Organic Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Studies on the Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources and Chemical Fertilizers on Sustainable Productivity of Chilli (Capsicum annun L.)

The present study was carried out the effect of organic nutrient sources and chemical fertilizers on sustainable productivity of chilli (Capsicum annun L.) during the rabi season of the year, 2022-2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatment and three replications. Among the various levels of organic nutrient and NPK used in the experiment, treatment T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost resulted highest values on plant height (27.59, 57.70, 78.68 and 113.16), Days to first flower initiation (31.55), Days to 50% flowering (56.08), Number of fruit plant-1 (63.74), fruit length (cm) and fruit width (cm) (7.17 & 2.52), Weight of fruit (3.80g), Fruit yield (g) plant-1 (242.27), Fruit yield (kg) plot-1 (1453.62) and fruit yield (t ha-1) (2.75) under Satna agro-climatic condition when compared with control and the other treatments.

Exploring Potential of Organo-mineral Fertilizers in Augmenting Crop Yield and Quality – A Review

Inorganic fertilizers are essential for improving crop yield and quality through enhanced crop efficiency. However, their continuous use often causes nutrient imbalances, leading to poor yield and quality. Organic manures, while effective in improving soil fertility and crop productivity, face challenges such as limited availability, variable quality, transportation issues, heavy metal contamination and slow nutrient release. The exclusive dependence of either organic or inorganic fertilizers has not adequately fulfilled the increasing demands for enhanced agricultural output and quality. To address these challenges, organo-mineral fertilizers (OMFs) have emerged as an innovative solution. OMFs are derived from the combination of mineral and organic nutrient sources, integrating the benefits of both. This low input technology supplies nutrients in balanced quantities that are readily and steadily available throughout the growing season. OMFs improve soil physical properties, enhance fertility and support sustainable crop production. They also promote plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, offering a holistic approach to agricultural challenges. The development of OMFs aligns with the recycling of urban, industrial and agricultural residues, reducing dependency on raw materials for chemical fertilizers and contributing to environmental sustainability. Advances in OMF preparation, using various mineral and organic matrices, have demonstrated their ability to address nutrient deficiencies, particularly in tropical soils, where poor fertility often limits productivity. OMFs enhance soil physico-chemical and biological properties, addressing soil degradation while improving crop yield and quality. They ensure an optimal supply of nutrients, support long-term soil health and align with modern fertilizer management strategies aimed at sustainable agricultural productivity. In conclusion, OMFs are a promising solution for boosting crop quality and yield while maintaining soil fertility. By incorporating the advantages of organic and inorganic inputs, they provide a balanced, sustainable, and efficient strategy to address growing demands for food production.

Comparative Effects of Organic Nutrient Sources on Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Quality and Soil Properties

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of the year 2020-21 on organic certified plot A-7 at Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. Different sources of organic manures were tested using randomized block design with four replications. The treatment T7 (50% N through FYM followed by Seed treatment of Rhizobium) recorded significantly higher available nitrogen content (212 kg/ha) in soil and also same behaviour observed in available phosphorus content in soil. The treatment T9 (50% N through castor cake followed by Seed treatment of Rhizobium) recorded significantly higher available phosphorus content in soil. Significantly higher value of EC of soil (0.18) was found in treatment T1, which was significantly higher EC of soil (0.11) which was recorded with treatment T9. Higher organic carbon (0.65%) of soil after harvest of green gram was observed in treatment T8. Significantly higher nitrogen content in seed of green gram was obtained with application of treatments T10. Treatment T2 [Rhizobium (5.0 mL/kg seed treatment and 1.0 L/ha soil application)] recorded significantly higher Rhizobium population in soil at harvest of green gram. Subsequent, treatment T6 (100 % N through neem cake) recorded significantly higher phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) population in soil as compared to control. The maximum net return 63287 INR/ha was obtained with application of treatment T10 (50% N through NC + Rhizobium seed treatment) followed by treatment T7 (50% N through FYM + Rhizobium seed treatment) with net realization of 54063 INR/ha. With respect to benefit cost ratio, the highest 3.62 BCR was achieved with Treatment T7, which closely followed by treatment T2 (Rhizobium seed treatment + 1.0 L/ha soil application) having BCR of 3.52.

Effect of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth, root morphology, yield parameters and yield of improved black kavuni rice variety (CO 57)

The growing demand for high-quality rice and rice products is motivating farmers to cultivate traditional rice varieties. To meet this demand, rice production must increase significantly, which requires effective nutrient management practices. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the impact of integrated nutrient management practices on the growth, root morphology, yield parameters and overall yield of improved black Kavuni rice during the Early Kar season (April - August 2023) and Late Samba season (September - January, 2023-24). The experiment followed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Based on nitrogen (N) equivalence, appropriate amounts of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost (VC) and poultry manure (PM) were applied. Data on plant growth, root morphology, yield parameters and yield were recorded and analysed using LSD at a 5 % significance level. The results indicated that the treatment involving 50 % of the recommended nitrogen dose (RDN) from inorganic fertilizer, 50 % from vermicompost and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO? and 1 % FeSO? at the tillering, panicle initiation (PI) and flowering stages (T11) produced significantly better growth, root morphology and yield parameters. This treatment was statistically on par with the treatment involving 50 % RDN from inorganic fertilizer, 50 % from vermicompost and foliar sprays of 0.5 % ZnSO? and 1 % FeSO? at the tillering and panicle initiation stages (T8).

Organic substitution by pig manure combined with straw maintained reasonable content of soil available nutrients without productivity losses in autumn Chinese cabbage–spring pepper rotation system

Sustainable fertilization practices have been explored using both inorganic and organic nutrient sources. Replacing half of the inorganic nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer still resulted in excess accumulation of available soil nutrients under continuous vegetable planting. In addition to substituting chemical fertilizer with pig manure (50 % pig manure+50 % chemical fertilizer, PMF) at a 50 % nitrogen rate, another treatment was added where pig manure was substituted with cereal straw (25 % straw+25 % pig manure+50 % chemical fertilizer, SMF) at a 25 % nitrogen rate. The agronomic and economic effects were compared with the fertilization solely with total chemical fertilizer (100 % chemical fertilizer, TCF) for a seven-year autumn Chinese cabbage-spring pepper rotation. Regardless of the crop, year, and key productivity parameters, the PMF treatment fully achieved half the fertilizer replacement values. In the spring pepper season, the marketable fresh yield, shoot biomass, gross output, and profits are significantly higher for the PMF treatment compared to the SMF and TCF treatments. Compared with the TCF treatment, the rapidly increasing NO3--N content was reduced under the PMF treatment, but the available phosphorus and potassium contents excessively accumulated to >300 mg kg-1 each in the soil. The available soil phosphorus and potassium increased and remained within a reasonable range without a loss of rotation productivity with the SMF treatment. The long-term study with optimized fertilization regimes revealed the basic laws of nutrient accumulation in soil and plants. The findings will be important in the use of combined fertilizer sources for vegetable production.

Morphological and Productivity Response of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Nano Biofertilization

Background: Chickpea productivity in the last decade has been declined due to improper management of inorganic and organic nutrient sources and it has been contended that the usual native soil rhizobial populations are insufficient/ineffective in N2 – fixation. Rhizobium based biofertilizers may substitute nitrogenous chemical fertilizers and provide a suitable way of achieving sustainable production. The effective use of exogeneous application of nano emulsion biofertilizer can enhance yield by reducing flower drop, regulating pod formation besides improving soil quality. In view of above consideration, the present investigation entitled “Morphological and productivity response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to nano biofertilization” was carried out. Methods: The field experiment was conducted on sandy clayey loam soil during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (Factor) with three replications, assigning 45 treatments consisting of five soil applications (100% RDF; 100% RDF + FYM; 100% RDF + Vermicompost; 75% RDF + FYM; and 75% RDF + Vermicompost) as first factor and three foliar applications (Nano DAP; Nano Urea and Nano emulsion biofertilizer) as second factor treatments. Result: Application of Nano emulsion biofertilizer to chickpea variety (NBeG-49) at harvest had shown significant higher plant height (35.03 cm), dry matter production (3251.43 kg ha-1), leaf area index (0.90), crop growth rate (1.59 gm-2 day-1), relative growth rate (26.3 mg g-1 day-1), chlorophyll (SPAD value) (58.22), number of pods/plant (24.93), seed yield (1111.60 kg ha-1), straw yield (2501.10 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake (70.56 kg ha-1), phosphorus uptake (203.21 kg ha-1) and potassium uptake (54.30 kg ha-1).

Chemical Quality Parameters of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) Fruits Influenced by different Organic Sources

A field experiment was carried out during the year 2021-22 and 2022-23 on 12 years old mandarin plants at the Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar. The experiment was consisting of 21 treatments of different organic source of NPK viz., vermicompost, cotton fortified vermicompost, neem cake, cotton cake, mustard cake and bio fertilizers such as PSB and VAM with three levels of recommendation dose of fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among different treatments, treatment T9 (75 % RDF + 10 kg Vermicompost + 7.5 kg Neem cake + 50 g PSB) was found best with regards to maximum pooled TSS (11.74 0B), reducing sugar (6.30%) non-reducing sugar (2.62%), total sugar (8.92%) per cent, sugar/acid ratio (14.40), ascorbic acid (53.08mg/100g) and juice (46.57%). Therefore, based on two years experimentation, use of organic source of nutrients with bio-fertilizers favoured biochemical compounds of Nagpur Mandarin fruits.

Assessing the impact of tillage practices and nutrient levels on the growth and productivity of Ethopian mustard (Brassica carinata L.) - soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cropping system

BackgroundAn importance of tillage, inorganic and organic nutrient sources in the mustard - soybean cropping system lies in their ability to enhance soil fertility, improve nutrient availability, optimize crop growth and yield, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Any cropping system’s sustainability could be increased by implementing better management techniques like zero and reduced tillage with residue retention and better nutrient sources.ResultsA field experiment was conducted for four consecutive seasons (Winter 2019 to Rainy 2021) to compare the two enhanced management practices, zero and reduced tillage to conventional tillage across four levels of nutrient sources: 75 and 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through FYM and 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers through urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash in a two years experiment. Experiment results were evaluated in terms of nutrient status, profitability and productivity of Mustard-Soybean cropping system. The results show a substantial improvement in yield, nutrient status, and overall yield performance of mustard and soybean when using the full recommended dose of fertilizers combined with reduced tillage and mulching, compared to other treatment methods. The implementation of reduced tillage practices recorded significantly higher yield of mustard and soybean over conventional and zero tillage.ConclusionSystem productivity and profitability i.e. mustard equivalent yield, productivity, gross returns, net returns, profitability and B: C (benefit: cost) was found to be improved with reduced tillage and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer under reduced tillage practices. To enhance cropping system productivity in various sub-humid regions worldwide, farmers can adopt reduced tillage techniques combined with the full recommended dose of fertilizers (100% RDF).

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) cv. Pant Shubhra under Subtropical Conditions of Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season (September to January) of 2021 and 2022 at the experimental farm of Integral Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The objective of the experiment is to find out the most efficient combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to increase the growth, yield characteristics of cauliflower. Total nine numbers of treatments along with the control treatment were assessed in Randomized Block Design with three numbers of replications. In view of, effect of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients has observed significant variation. The result revealed that the growth parameters like plant height (5.57, 12.47, 19.77 cm), number of leaves (7.97, 9.53, 13.7), length of leaves (17.30, 24.73, 31.73 cm), width of leaves (7.17, 10.20, 15.10 cm), plant spread (285.50, 806.93, 1212.83 cm) at 20, 40 and 60 days respectively, yield parameters like weight of curd (893.73 g), yield of curd plot-1 (13.40 kg), yield of curd ha-1 (25.30 t) were observed higher in 75% N through RDF+25% N through FYM+Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 (T4). INM treatments showed lesser result on growth and yield of cauliflower in T1 (control). The treatment T4 were the most beneficial treatment which may be followed for commercial cauliflower cultivation on large scale. Thus, farmers are suggested to apply 75% N through RDF+25% N through FYM+Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1 to increase growth and yield of cauliflower.

Enhancement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield Attributes in a Subtropical Humid Climate through Treated Ganga Sludge-based Organic Fertilizers.

Sewage sludge is a by-product of urbanization that poses environmental and health challenges. However, it can also be a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for agriculture. This study aimed to assess the potential of five types of organic fertilizers derived from treated Ganga sludge on the growth of wheat plants. The Patanjali Organic Research Institute has developed five types of granulated organic fertilizer from the stabilized Ganga sludge. The results showed that the organic fertilizers significantly improved the wheat performance in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, leaf area and other yield parameters. Furthermore, the fertilizers ameliorated soil physicochemical attributes and augmented the availability of macro- and micronutrients. Importantly, levels of heavy metals in soil and wheat grains remained within permissible limits, affirming the safety and appropriateness of these fertilizers for wheat cultivation. This study underscores the efficient utilization of treated Ganga sludge as a valuable organic fertilizer source, proposing a sustainable and ecologically sound approach for sewage sludge management and enhancement of agricultural productivity.

Co-composting: A Comprehensive Review of Its Potential in Transforming Coir Pith Waste into Nutrient-rich Manure

Coir industries in India generates around 7.5Mt of coir waste yearly, which is unsuitable for agricultural use due to its high C:N ratio, lignin, phenol, cellulose and tannin content. The accumulation of coir pith leads to adverse environmental problems due to the release of phenolic compounds, lignin, tannins etc. Biodegradation or composting is the best way to manage coir waste and thereby the environmental pollution can be avoided. Co-composting is a method of decomposing multiple organic materials, which aims to create stable humus, and overcome the limitations of composting with a single organic source. Co-composting of coir pith reduces the C:N ratio, lignin content, cellulose content and increases the nutrient contents. In co-composting technology more than one feed stock are used for composting. It can be done by treating the coir pith with organic source of nutrients viz., farm yard manure or poultry manure or agro-industrial wastes or green manure crops or leguminous weeds or treating the coir pith with organic wastes and earthworms, or treating the coir pith lignin degrading micro-organisms and or supplementing the coir pith with lime, rock phosphate etc. along with the organic sources of nutrients mentioned above to speed up the composting process. Co-composting of coir pith resulted in the production of nutrient rich organic manure within a short period of time. Application of coir pith compost had significant effect on the growth and yield attributes of crops. Harnessing the potential of coir pith can lead us towards a more sustainable and greener future.

Effects of Organic Manures and Foliar Sprays on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet

Experiments were conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Thiruvannamalai, India to evaluate various organic nutrient sources with foliar application over three seasons from kharif 2015 to 2017 in Split Plot Design (SPD). Applying farmyard manure (FYM) @ 12.5 t ha-1 along with in-situ incorporation of sunhemp green manuring SGM @ 6.50 t ha-1 at 45 days after planting (DAP) resulted in higher grain and straw yields of 2,420 kg ha-1 and 3,549 kg ha-1, respectively. A foliar spray of Panchakavya at a 3% concentration increased grain and straw yields to 2,423 kg ha-1 and 3,338 kg ha-1. The B4 treatment yielded the highest gross income (₹84,724 ha-1), net income (₹55,372 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.84). Vermicompost application at 5 t ha-1 led to lower gross income. Among the foliar sprays, Panchakavya at 3% produced the highest gross income (₹84,478 ha-1), net income (₹43,534 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.36), followed by vermiwash at 3%.

Amelioration of Soil Fertility by the Application of Different Fruit Waste Composts

The soil health status of Bangladesh decreased day by day, particularly organic matter and major nutrient content. The organic matter content in most of the agricultural soil in Bangladesh is <2%, which indicates poor soil health condition. In Bangladesh, almost every day, an enormous amount of waste material is produced from different kinds of seasonal and unseasonal fruit’s peels. Lack of proper recycling methods, most of these wastes are thrown away in drains, cannels, rivers, etc. which indicates a major threat to environmental safety. Composts derived from the wastes of different fruit’s peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients for soil health improvement. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil treated with compost prepared from different types of fruit’s waste. The compost was prepared accordingly using different types of fruits waste and then the collected compost was thoroughly mixed with the soil and kept for six months. The experimental treatment consisted of three organic composts (jackfruit peel compost, mango peel compost, and banana peel compost) and three rates of application (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The analyzed data showed that, the physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil varied significantly with the use of different types of fruit’s wastes compared to no waste added soil, except in the case of particle size. Soil mixed with mango peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in a higher available N content (2520 mg kg-1) and available P content (42.56 mg kg-1), whereas the available K content (219.88 mg kg-1), EC (1.55 dS m-1) and CEC (1209.56 meq 100g-1) were found higher in soil treated with banana peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1. On the other hand, soil treated with jackfruit peel compost of 1500 kg ha-1 showed the higher available Ca content (1533.33 mg kg-1) and the jackfruit peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in the higher organic carbon (1.98%) and organic matter (3.41%). The findings of this experiment revealed that, compost prepared from different types of fruit peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients and among the tested composts, mango peel compost was better to improve the physiochemical properties of soil and supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Growth, Yield and Economic Assessment in Black Gram in Dehradun Valley

The field experiment was carried out at a designated location on the Agricultural Research Farm of Graphic Era Hill University in Dehradun during the kharif season of 2023 to study the influence of integrating organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on growth and productivity of black gram (Vigna mungo). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) consisting of nine treatments viz Control (T1), 100% RDF (20:40:20 Kg/ha NPK)(T2), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T3) Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T4), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 (T5), 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6), Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T7), 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed (T8), 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9) each replicated thrice. Integrated Nutrient Management had significantly affected growth, yield and economics of black gram. Maximum emergence count (13.3 m2) was recorded with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed which at par with 100% RDF + Bio nitrogen@ 20gm kg-1 seed (T6) and 100% RDF+ Vermicompost @ 5 ha-1+ Bio-Nitrogen (T9). Growth parameter viz. plant height, number of nodules/plant, dry matter accumulation/m2, branches/plant were reported to be significantly influenced by INM with 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Similarly, maximum seed yield (36.33 q ha-1) was obtained under 70% RDF + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 + Bio nitrogen @ 20gm kg-1 seed. Increase in seed yield with the application of by 358.1% and 233.3% was obtained over control (T1) and 100% RDF (T2). The study highlights that combining organic and inorganic sources of nutrients is a simple and effective strategy to improve initial plant stand of black gram crop, ultimately contributing to increased crop growth, yield and better economic returns.

Allelopathic Effects of Residues of Fimbristylis dichotoma Along with Manures and Fertilizers on the Weed Growth in Boro Rice

Currently, the rice-growing system seeks a biological solution to reduce the negative impacts of chemical herbicides because it is heavily reliant on these for weed control. This is where allelopathy comes in; it's a potential substitute for conventional weed management strategies in rice cultivation by making use of allelopathic plant residues. In the study we used Fimbristylis dichotoma residues with several organic sources of nutrient to measure the integrated effect of manures, fertilizers, and Fimbristylis dichotoma residues on weed growth in boro rice field. Two rice varieties viz., BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan89; and six treatments total viz., Control (T1), Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers (T2), Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @5 t ha-1 (T3), Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers (T4), Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @2.5 t ha-1 + 50% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers (T5) and Residues @ 3 t ha-1 + Tricho-compost @3.75 t ha-1 + 75% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers (T6) were taken. In the experiment, at 25 DAT (days after transplanting), BRRI dhan89 had the highest weed density (35.0) when no residue was applied, and BRRI dhan29 had the lowest (18.00) when 3 t ha-1 F. dichotoma residue with Tricho-compost @ 1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers were applied. At 55 DAT, BRRI dhan89 had the highest weed density (19.66) when no residue was administered, and the lowest (10.66) when 3 t ha-1 F. dichotoma residue was applied along with Tricho-compost @ 1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers. When it came to dry weight, at 25 DAT, BRRI dhan89 had the highest weed dry weight (3.76 g) when no residue was applied, and BRRI dhan29 had the lowest (1.72 g) when 3 t ha-1 F. dichotoma residue with Tricho-compost @1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers were applied. At 55 DAT, BRRI dhan89 had the highest weed dry weight (2.29 g) when no residue was sprayed, and the lowest (1.46 g) when 3 t ha-1 F. dichotoma residue with Tricho-compost @ 1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than recommended doses of inorganic fertilizers were applied. The study's findings suggest that applying F. dichotoma residue and incorporating Tricho-compost @ 1.5 t ha-1 + 25% less than the recommended amounts of inorganic fertilizers may be able to suppress the growth of weeds and could a package in biological weed control strategy.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Growth, Seed Yield and Seed Quality of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) cv. Chinese Pink

Seed is the ultimate economic input in any crop production programme. Two field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic inputs on seed production of radish at Organic Block of Department of Vegetable Science, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) during Rabi season of 2019-20 & 2020-21. Various combinations of organic and liquid manures were replicated thrice in the form of twelve treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) Factorial. The pooled data of two years revealed that treatment with Vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + Jeevamrit @ 10 per cent was rated as best treatment for majority of characters like days to 50 per cent initiation of bolting (61.00), days to 50 per cent flowering (93.33), number of primary branches per plant (11.13), plant height (171.50 cm), pod length (5.82 cm), number of seeds per pod (5.01), seed yield per plot (225.25 g) & hectare (417.13 kg) and seed quality parameters like 1000 seed weight (12.02 g), seed germination (97.03 %), seedling length (28.26 cm), seedling dry weight (8.87 mg), seed vigour index-I (2742.07) and seed vigour index-II (860.42). Vermicompost along with jeevamrit recorded 61.41 per cent increase in yield over control. Hence application of vermicompost @ 8 t/ha + jeevamrit @ 10 per cent can be recommended for getting higher seed yield and better growth for organic seed production of radish.

Optimizing nutrient management for sustaining sugarcane yield throughintegration of biochar, digested sludge, liquid slurry and ash applicationswith inorganic fertilizers

A field experiment was laid out during 2023-24 at ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of various nutrient management options on growth performance, yield and quality of sugarcane. Optimized integration of organic sources were evaluated with inorganic nutrient sources in randomized block design with three replications. The result revealed that a significantly higher plant height (407.8 cm), number of tillers (191 × 103/ha), leaf area (511.7 dm2), leaf area index (6.81) and cane yield (91.2 t/ha) of sugarcane were obtained with the integration of 100% synthetic along with 4 t/ha solid digest, which was at par to 100% NP + K through liquid digest, 100% synthetic + 6 t/ha biochar and 100% NP + K through Ash, while the lowest were observed under treatment receiving organic manure alone i.e. 100% N through solid digestate, might be owing to very slow mineralization process of nutrients. These treatments also resulted in an effective combination of organic and inorganic nutrient sources with regard to increased 0brix reading.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Sources on Economics, Soil Micro Nutrient Status and Microbial Growth of Ragi under Guni Method of Cultivation

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif-2019 at the farmers field of Mylandahalli in Chikkaballapura distict of Karnataka, to study the effect of organic nutrient sources on soil micro nutrient status, microbial count and economics of finger millet under guni method. The trial was framed out in randomized blocked design with twelve treatments reproduced thrice. The results of different organic nutrient sources were showed that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) had a significant effect on micro nutrient status in soil and their values were statistically higher than all the other treatments. The findings of study reported that supplement of sericulture waste compost (SWC) @ 50% N eq. + Enriched biodigested liquid manure (EBDLM) @ 50% N eq. ha-1 + panchagavya (PG) spray @ 3% (T9) recorded significantly higher Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extractable iron, zinc, manganese and copper in soil. Likewise, the same treatment had recorded significantly superior in population of bacteria (49.96 colony forming units (CFU) x 106 g-1), fungi (27.36 CFU x 103 g-1) and actinomycetes (14.44 CFU x 103 g-1) were noticed compared to others and found to be highest economic returns during cropping period of kharif 2019.

Changes in root nodules dynamics under mixed cropping with varying nutrient management of berseem crop and succeeding fodder cowpea

Intercropping is a sustainable way to achieve the growing demands for food and fodder of expanding population of tropical areas. Combined application of nutrient sources along with inclusion of fodder crops in cropping system will influence soil as well as plant characteristics above ground as well as below it. These sustainable approaches may increase nutrient use efficiency by rhizosphere management at soil and plant level giving better understanding of soil plant atmosphere continuum (SPAC). The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nutrient management and seed ratios on dynamics of root nodules of berseem as well as succeeding crop cowpea at Agronomy Research farm, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India. Intensive root studies had been done regarding root parameters in berseem as well as residual succeeding crop cowpea in this research. The study revealed that 100%RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer)+PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) had given maximum number of nodules (118.60) and other traits for three cuttings in terms of nutrient management and sole berseem in terms of seed ratios number of nodules (112.92), whereas 50%RDF (Recommended dose of Fertilizer) +50% FYM (Farm Yard Manure)-(62.5) and sole berseem (54.30) at harvest had shown better results in terms of residual activity on roots nodules of succeeding crop cowpea where number of nodules (62.5) and fresh wt. of root nodules (622.1 mg) at harvest in 50%RDF + 50% FYM. This research revealed that employing organic sources of nutrients like FYM (Farm Yard Manure) and biofertilizers like PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) along with inorganics in correct proportions enhances the root traits of leguminous fodder crops and reduce sole dependency on harmful agricultural inputs. Hence, this would fulfill the long-term nutritional requirement of crop and preserve crop status in terms of quality and quantity.

APPLICATION OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC NUTRIENT SOURCES FOR IMPROVING GROWTH AND YIELD ATTRIBUTES OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) UNDER CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF PAKISTAN

The research was conducted under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot to check the effect of different organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and yield components in maize. Eight different treatments were evaluated by using regular arrangement of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Sheep manure (SM), farm yard manure (FYM), and poultry manure (PM) were used as organic sources of nutrients while NPK was used inorganic sources. The test variety of maize was Pioneer-30Y87. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to analyze the difference amongst different means using least significance difference (LSD). Results revealed significant effect of different nutrient treatments on the yield and morphological growth of maize. Maximum number of plants (11.00), plant height (212.80 cm), number of grain rows per cob (15.60), 1000 grains weight (188.90 g), grain yield (6836.7g) were recorded for Treatment T7 (Half recommended NPK fertilizer + farm yard manure. tons ha-1). This study showed that mixed use of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients could be a better soil nutrient amendment when applied at a ratio of 50% dose of farm yard manure (FYM) + 50% dose of NPK in the cultivation of maize under rain fed conditions of Rawalakot.