantial economic and agricultural benefits. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of organic amendments and nutrient management practices on yield quantitative and qualitative properties in CO (BN) 5. Field experiment was conducted at farmer’s field located near Earipalayam Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), Udumalpettai during 2019-2020. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The treatments were managed for irrigation, with TS during entire period of growing season. A progressive increase in green fodder yield and crude protein content was observed. The highest green fodder yield (167 t ha-1 in the first harvest and 211t ha-1 in the second harvest) was obtained by the application of T5 – (Vermicompost@5 t ha-1 +100% NPK) followed by T2- (FYM@25 t ha-1 +100% NPK) of about (162 t ha-1 in first harvest and 205 t ha-1 in second harvest). Results revealed that TS irrigation with T5 - Vermicompost@ t ha-1 +100% NPK) dose worked well, with less crude fibre content and high crude protein content relative to control- 100%NPK at 0.05 significance levels and no signs of phytotoxicity were detected. It was concluded that CO (BN) 5 produced by TS maintained all its fodder quality and that it can be produced commercially for feeding livestock.

Effect of organic nutrient management on plant growth, productivity and economics of aromatic rice

A field experiment was carried out during kharif seasons of 2015 and 2016 at Agronomy Research Farm, Central Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to study the effect of organic nutrient management on plant growth, productivity and economics of aromatic rice. Application of recommended dose of fertilizer to aromatic rice (Geetanjali) produced improved plant growth with higher grain and straw yield having higher net return with B:C ratio. Among organic treatments, similar plant growth, yield and profit also obtained with application of 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through poultry manure along with top dressing with liquid manure twice at 25 and 50 days after transplanting.

The Effect of Integrated Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Productivity

Soil fertility depletion is a main problem to sustain agricultural production and productivity in many countries. The use of inorganic (chemical) fertilizer or organic fertilizer alone has both positive and negative effects on plant growth, nutrient availability and the soil. Inorganic fertilizer is usually immediately and fast containing all necessary nutrients that are directly easy to get for plants. But continuous use of inorganic (chemical) fertilizers alone causes soil organic matter degradation, soil acidity and environmental pollution. However, Organic fertilizer improves physical and biological activities of soil, but comparatively organic fertilizers has lower nutrient content, because of that larger quantity of fertilizer is required to adequate nutrient for plant growth. So integrated or mixed inorganic and organic nutrient management system is an alternative system for the sustainable and cost effective management of soil, and the result is raising soil fertility and productivity without affecting environment. The objective of the review is to assess the effect of mixing organic with inorganic fertilizer on soil fertility and productivity. The study revealed that appropriate application of organic with inorganic fertilizers increases the productivity without negative effect on productivity and improves soil fertility than the values obtained by organic or inorganic fertilizers separately.

EVALUATION OF LONG TERM DIFFERENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON CROP PRODUCTIVITY AND SOIL QUALITY IN RICE (ORYZA SATIVA)-POTATO (SOLANUM TUBEROSUM)-GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA) CROPPING SYSTEM IN NEW ALLUVIAL SOIL ZONE OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

We analyzed data from a long-term rice-potato-groundnut cropping sequence to evaluate the effects of different nutrient management practices on yield trends, economics and soil fertility of the system. In this study, most of the organic and integrated treatments showed significantly higher mean system yield in terms of rice-equivalent yield (REY) of the 13th and 14th crop cyclethan that of with purely inorganic source. Highest mean rice-equivalent system yieldwas obtained in the treatment with 33% of recommended N each from FYM, vermicompost and Neem cake along with Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSB (14.96 t ha-1). In contrast with the yield result, purely inorganic treatment showed better performance compare to all other organic and integrated treatments from the economical point of view during last two 13th and 14 th cropping year. The organic nutrient-management packages increased the mean soil organic carbon and soil macronutrients (available N, P and K) at the end of 13th and 14 th cropping system cycle over the control (fallow land) and the buildup was maximum in the soil, applied with 33% of recommended N each from FYM, vermicompost and Neem cake along with Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSB (0.98%, 301.8, 61.1 and 173.3 kg/ha for organic carbon, N, P and K). The mean microbial population after thirteenth and fourteenth cropping year in terms of colony forming units increased in a higher rate in soils with organic nutrient supply system (bacteria 3.7 to 14.5 cfu g-1, fungi 3 to 12.3 cfu g-1) compared to the control as against the respective increases of 1.2 cfu g-1 and 1.8 cfu g-1 in the soils receiving nutrients through chemical fertilizers. Application of 33% of recommended N each from FYM, vermicompost and Neem cake along with Azospirillum, Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSB was the best organic nutrient management practice compare to other studied management practices for rice–potato–groundnut cropping system in new alluvial zone of West

Non-herbicidal Weed and Organic Nutrient Management in Maize under Rainfed Maize-Sesamum Cropping Sequence

During 2013 and 2014, a field experiment was performed in the Instructional-Cum-Research Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat to study the effect of weed and nutrient management in maize on weeds and maize, sesamum yield. The field experiment was conducted in split plot design (SPD) and the treatments comprised of fertility management (F0 - control, F1 - 2.5 t/ha enriched compost and F2 - 5.0 t/ha enriched compost) as the main factor and weed management (W0-no weeding, W1- hand hoeing and earthing up 20 and 50 days after sowing,W2-in situ cowpea mulching upto 50 days after sowing and W3- in situ blackgram mulching upto 50 days after sowing) as the sub factor in maize and its residual effects tested in subsequent sesamum crop. It was found that W1 resulted in the least weed NPK content (%) at 60 days after sowing (DAS). In case of NPK uptake (kg/ha), W1 resulted in the least at 60 DAS and harvest. It was also noticed that W2 caused the least weed NPK content (%) at harvest during both the years. Organic nutrition had no effect on the above mentioned parameters. The residual effect of weed management and organic nutrition in the subsequent sesamum crop was nil in terms of weed suppression. It was found that W1, F2 and W1F2 resulted in significantly the best LAI of maize for both the years. Treatments W1 (3014.59 kg/ha and 2849.24 kg/ha in 2013 and 2014, respectively), F2 (2322.33 kg/ha and 2178.29 kg/ha during 2013 and 2014, respectively) and W1F2 (4723.81 kg/ha and 4507.24 kg/ha during 2013 and 2014, respectively) too resulted in significantly the highest grain yield of maize. No residual effect of weed management was found while organic nutrition had residual effect in sesamum crop. The best LAI in sesamum was due to fertility management, F2 during both the years while F1 and F2 both at par resulted in the least number of days needed for 50% flowering in sesamum. In sesamum, significant interaction effect was found only during 2014 for LAI, days to 50% flowering and yield. In terms of seed yield of sesamum, F2 (589.08 kg/ha) and F1 (556.28 kg/ha) being at par were better than F0 in 2013 while in 2014, F2 (402.78 kg/ha) was the best treatment. More benefit: cost ratio (2.56 and 2.16 during 2013 and 2014, respectively) of the maize-sesamum cropping sequence was due to F1W1.

Performance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] under Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Management in Semi- Arid Tropical Conditions in Central India

Soybean is an important leguminous and oilseed crop of India and extensively grown all over Madhya Pradesh due to its wide adaptability to agro-climatic conditions. However a continuous decline in soybean productivity has been observed and nutrient imbalance is one of the important identified factors. The present study was conducted to explore the nutrient management option for sustained productivity of soybean. The performance of soybean crop under various nutrient management practices was studied with 9 different combinations of five levels of nitrogen (0, 20, 30, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), five levels of phosphorous (0, 13, 20, 26 and 35 kg ha-1), two levels of farm yard manure (0 and 6t ha-1) and two levels of crop residue (0 and 5t ha-1) replicated thrice. These combinations were T1-N0P0 (unfertilized control); T2-N20P13; T3-N30P20; T4-N40P26; T5-N60P35; T6-FYM6t+T2; T7-Residues 5t+T2; T8-FYM @ 6t ha-1 and T9-Crop residues 5t ha-1. The performance of soybean and change in soil properties were studied. The results revealed that, the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizer application positively influenced the plant height, number of branches, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, yield and test weight of soybean. Further, the combined application of FYM and inorganic fertilizers improved the soil organic carbon and nutrient availability.

Long Term Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management on Phosphorous Dynamics under Different Cropping Systems of Typic Ustochrept Soil of India

ABSTRACT Information on phosphorus (P) dynamics in soil is crucial for careful management of phosphorus fertilization in respect to the sustainable development of agriculture in IGP regions. The sorption and desorption of phosphate, different fractions of phosphate, dehydrogenase activity, acid and alkaline phosphatase activity were studied in soils under organic inorganic and integrated nutrient management practices in four different cropping systems. The P adsorption maxima of long-term organic soil was highest (77.52 µg P g−1) under coarse rice-barley-green gram cropping system. The bonding energy of phosphorus in the soil solution varies from 0.38 to 0.20 ml µ−1. Average across the cropping systems, the bonding energy of adsorb P were 68.54% and 39.05% higher under organic and integrated nutrient-managed plots respectively as compared to the inorganic nutrient management. Maximum buffering capacity of phosphate was observed (29.59 ml g−1 soil) under Coarse rice-barley-green gram cropping systems in organic nutrient management practice. Application of organic nutrient management practice increases 26.04% higher water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) as compared to the inorganic nutrient management practice, average across the cropping systems. All other fractions of phosphorus in the soil were higher under inorganic nutrient management that leads to higher amount of total of phosphorus, average across the cropping systems. Long-term application of organic for 14 years increases the bonding energy and adsorption capacity for P in soil but decreased its desorption potential, increasing P availability to the plant and leading to higher P uptake irrespective of cropping systems.

Changes in availability and uptake of soil phosphorus influenced by management practices and crop growth stages under peanut cultivation in medium black clay soil of Saurashtra region, Gujarat

Aim: To investigate efficient utilization of soil phosphorus for peanut nutrition through integration of management practices in medium black clay soils of Saurashtra region in Gujarat. Methodology: Soil phosphorus availability and uptake by peanut plants were assessed at five plant growth stages under six different management practices in Kharif season. The availability of soil P was estimated by Olsen P and Resin P extraction methods. The biomass production and phosphorus uptake at each growth stages were observed in order to draw the relationship between these parameters.? Results: The management practices like raised bed with polythene mulch, integrated and organic nutrient management was consistently found promising for enhanced availability and uptake of soil phosphorus under peanut cultivation. The Olsen P decreased with plant growth under all the management options, except organic and integrated nutrient management practices.? In contrary, the resin P generally increased with plant growth, especially under inorganic and organic nutrient management and raised bed with polythene mulch practices. Irrespective of growth stages, the phosphorus uptake by peanut plants was significantly and strongly correlated with biomass production (r=0.85, p<0.01) and Olsen P (r=0.41, P<0.05).? Interpretation: The results indicate that phosphorus requirement of peanut plants can be efficiently met by integrating land and nutrient management practices in these medium black clay soils.

Impact of land configuration and organic nutrient management on productivity, quality and soil properties under baby corn in Eastern Himalayas

Appropriate land configuration and assured nutrient supply are prerequisites for quality organic baby corn (Zea mays L.) production in high rainfall areas of the delicate Eastern Himalayan Region of India. A long term (5-year) study was conducted during 2012–2016 on a sandy loam soil in the mid attitude of Sikkim, Eastern Himalayan Region of India to evaluate the productivity, produce quality, the profitability of baby corn, and soil properties under different land configurations comprising flatbed, ridge and furrow, and broad bed and furrow, and organic nutrient management practices comprising un-amended control, farmyard manure 12 t ha−1, vermicompost 4 t ha−1 and farmyard manure 6 t ha−1 + vermicompost 2 t ha−1. The baby corn sown on broad bed and furrow had the tallest plant (149.25 cm), maximum dry matter (64.33 g plant−1), highest leaf area index (3.5), maximum cob length (8.10 cm), cob girth (6.13 cm) and cob weight (8.14 g) leading to significantly higher fresh baby corn yield (1.89 t ha−1), and net returns (US$ 906.1 ha−1) than those of other treatments. Mineral composition (phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc), protein, and ascorbic acid content were also the highest in baby corn grown under the broad bed and furrow system. The soil of broad bed and furrow had a higher pH, organic carbon content, organic carbon pools, microbial biomass carbon, and enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate, and acid phosphatase) compared to soils of other land configurations. A combined application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1) improved the crop growth and produced 117.8% higher fresh baby corn and 99.7% higher fodder yield over control (0.9 t fresh corn and 13.02 t fodder yield ha−1), respectively. This treatment also registered significantly higher gross return (US$ 1746.9 ha−1), net return (US$ 935.8 ha−1), and benefit–cost ratio (2.15) than other nutrient management practices. Fresh cob quality in terms of protein (22.91%) and ascorbic acid content (101.6 mg 100 g−1) was observed to be significantly superior under combined application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1) than those of other nutrient management systems. However, fresh baby corn cobs produced with vermicompost 4 t ha−1 had the highest concentration of phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc. Application of farmyard manure 12 t ha−1 registered the maximum increment in soil organic carbon content (1.52%), its pool (40.6 t ha−1) and carbon sequestration rate (0.74 t ha−1 year−1) followed by integrated application of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) and vermicompost (2 t ha−1). The maximum soil microbial biomass carbon and enzymatic activities [dehydrogenase (22.1 µg TPF g−1 soil h−1) and fluorescein diacetate (67.1 µg FDA g−1 soil h−1)] were noted with the combined use of farmyard manure (6 t ha−1) + vermicompost (2 t ha−1). Thus, the study suggests that the broad bed and furrow land configuration along with the combined application of farmyard manure + vermicompost could be an economically feasible practice for quality organic baby corn production and soil health improvement in the Eastern Himalaya and other similar eco-regions elsewhere.

Organic nutrient management in aromatic rice-rice sequence: A critical review

The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the “Effect of soil and foliar supplementation of nitrogen, boron and salicylic acid on growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in alfisols of Konkan (M.S.)” at Research and Education Farm, Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri (M.S.) during the Summer season of 2018. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising ten treatment combinations replicated thrice, where the effect of soil and foliar supplementation of nitrogen, boron and salicylic acid either alone or in combinations applied along with the recommended dose of fertilizers (135:60:30 NPK kg ha-1) and an absolute control (to judge the fate of native nutrients) were studied. The study further revealed that the treatment receiving the application of recommended dose of fertilizer (135:60:30 kg ha-1) + Foliar spray of nitrogen through urea (1%) + Soil application of boron through borax @ 2 kg ha-1+ Foliar spray of salicylic acid (0.2%) was recorded the highest fruit yield (231.22 q ha-1) and yield attributing characters like number of fruits per vine (7.00) and weight of fruit i.e., 1.98 kg per vine as well as growth parameters viz. vine length (407.00 cm) and number of branches per vine (14.22) of Cucumber in alfisols of Konkan (M.S.).