Organic Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Mixotrophic cultivation of microalgae using agro-industrial waste: Tolerance level, scale up, perspectives and future use of biomass

Alternative culture media make large-scale microalgae biomass production more viable and cost-effective. The aim of this work was to study the addition of whey as an alternative source of organic nutrients in fed-batch mode for the cultivation of microalgae (Spirulina platensis, Chlorella homosphaera and Scenedesmus obliquus). The microalgae demonstrated acceptance of whey at low concentrations, causing the increasing in the maximum specific growth rates (μmax) and biomass concentrations ([X]max) compared with the cultivation without whey in standard medium (μmax of 0.168 d−1 versus 0.075 d−1, and [X]max of 2.274 g L−1 versus 0.970 g L−1, respectively, for S. platensis). Therefore, a cost savings in cultivation media of up to 32 %, 57 %, and 73 % were possible in the cultivation of S. obliquus, S. platensis, and C. homosphaera, respectively, considering the production of 1 kg of biomass. The addition of whey presented different effects in the levels of intracellular protein considering the species of microalgae: an increasing was observed in C. homosphaera (24.18 to 43.96 g/100 g of biomass) and a decreasing in S. platensis (73.75 to 44.06 g/100 g of biomass), comparing with the controls. Scale-up with a natural light source can affect microalgal productivity and biomass composition in a medium supplemented with whey, because of the influence of irradiation. Optimizing the large-scale production of microalgae using agro-industrial residues can lead to significant advancements in biomass production at reduced costs. These biomasses can be integrated into bioenergy production, biofertilizer manufacturing, and animal feed production. By utilizing waste as a nutritional source and optimizing cultivation processes and biomass generation, a closed-loop cycle is established, aligning with the principles of circular bioeconomy and enhancing the sustainability of the process.

Effect of biofertilizer and liquid organic nutrient sources on growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Effect of biofertilizer and liquid organic nutrient sources on growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Varietal Response to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Bulb Yield and Quality of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted in the Rabi season of 2021-22 at the research farm of the Regional Research Center, Raiya (Jhajjar) of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana. The study aimed to examine the impact of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on the growth, bulb yield and quality of two local varieties of onion. The experiment consists of two factors viz. different combinations of organic and inorganic nutrient sources (T1: RDF (125:50:25 kg/ha), T2: RDN supplied through FYM, T3: RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T4: RDN supplied through Poultry manure, T5: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through FYM, T6: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through Vermi-compost, T7: 50% Recommended dose of NPK + 50% RDN supplied through poultry manure, T8: control) that were laid out in a randomized block design (factorial) with four replications and two varieties namely Hisar Onion-2 and Hisar Onion-4. The outcomes of the study revealed that the leaf length (52.72 cm), number of leaves (10.28), equatorial diameter (6.09 cm), polar diameter (5.16 cm), bulb yield and yield related parameters such as average fresh weight of bulbs (82.39 g), yield per plot (26.74 kg), yield per hectare (29.71 t) and A grade bulbs (73.55%) were recorded maximum, while bolting percentage (2.28%) and twin bulbs percentage (3.16%) was recorded minimum under the treatment T6 Hisar Onion-4 exhibited superiority in almost all growth and bulb yield parameters except number of leaves, which was noted higher in Hisar Onion-2.

Effect of Organic Sources of Nutrients on Yield, Quality, Soil Fertility Status and Economics of Onion (Allium cepa L.)

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of organic sources of nutrients on yield, quality, soil fertility status and economics of onion (Allium cepa L.) at Horticulture Research Farm, College of Horticulture, AAU, Anand during the three consecutive years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications and ten treatments viz., T1:RDF 100:75:75 NPK kg ha-1 (control), T2:100 % N from FYM, T3:100 % N from Vermicompost, T4: 100 % N from Castor cake, T5:75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T6: 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T7: 75% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T8: 50% N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T9:50% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1, T10: 50% N from CC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1. Soil application of 75% N from VC + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T6) and 75 % N from FYM + NPK consortium 1 L ha-1 (T5) recorded significantly, higher bulb yield (467 and 417 q/ha) and also increase organic carbon as well as soil microbial population. Higher net return (₹445672 ) was observed in T6 whereas maximum BCR (5.96) recorded in T5.

Influence of solid organic manures and liquid nutrient source on growth and yield of system of rice intensification (Oryza sativa L.)

Influence of solid organic manures and liquid nutrient source on growth and yield of system of rice intensification (Oryza sativa L.)

Effect of Different Integrated Nutrient Management Approaches on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop: A Review

The adequate and balanced supply of plant nutrients is of critical importance in improving the productivity of wheat crop. Due to prohibitive cost of chemical fertilizers, Indian farmers, mostly marginal and small, do not supply the recommended doses of nutrients to these energy rich crops, indigenously available organic sources of nutrients have been recorded to enhance the efficiency and reduce the requirement of chemical fertilizers. The nutrients (N, P, K and Zn) can be supplied through fertilizers, organic manures, biofertilizers, bio-stimulants and their combined applications under integrated nutrient management. Wheat varieties differ in their phenology, requirement of thermal and photoperiod units and growth habits which cumulatively determine the varietal adaptation at different locations and sowing times. Therefore, comparative evaluation of varieties suitable for early, normal and late sown conditions is warranted to identify the growth patterns, physiological traits and yield attributes that will favorably influence the grain yield and biomass in wheat under normal and late sown conditions. This review examines response of wheat varieties to integrated nutrient management practices in wheat crop sown under normal and late planting conditions.

Warming increases the compositional and functional variability of a temperate protist community

Phototrophic protists are a fundamental component of the world's oceans by serving as the primary source of energy, oxygen, and organic nutrients for the entire ecosystem. Due to the high thermal seasonality of their habitat, temperate protists could harbour many well-adapted species that tolerate ocean warming. However, these species may not sustain ecosystem functions equally well. To address these uncertainties, we conducted a 30-day mesocosm experiment to investigate how moderate (12 °C) and substantial (18 °C) warming compared to ambient conditions (6 °C) affect the composition (18S rRNA metabarcoding) and ecosystem functions (biomass, gross oxygen productivity, nutritional quality – C:N and C:P ratio) of a North Sea spring bloom community. Our results revealed warming-driven shifts in dominant protist groups, with haptophytes thriving at 12 °C and diatoms at 18 °C. Species responses primarily depended on the species' thermal traits, with indirect temperature effects on grazing being less relevant and phosphorus acting as a critical modulator. The species Phaeocystis globosa showed highest biomass on low phosphate concentrations and relatively increased in some replicates of both warming treatments. In line with this, the C:P ratio varied more with the presence of P. globosa than with temperature. Examining further ecosystem responses under warming, our study revealed lowered gross oxygen productivity but increased biomass accumulation whereas the C:N ratio remained unaltered. Although North Sea species exhibited resilience to elevated temperatures, a diminished functional similarity and heightened compositional variability indicate potential ecosystem repercussions for higher trophic levels. In conclusion, our research stresses the multifaceted nature of temperature effects on protist communities, emphasising the need for a holistic understanding that encompasses trait-based responses, indirect effects, and functional dynamics in the face of exacerbating temperature changes.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Fertility and Yield of Fodder Maize in Chennai

Field experiments were conducted to study the influence of fodder maize (Zea mays L.) by adopting different bulky organic manures and fertilizer levels on the soil fertility status and fodder yield of maize. The study was conducted during rabi season of 2019 and 2020 at the Department of Agronomy, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai. An experiment was laid out in split plot design. Main plots consisted of different organic manure treatments viz., No manure, farm yard manure (25 t ha-1), vermicompost (12 t ha-1) and poultry manure (12 t ha-1). Sub plots consisted of varying level of fertilizer treatments viz., No fertilizer, 125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF. The blanket recommendation of fertilizer to fodder maize is 60 kg N ha-1: 40 kg P2O5 ha-1: 20 kg K2O ha-1. The organic manures were applied as per the N equivalent basis to inorganic nutrient recommendation. The results revealed that all the soil parameters, green and dry fodder yield were significantly affected with the application of organic manures and fertilizer levels. Organic sources of nutrients tended to improve soil physico-chemical properties viz., bulk density, water holding capacity, porosity and organic carbon. The highest organic carbon content was noticed with the application of poultry manure (0.50 %) followed by poultry manure. The post harvest available soil nutrients was high in fodder maize grown with poultry manure along with 125% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer to fodder maize recorded higher soil available nitrogen (109.48 kg ha-1), phosphorus (15.46 kg ha-1) and potassium (118.65 kg ha-1). Significantly higher green and dry fodder yield of maize was recorded with application of poultry manure along with 75 % recommended dose of fertilizer. Hence, application of organic manures specifically poultry manure along with low level of fertilizer improved the soil fertility and thus increased the green fodder yield of maize.

Effect of Different Crop Establishment Methods and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Finger Millet in South Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha, India

Organic agriculture appears to be a way to maintain desired crop production in future. In terms of nutrients, organic farming practices vary with the availability of local resources of manures and its quantity needs to be identified to meet the nutritional needs of finger millet. So, a field experiment was conducted at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Sub-Station (OUAT), Malkangiri, Odisha during rainy season of 2019-2021 to find out the effect of organic nutrient sources on yield and economics of finger millet under different establishment methods. Three crop establishment methods (line sowing, transplanting and broadcasting) and six different organic sources of nutrients (FYM @ 5 t ha-1, VC @ 2 t ha-1, FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1, Compost prepared by Waste decomposer @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 and Gliricidia leaf manure @ 2.5 t ha-1) were laid out in split-plot design with three replications. The recorded data revealed that significantly highest number of tillers (2.55 hill-1), fingers (5.52 ear head-1), finger length (6.53 cm) along with highest yield (1259 kg ha-1), net return (Rs. 14709 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.48) were obtained with transplanted condition. Growth and yield attributes of finger millet was significantly varied by application of different organic sources of nutrients and it was observed that application of FYM @ 2.5 t ha-1 + VC @ 1 t ha-1 recorded highest number of tillers (2.52 hill-1), fingers (5.76 ear head-1), finger length (6.72 cm) and grain yield (1327 kg ha-1) followed by application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1and both were statistically at par in respect to all above parameters. But, highest net return (Rs. 18923 ha-1) and B: C ratio (1.65) was obtained with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1. So, transplanting of finger millet with the application of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio NPK @ 5 kg ha-1 should be recommended for the studied region as organic nutrient management.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Timely Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A comprehensive study examining the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of wheat was carried out during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at the Student's Instructional Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design, with each treatment replicated three times across eight different treatments: Control (T1), 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (120:60:40 NPK kg/ha) (T2), RDF + Azotobacter (T3), RDF + Azotobacter + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 2.0 tons/ha + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) @ 6.0 kg/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T4), RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons/ha (T5), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T6), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Azotobacter (T7), and RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Azotobacter + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Zinc @ 5.0 kg/ha + Sulphur @ 25 kg/ha (T8). The soil type was sandy loam with a pH of 8.13. The wheat variety Shekhar (K-1006) was planted on November 30, 2020, with a seed rate of 100 kg/ha and row spacing of 20 cm. The results indicated that the T8 treatment, which combined RDF, FYM, Vermicompost, Azotobacter, PSB, Zinc, and Sulphur, significantly improved plant growth characteristics such as height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of tillers per plant, as well as yield-contributing factors including spike length, number of grains per spike, and test weight, compared to all other treatments. Specifically, the T8 treatment produced the highest grain yield, straw yield, and biological yield, recording 52.77, 67.55, and 120.32 quintals per hectare, respectively, which was significantly higher than the yields in treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, and comparable to those in treatments T5, T6, and T7. Moreover, the T8 treatment achieved the highest gross income (Rs. 143,076.00), net income (Rs. 86,300.00), and benefit-cost ratio (2.52) when compared to all other treatments.

Co-benefits for net carbon emissions and rice yields through improved management of organic nitrogen and water.

Returning organic nutrient sources (for example, straw and manure) to rice fields is inevitable for coupling crop-livestock production. However, an accurate estimate of net carbon (C) emissions and strategies to mitigate the abundant methane (CH4) emission from rice fields supplied with organic sources remain unclear. Here, using machine learning and a global dataset, we scaled the field findings up to worldwide rice fields to reconcile rice yields and net C emissions. An optimal organic nitrogen (N) management was developed considering total N input, type of organic N source and organic N proportion. A combination of optimal organic N management with intermittent flooding achieved a 21% reduction in net global warming potential and a 9% rise in global rice production compared with the business-as-usual scenario. Our study provides a solution for recycling organic N sources towards a more productive, carbon-neutral and sustainable rice-livestock production system on a global scale.

Effects of organic nutrient management on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)-linseed (Linum usitatissimum) sequence

The experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at the Instructional-cum Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to study the impact of different combinations of organic nutrient sources on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) (rainy-kharif) and their residual effect on linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) (winter- rabi) crop for developing a double cropping sequence for rice growers of Assam with organic management. The experiment comprised three aromatic rice cultivars, viz. Kola joha, Keteki joha and Chakhao poireiton and five combinations of organic nutrient sources. Out of the organic nutrient sources, application of N @30 kg/ha through vermicompost along with pre-season green manuring of Sesbania bispinosa and root dip treatment of rice seedlings with Azospirillium and phosphorus solubilising bacteria @3.5 kg/ha each (N3) resulted the highest number of panicles/ m2 (216.72 in 2019 and 223.96 in 2020), highest yield of rice (30.26 q/ha in 2019, 32.58 q/ha in 2020 grain yield and 65.99 q/ha in 2019, 68.98 q/ha in 2020 straw yield). The highest seed yield (394.52 kg/ha in 2019, 416.97 kg/ha in 2020) and stover yield (890.09 kg/ha in 2019, 896.63 kg/ha in 2020) of succeeding relay sown linseed were recorded with the N3 treatment. The highest available N (250.10 kg/ha), P2O5 (20.40 kg/ha) and K2O (140.06 kg/ha), organic C (0.65%), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (13.29 t/ha), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (183.43 µg/g of soil) in soil were recorded with the N3 treatment after harvest of linseed in 2020. The study affirmed the suitability of rice-linseed cropping sequence for efficient utilization and conservation of resources.

Forage Nutritive Quality, Yield and Quantitative Analysis of Leguminous Fodder Cowpea-Maize System as Influenced by Integrated Nutrient Management in Southern Zone of India

Background: A significant impediment to the advancement of animal husbandry in India is the insufficient availability of green fodder throughout the year. The nutritive quality of forages is heavily influenced by farm-level management practices. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance productivity through the implementation of proper agronomic practices. The nutrient management in fodder-based cropping sequence is a key to maximize the fodder production and its quality. Methods: A field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design, consisting of twelve treatments incorporating various organic sources of nutrients. The experiment was replicated thrice during Kharif and Rabi season 2020-22 at Department of Forage Crops, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The treatments included different proportions (100, 75, 50 and 25%) of the recommended dose of nitrogen applied through FYM, vermicompost and bio compost. Result: The experiment results of the three years study revealed that application of 50% RDN through FYM+ 50% RDN through vermicompost recorded the higher green fodder yield of 691 q/ha, dry matter yield of 130.7 q/ha and crude protein yield of 19.3 q/ha. Correlation and regression analysis also indicated that the growth and yield attributes had a positive impact on the fodder yield. Hence it can be recommended that application of FYM and vermicompost (50 and 50% RDN) found better source of organic nutrients for achieving sustainable and economical fodder yield with quality in fodder cowpea-maize cropping system.

Growth and Yield Attributes of Garlic as Influenced by Application of Organic Manure, Synthetic Fertilizers and Liquid Manure in Bundelkhand Region of India

A field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at the Rajola Farm of the faculty of Agricultural Science, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) to study the Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Liquid Manure Sources of Nutrient on Growth Attributes and Yield Attributes of Garlic (Allium sativum L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete Block Design (RCBD) with twelve treatments comprising different source of organic, Inorganic and Liquid manure which were replicated thrice. Among the different manures, application T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost produced highest plant height (90 DAT) (59.15 cm) with comparatively good number of leaves plant-1 (20.33), average length of leaf (40.75 cm), neck thickness of bulb (9.88 mm), polar diameter (5.64 mm), equatorial diameter (5.78 mm), average weight of bulb (30.63 g), number of cloves bulb-1 (38.66), clove length (29.52 mm) and average weight of cloves (0.98 g). Maximum total yield of bulbs (131.15 q ha-1) was observed when T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost Whereas, the minimum Growth Attributes and Yield Attributes of Garlic were recorded with T1 Control (Farmers Practices). The results showed that application of T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost, proved to be a promising practice for yield enhancement of garlic in the Bundelkhand Region.

Development and Characterization of Multi-Nutrient Formulations for Organic Farming

The study was to develop multi-nutrient formulations for organic farming containing all the essential macro and micronutrients. The experimental design selected was completely randomized design with 8 treatments and 3 replications. The experiment was conducted in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala between Jan 2021-May 2021. Multi-nutrient formulations were developed using various organic nutrient sources like blood meal, soybean meal, rock phosphate, steamed bone meal, potassium sulfate, langbeinite, epsom salt, and borax permitted by National Programme for Organic Production. Formulations were prepared by mixing nutrient sources considering the nutrient requirement of nendran banana (N:P2O5:K2O @ 300:115:450 g plant-1) and the soil fertility status. The formulations were characterized for their physical, chemical and biochemical properties. On the basis of character analysis and principal component analysis the formulation F1 containing blood meal, rock phosphate, potassium sulfate, epsom salt and borax was found superior to other formulations. This was followed by F3 which contains blood meal, steamed bone meal, potassium sulfate, epsom salt and borax. Formulation F1 had 3.73 g cm-3 bulk density, 2.67% moisture content, 6.5 pH, 3.23 dSm-1 EC, 29.43% OC, 7.21% N, 2.71% P, 10.78% K, 5.98% Ca, 0.35% Mg, 4.45% S, 1174.11 mg kg-1 Fe, 4.53 mg kg-1 Mn, 13.55 mg kg-1 Zn, 8.65 mg kg-1 Cu and 93.67 mg kg-1 B. It also contained 45.04% crude protein, 2.95% humic acid and 3.55% fulvic acid. The formulation F3 had 7.47 pH, 3.37 dSm-1 EC, 28.34% OC, 7.11% N, 2.68% P, 10.68% K, 2.05% Ca, 0.32% Mg, 4.37% S, 1163.41 mg kg-1 Fe, 4.87 mg kg-1 Mn, 14.52 mg kg-1 Zn, 9.05 mg kg-1 Cu and 96.33 mg kg-1 B. Hence multi-nutrient formulation F1 based on its nutrient supplying capacity can be recommended as a nutrient source for organic farming.

Evaluation of pre-plant incorporated manure and phosphorus fertilizers on alfalfa yield, nutritive value, and residual soil characteristics

Managing adequate levels of plant available P in soil is an important management practice for boosting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yields and nutritive value. Although several ways of supplementing P at various stages of plant growth are in practice, pre-plant application of P through various organic and inorganic nutrient sources are largely under-investigated. Therefore, a three-year study was conducted at the New Mexico State University Rex. E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM USA, to investigate the impact of manure (pre-plant applied @ 22.5 Mg ha−1vs. no manure) and inorganic P sources (00-46-00 or 11-52-00) applied to soil either in one-time bulk (336 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated) or split applications (112 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated with an additional 112 kg P2O5 ha−1 surface-applied annually) on the yield and nutritive value of alfalfa and residual soil characteristics. Results demonstrated that pre-plant manure application had statistically no advantage in improving the alfalfa forage yield compared to control (p > 0.05), although there was strong evidence of a consistent yield increase trend in all manure treatments. Forage nutritive value parameters such as ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber), K, and Zn were significantly improved by manure supplementation. Manure application improved most soil quality parameters, especially the soil Nitrate-N, Olsen P, K, S, and Zn contents. Inorganic P fertilizer type or application strategy had no significant impact on alfalfa yield and nutritive value and soil characteristics. Most interactions (both two-way and three-way) among the tested treatments had no significant impact on the study parameters.

Influence of Various Nutrient Sources on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Productivity and Quality under Organic Farming

The field investigation aimed to examine the impact of various organic nutrient sources on rice var. GNR-7 at the organic farm of ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat during the kharif season of 2021. The experiment was structured using a Randomized Block Design with a factorial concept, incorporating two levels: soil application and foliar application. Total of twelve treatment 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 that of foliar application were, F0: Control, F1: Novel organic liquid nutrient @ 1% and F2: moringa leaf extract @ 3%. The application of foliar spray was done thrice at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing. were replicated thrice. The result revealed that S1 treatment significantly recorded the grain yield and S2 treatment significantly recorded the straw yield. While for foliar application, the treatment F2 significantly recorded the highest grain and straw yield but remained at par with F1 treatment. The mean data of quality parameters did not significantly change due to soil and foliar application of different organic nutrient sources. It can be determined that the soil application of 100 per cent RDN through NADEP compost and foliar application of either 3 per cent Moringa leaf extract or 1 per cent Novel organic liquid nutrient at 15, 30 and 45 DAS resulted in higher yield and also improved the quality parameters of rice under organic farm.

Response of maize to the combined application of innovative organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in an acid Alfisol of lower Himalayas

Response of maize to the combined application of innovative organic and inorganic sources of nutrients in an acid Alfisol of lower Himalayas

Effect of Organic Sources on Vegetative Growth, Fruit Quality and Yield of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.)

Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) is a native plant with nutritionally rich fruits, yet it faces challenges like uneven ripening and small fruit size. This study assessed the efficacy of organic nutrient sources, including Farm Yard Manure (F.Y.M.), Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, in improving Phalsa growth and fruit quality. Results revealed that the combination of F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit significantly enhanced vegetative growth, increasing shoot length, number of shoots per plant, and inter-nodal length. These benefits are attributed to the nutrient-rich organic sources, which stimulate cell elongation and division, leading to accelerated plant growth. Furthermore, organic sources positively impacted fruit yield, with the highest yield observed under F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure with Jeevamrit treatment. Additionally, there were increased fruiting nodes and extended harvesting periods, contributing to enhanced fruit production. Phalsa fruit size and quality improved substantially due to organic source applications, resulting in larger fruit dimensions and elevated total soluble solids content. Jeevamrit and F.Y.M. facilitated better nutrient transport to developing fruits, enhancing metabolic processes and fruit size. Regarding sugar content, organic sources significantly influenced non-reducing and reducing sugars. F.Y.M. with Jeevamrit yielded higher non-reducing sugar content, while reducing sugar content increased with F.Y.M. and Jeeva Ghanamrit. Phalsa fruit acidity was not significantly affected by organic sources, but there was a non-significant increase in ascorbic acid content under various combination treatments. Economically, the benefit-cost ratio was most favourable with F.Y.M. and Poultry Manure combined with Jeevamrit, showcasing the economic viability of these organic nutrient sources in Phalsa cultivation. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the positive impact of organic nutrient sources, particularly F.Y.M., Poultry Manure, and Jeevamrit, on Phalsa plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality. These findings provide valuable insights into sustainable and organic methods for enhancing Phalsa cultivation, potentially leading to increased production and improved fruit quality in this indigenous crop. Further research should explore the applicability of these organic sources in different crops and regions.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake, Nutrient Use Efficiencies and Economics of Baby Corn (Zea mays. L): A Review

A young, unfertilized, dehusked maize ear that has just started to multiply is called baby corn (the baby phase of the maize cob). It is usually harvested when the silk is between two and three cm long, two to three days following silking. Depending on the agro-climatic circumstances, baby maize can be grown three to four times a year after maturing for 60 to 75 days. As a pre-kharif crop with a brief growing phase, baby maize provides a distinct benefit by making use of fields that would otherwise stay fallow during the periods when rice and wheat are turning over. Higherearnings can be made from the early harvest and selling of baby maize ears. Additionally, untranslocated photosynthates remaining in the green stover can be used as a good source of nutrient-rich green fodder for live stock, which boosts the production of dairy products and meat.
 As the crop with the highest nutritional content, baby maize needs exceptionally high-quality nutrients to be used efficiently and to increase yield. Although the production of baby corn can be increased by applying artificial fertiliser, doing so will eventually compromise the sustainability of the expanding field. Furthermore, farmers' financial stability and soil health can be preserved by replacing a portion of chemical fertilisers with organic sources of nutrients. However, the replacement of 25% and 50% of the nitrogen with organic sources (FYM/Vermicompost/Poultry Manure) had a greater positive impact on the production of baby maize, the yield of fodder, the quality and economics of the nutrient uptake, and the soil fertility status.