Organic Nutrient Sources Research Articles

Comparative study on Effects of Chemical Fertiliser, Vermicompost and Farm Yard Manure on Tomato Plant Growth and Soil Fertility

A healthy soil environment is necessary to produce the desired crops, which means it should have all the essential nutrients. Nutrients are used in large quantities in growing plants and therefore need to be replaced regularly to maintain productivity and for this purpose fertilizers are used in the fields. Chemical fertilizers are essential to increase proper growth and yield of crops and act as catalysts in providing nutrients to plants for better growth and yield. On the other hand, fertilizers can threaten our ecosystems, soil, plants, human and animal lives. Despite past gains in crop production through chemical fertilizers, recent observations of stagnant or declining yields have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of crop production. In the long term, they also damage the natural composition of the soil, leading to unsustainable crop production. Of course, chemical fertilizers add nutrients to the soil, but they don’t add anything else. Plants need more than just nutrients to survive. They also need organic matter and living organisms. Thus, the integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources will not only supply essential nutrients to the soil, but may also have a certain synergistic interaction to increase their effectiveness and thereby reduce environmental risks. Nutrients from chemical fertilizers improve initial crop establishment, while nutrients from mineralization of organic manure support yield later. In the present experiments, pot experiment was conducted to study the comparative effect on growth of tomato plant and its soil fertility. The soil parameters and growth of plant were observed and studied. The studies show positive impacts on farm yard manure and vermicompost on the soil as well as on the growth of tomato plant as compared to the chemical fertilizer. The healthy growth of plant with more green leaves and flowering and fruits were observed with application of farm yard manure and vermicompost. It concludes application of farm yard manure and vermicompost is effective and better for the healthy growth of tomato plant and fertility of the soil.

Effects of Lime, Inorganic Fertilizer and Compost as Amendment on Soil Chemical Properties: Field Experimental Approach to Reclaim Acidic Nitisol, South Western Ethiopia

Soil acidity is a series problem in south western part of Ethiopia due to high rain fall that aggravate the concentration of toxic elements like Al3+ and Fe2+. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime with different fertilizer sources on soil chemical properties at Seka chekorsa area. Seven different treatments were applied with randomized complete block design along three replications. The study pointed out the response of soil pH (5.01) which was increased by 91.8% when compared to control plot (4.60), H+(0.25 cmol/kg), Al3+(0.19 cmol/kg), Exchangeable Acidity (0.44 cmol/kg), Available Potassium (1.96 Cmol/kg) and CEC (22.76 Cmol(+)/Kg) were attained significantly different result at (p<0.05) on CompL treated plot. However, OC (2.14%) and OM (3.69%) were attained the highest result on HCHNP and TN (0.1%) and Available K (2.00Cmol/kg) was significantly different at (p<0.05) on HCHNPL treated plot. The combined application of compost with lime was better than other combination including solely applied treatments to enhance different soil chemical properties in most of soil parameters. The integration of lime with organic and inorganic nutrient sources generally increased soil pH when compared with sole applied and control plot. Finally, the Integration of full recommended compost and Lime of agriculture could be promising alternative to amend acidic nitosol.

Influence of Organic sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) var. MDU 1

Influence of Organic sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) var. MDU 1

Organic fertilizer increases pumpkin production by improving soil fertility.

Compared with long-term and continuous application of large amounts of chemical fertilizers, fertilizers with microbial organic nutrient sources can improve soil environment, increase soil fertility and increase crop yield. In view of the current low soil fertility and poor soil environment leading to low crop yield and instability in the arid regions of northwest China, the effects of organic fertilizer with microbial nutrient sources on soil nutrients and pumpkin yield were studied in 2022 and 2023 in this region. The fertilizer application level was used as control factor, with four treatments of low level (L), medium level (M), high level (H), and a conventional fertilizer control (CK). The results showed that the high application level of organic fertilizer was more beneficial to the growth of pumpkin, and the stem diameter, vine length, and leaf area of pumpkin under H treatment were the highest from 2022 to 2023. Compared to CK, the average soil bulk density was significantly decreased by 8.27-18.51% (P< 0.05); the soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium, and nitrate nitrogen under H treatment were increased by an average of 32.37%, 21.85%, 18.70%, and 36.97%, respectively. Under different organic fertilizer treatments, the pumpkin yield under M treatment was the highest, reaching 30926.18 kg·ha-1, followed by H treatment. compared to CK, M and H treatments increased the yield by 25.26% and 7.01%, respectively, and improved water use efficiency by 14.18% and 2.21%, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of soil nutrients, pumpkin growth dynamics and yield in 2022 and 2023 showed that soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, available potassium, nitrate nitrogen, and water use efficiency were significantly positively correlated with pumpkin yield (P<0.01). In conclusion, H and M treatments can improve soil fertility promote pumpkin growth and development, and ultimately increase pumpkin yield. In summary, medium organic fertilizer level (M=5700 kg·ha-1) is recommended as the fertilization scheme for local pumpkin cultivation.

Effect of solid and liquid organic nutrient source on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculalta L.)

Effect of solid and liquid organic nutrient source on growth and yield of cowpea (Vigna unguiculalta L.)

Growth and productivity of traditional scented rice in organic cultivation

Utilizing the production potential of scented rice verieties via organic farming methods is a viable option to support the increasing population's food needs. Employing organic nutrient sources like Sesbania and vermicompost has the potential to significantly enhance rice yield and positively impact soil quality, presenting a promising approach. In order to study the effect of organic mode of cultivation on ten different scented rice varieties namely Kubri Mamhani, Kudrat-5, Chinar-20, Kesho Pohu, DRK, Kudrat-5, Pusa-1121, Type-3, Taraori and Tilak Chandan in tarai region of Uttarakhand, India, a field experiment was conducted at the Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, located within G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, during the kharif season of 2020. The varieties were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that the application of organic source of nutrients significantly improved the growth parameters and yield of scented rice over control. Among the varieties, Kudrat-5 recorded higher values for tiller/m2 (273) and grain yield (42.46 q/ha). Application of organic matter in the form of Sesbania and vermicompost significantly produced higher plant height, tillers/m2, culm height, culm thickness, days to 50% flowering, straw yield and harvest index. So, it is inferred that ten scented rice varieties differ widely among themselves when grown under organic cultivation. In terms of grain yield Kudrat-5 variety performed better under organic production system.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality parameters of cauliflower

The present investigation was carried out at Experiment Farm, Udai Pratap Autonomous College, Varanasi (UP), India. Cauliflower growth, yield and quality can be boosted with the use of integrated nutrient management. Due to their complementing effects, the ideal combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may significantly boost cauliflower growth and yield. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments viz. T1: Recommended dose of NPK (150:100:80 kg/ha), T2: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha, T3: Half dose of NPK/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T4: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T5: Half dose of NPK/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T6: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T7: Half dose of NPK/ha + FYM @ 15 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T8: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha, T9: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha, T10: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha, T11: Half dose of NPK/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tonnes/ha + Azospirillium @ 5 kg/ha + VAM @ 5 kg/ha. The highest curd yield (265.65 g), curd diameter (17.99 cm), curd weight (943.55 g) and curd volume (758.62) with maximum net profit (Rs.1,57,757/ha) was obtained from T11 treatment. All traits had a significant positive correlation with all traits excluding TSS and Ascorbic acid, TSS showed a significant positive correlation with curd diameter whereas ascorbic acid had a significant positive correlation with plant height, plant spread, curd yield and TSS. So, economic analysis revealed that T11 treatment appeared to be the best for achieving the higher growth, yield and economic benefit of cauliflower.

Influence of organic nutrient sources on growth and seed quality of garden pea

In the post-era of the green revolution, the productivity of crops has been increased by massive application of agro-chemicals that has disturbed harmony existing in the ecosystem. As a legume crop, garden pea is gaining attention towards organic farming systems. Seeds produced organically are better adaptable to organic growing conditions. A field experiment was laid out with three replications, comprising of twelve treatment combinations of different levels of FYM and jeevamrit during Rabi season of 2020-21. Seeds of cv. ‘Punjab-89’ were sown at a spacing of 60 cm × 7.5 cm after inoculation with Rhizobium and PSB. FYM was applied at the time of sowing. Jeevamrit was applied treatment-wise as soil drenching at an interval of 15 days starting from 30 days after sowing. Combined application of FYM @ 15 t ha-1 and jeevamrit @ 10% drenching resulted in maximum plant height (80.63 cm), pod length (8.84 cm), number of pods per plant (21.33), number of seeds per pod (8.07), gross seed yield (12.56 q ha-1), graded seed yield (11.31 q ha-1), speed of germination (8.68 days), 100 seed weight (17.51 g), seed germination (88.33%), minimum powdery mildew severity (25.33%) and lowest EC of seed (15.26 μS cm-1) along with highest net returns (₹ 195567.5 ha-1).

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

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

Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

The investigation entitled, “Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) cv. Snowball-16” was undertaken at the Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agriculture &amp; Natural Sciences, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur. during Rabi season 2022-2023. Seven treatments were used laid out in the randomized block design with three replications in this experiment. It is apparent from the results obtained that the vegetative parameters viz., number of leaves per plant, plant height, the spread of the plant, the diameter of the stem, number of days required for curd initiation and curd maturity, curd size and total biomass production per plant have been significantly influenced by the potential treatments. The maximum number of leaves per plant (20.54) was recorded under the influence of the treatment T4 (50%RDF along with 50%vermicompost). The integration of organic and inorganic nutrient sources in a way such that an equal proportion of nitrogen being supplied by them documented superior results. Treatment T4 resulted in maximum plant height (21.16 cm), the spread of plant (49.38 cm), diameter of the stem (2.82 cm), reduced number of days for curd initiation (68.53 days) and maturity (99.23 days), curd size (18.74 cm) and total biomass production (33.67 g) per plant when compared to control (T1). Yield parameters viz., net weight of curd (1660.57 g), curd yield per plot (38.81 kg) and yield per hectare (421.35q /ha) showed preponderance in response to 50% RDF along with 50% vermicompost, succeeded by treatment involving the integration of 50% RDF along with 50% FYM, which also showed lead response as result obtained in control.

Field Test of Cyanobacteria as Biofertilizer for the Cultivation of Triticum Aestivum (Wheat) Plant

Wheat is rich in carbohydrates, Protein and essential Vitamins and Minerals such Vitamins B and E, Calcium and Iron, as well as fiber. Wheat is an important cereal crop in achieving global Food security. It is cultivated worldwide and is second highest in production. Wheat production is affected mainly by biotic and abiotic stresses all over the world. Maximum yield of wheat can be attained over balanced consumption of all plant nutrient resources. In recent past due to increased cost of chemical fertilizer and with moto of tumbling environmental pollution, creation of amplified awareness on the use of organic sources with bio-fertilizers which are the sources of macro, micro and secondary nutrients to endure both the soil fertility and productivity. The combined nutrient supply contemplates to collective use of inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrient and bio-fertilizers for crop productivity apart from keeping up inspiring soil health. Since past few years, bio-fertilizers like Azotobacter, PSB, (Phosphate solubilizing bacteria). Azospirillum and liquid bio-fertilizers have shown fabulous potential to improve yield of wheat as these are eco-friendly and low-cost agriculture inputs. Managing Nitrogen inputs in wheat production systems is a significant issue in order to attain maximum profitable production, and minimum negative environmental influence. Wheat production can be enhanced to two to three fold by implementing the cyanobacteria based bio fertilizer. Current study indicates a boost in crop growth, height, thickness of stem, increase in number of grain pods and quantity.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Yield Attributes in Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was conducted at Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, India, during the autumn season of 2019-20. The research focused on integrated nutrient management in scented rice, incorporating both organic and inorganic nutrient sources along with the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) at 100:60:40 NPK kg ha-1. The experimental design employed a randomized block layout (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications, utilizing the Chhattisgarh Sugandhit Bhog variety of scented rice. The findings revealed noteworthy outcomes among the various organic and inorganic treatments. Notably, Treatment 6 (75% RDF + 5 tonnes of Vermicompost ha-1 enriched with consortia) exhibited the highest grain yield of 35.78 q ha-1, signifying significant superiority over other treatments. Treatment 5 (75% RDF + 5 tonnes of FYM ha-1 enriched with consortia) closely followed with a grain yield of 34.24 q ha-1, demonstrating comparable performance. Additionally, Treatments 4, 3, 2, and 10 showed promising results in terms of yield attributes. The superior performance of Treatment 6 in terms of higher yield and yield attributes, including the highest number of panicles per m2 (349.36), underscores its effectiveness and significance in the context of integrated nutrient management for scented rice cultivation.

Soil organic carbon build up in sesame under soybean-sesame cropping systems in response to organic management modules

Field experiments were conducted in deep Vertisols at ICRISAT farm in a fixed plot with eight nutrient management options with complete organic package to understand the soil organic carbon build-up since 2018 for soybean (cv. Basara) - sesame (cv. Swetatil) cropping system have shown that application of castor cake has maintained a soil organic carbon content indicating that the castor cake may be utilised as an organic nutrient source for sesame crop under vertisols of Hyderabad, Telangana.

Productivity, nutrient indices and soil nutrient status of short grain aromatic rice-green gram system as influenced by integrated nutrient management strategies

New age challenges of irrational use of fertilizers under monocropping of rice calls for integrative nutrient management strategy along with establishment of rice based cropping system. A field study was carried out in 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, India to investigate the integrated nutrient management strategies on productivity, nutrient indices and soil nutrient status in short grain aromatic rice-green gram cropping system. The experiment was set up in split plot design with six nutrient management strategies in rice were taken in main plot in randomized block design and three nutrient management strategies in green gram were taken as sub plot in split-plot design in sequence. Results revealed that application of 50% NPK+ 50% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN)-FYM to rice followed by 75% NPK + Rhizobium + Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria to green gram recorded the highest rice equivalent yield and production efficiency in 2017–18 and 2018–19 followed by 50% NPK+ 50% RDN-FYM to rice followed by 100% NPK to green gram. Application of 50% NPK+ 50% RDN-FYM to rice and 75% NPK + Rhizobium + PSB to green gram recorded the highest partial factor productivity of nitrogen, nitrogen utilization efficiency and nitrogen uptake efficiency in the system. Soil nutrient status of the cropping system improved with balanced application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients compared to mineral fertilizers only. Thus, supplementing FYM and sesbania as organic manures along with reduced dose of inorganic fertilizers improved sustainability of rice-green gram system along with improving soil fertility.

Can Plant Nutrient Dynamics and Indian Mustard Yield Be Influenced by Addition of Organic Amendments Under Saline Sodic Soils?

ABSTRACT Arid and semi-arid regions are having huge potential for agricultural production but also have limitations of salinity and alkalinity. By mediating rhizospheric environment with the application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources, Indian mustard yield could be enhanced in these areas. For this, a field experiment was conducted to study the effect of organic (FarmYard Manure and vermicompost) and inorganic (urea) amendments with irrigation water of different sodium absorption ratios (SAR; 6, 10, 20 and 30). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design (SPD) with 24 treatment combinations keeping different SAR in main plots and organic and inorganic nitrogen sources in sub plots. Experiment results revealed that increasing SAR levels reduced the availability of major plant nutrients, i.e. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The soil organic carbon mineralization rate and Indian mustard seed yield were also deceased with increasing levels of SAR. Application of nitrogen through farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost decreased the electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and enhanced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil solution. Application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea and 75% through vermicompost produced maximum seed and stover yield of Indian mustard. Thus, supply of recommended dose of nitrogen as inorganic (50%) and organic (75%) sources improved the soil health and Indian mustard yield of arid lands with sodic irrigation water. The use of organic sources in place of sole application of N fertilizer may be a potential management option in sodic groundwater irrigated areas for enhancing mustard crop yield.

Effect of Medium Type of Varieties and Organic Sources of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer kabulium L.) under Bundelkhand Region

Background: The present investigation entitled “Effect of medium type of varieties and organic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of Kabuli Chickpea (Cicer kabulium L.) under Bundelkhand region’’ was carried out at the Organic Research Farm at Karguaji, Institute of Agricultural Sciences Bundelkhand University, Jhansi U.P. India, during Rabi season of the year 2020-21.&#x0D; Methods: The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three organic sources of nutrients such as, Farm yard manure, Vermicompost and Poultry manure and comprising three varieties viz Pusa-1053, Shubhra and Ujjaval replicated thrice. All the organic sources and sowing methods significantly influence the all parameters like growth parameters viz., plant height, root length, number of primary branches, number of secondary branches per plant at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing and at maturity, fresh shoot weight, fresh root weight, dry shoot weight and dry root weight per plan, crop growth rate g/m2 /day-1 and moisture % were noticed at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing.&#x0D; Results: The nutrients management through organic source and different varieties significantly influenced the entire yield attributes viz, number of pod plant-1, pod weight plant-1, grain weight plant-1 and 100 seed weight were recorded with V1- PUSA-1053 and Nutrient sources M2- Vermicompost while M1- FYM and V2- Shubhra variety recorded lowest in all the parameters. Maximum seed yield per hector were also obtained through higher seed yield (25.43 kg/ha) was recorded in variety 1– (Pusa 1053) and higher seed yield (22.12 kg/ha) was found in M2 (Vermicompost application), respectively. From the present investigation, it can be concluded that above nutrients management through organic manures (vermicompost) and varieties PUSA-1053 resulted in better growth, higher yield attributes and better yield besides enhanced soil health as evident by post-harvest soil fertility status. It can be suggested as a cost effective combination for getting higher yield with greater quality of kabuli chickpea on organic farming system for the farmer’s Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on the Yield and Uptake of Major Nutrients in Soybean

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of different organic sources of nitrogen with inorganic fertilizers on crop yield, yield attributes and uptake of major plant nutrients in the soya bean-maize cropping system. The highest soybean yield of 12.9qt-1 was obtained with the application of 75% of the recommended dose of nitrogen along with 100% recommended dose of phosphorus (P)&amp; and potassium (K) through inorganic fertilizers+25% recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost and the lowest values of all the parameters were obtained from the control treatment. The uptake of nitrogen (N), P&amp;K increased with treatments that received integrated use of organic manures in combination with the recommended dose of nutrients.

Growth Response of Wheat as Affected by Different Nutrient Sources and NPK Levels under Vertisols

Growth analysis such as crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), leaf area index (LAI) and net assimilation rate (NAR) are the most important traits in prediction of yield. Keeping in this view a field experiment was conducted to estimate growth response of wheat as affected by different nutrient sources and NPK levels under Vertisols in split plot design with 3 replications at the experimental field of JNKVV, Jabalpur during winter (Rabi) 2019. The treatment comprised of 3 sources of nutrient M1- Inorganic sources (NPK fertilizers), M2- organic sources (FYM, vermicompost, biofertilizers Azotobacter and PSB) and M3- Integrated sources (50% Inorganic + 50% organic) as main treatments and 5 NPK levels S1- control, S2- 100% RDF, S3- 150% RDF, S4- 200% RDF, S5- Based on soil test value (STV) for target yield of 6 t ha-1 as sub treatments were replicated thrice. The results showed that among the different sources of nutrients, maximum growth responses was found with inorganic sources of nutrient, which was significant over organic sources of nutrient followed by integrated sources of nutrient. All the growth characters (LAI, NAR, RGR and NAR) were higher at high fertility (200% RDF) which was found significant over 100% RDF and STV based value and at par with 150% RDF. Thus, from the present investigation concluded that the adequate supply of plant nutrient in inorganic sources with 150% RDF levels helps in better growth of wheat which ultimately helps in higher yield.

Efficacy of different organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)

The cultivation of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) in Nepal faces significant challenges, resulting in diminished yields compared with other regions. The pivotal issue is optimizing fertilizer management practices to enhance bitter gourd growth and yield. In April 2022, a field experiment was conducted in Kapilvastu, Nepal to investigate the efficacy of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth and yield of bitter gourd. The study included five treatments: the recommended dose of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizer (111.66:54.56:35.36 NPK kg ha−1, and 29.49 t ha−1 farmyard manure), 100 % poultry manure, 100 % farmyard manure, 50 % NPK + 50 % poultry manure, and 50 % NPK + 50 % farmyard manure. We hypothesized that a blend of 50 % organic and 50 % inorganic manure would significantly enhance bitter gourd performance. These treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications and analyzed using R-Studio. The results showed that 50 % NPK +50 % poultry manure increased growth parameters, such as plant height (380 cm), branch count plant−1 (22), node count plant−1 (34.75), female flower count (50.50), fruit length plant−1 (24.75 cm), and fruit diameter (6.53 cm), and decreased male flower count (132.25) and days to first male (33.75) and female (36.25) flowering. The application of 50 % NPK and 50 % poultry manure increased individual fruit weight (274.50 g) and yield-attributing traits, such as fruit count (17.25), fruit yield (55.56 t ha−1), net return (7944$), and benefit-cost ratio (3.14). A synergistic blend of 50 % NPK and 50 % poultry manure can serve as a viable and effective nutrient source for promoting growth and maximizing bitter gourd yield. Although these results are promising, further validation and extension of these positive findings are required on a larger scale in diverse ecological regions.

Impact of Crop Residue and Green Manure Management in Rice Crop on Soil Nutrient Dynamics in Tarai Belt of Shivalik Himalaya, India

The study explores the effects of different soil management practices on various soil properties within the Tarai Belt of the Shivalik Himalaya region to assess the effects of different nutrient management strategies on various soil properties in the context of rice cultivation. Ten treatments were employed, T1 (100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers), T2 (50% crop residue + 50% recommended NPK dose), T3 (50% crop residue + 50% recommended NPK dose with the addition of Pusa decomposer), T4 (50% crop residue + 50% Green Manure (GM), T5 (50% crop residue + 50% GM with Pusa decomposer), T6 (Crop residue at 2.5 tons per hectare + Pusa decomposer), T7 (Crop residue at 2.5 tons per hectare without Pusa decomposer), T8 (Absolute control group with no fertilizer application), T9 (150% recommended NPK dose), and T10 (100% recommended NPK dose with the addition of Farm Yard Manure at a rate of 5 tons per hectare, along with Zinc and Boron supplementation). including varying combinations of crop residues, organic and inorganic fertilizers, and green manure. Soil properties examined included soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) at two different soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Organic sources enhanced soil organic carbon, while inorganic sources notably improved the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The results showed that treatments incorporating both organic and inorganic nutrient sources demonstrated improved soil health and nutrient availability, with treatment T9 (150% recommended dose of fertilizer, RDF) showing the best results, particularly in terms of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, the sustainability of this approach over the long term may be a concern. Treatment T10, which combined 100% RDF with farmyard manure, zinc, and boron supplementation, emerged as a promising alternative for sustainable soil management. Treatment T3, with the incorporation of crop residues and the application of Pusa decomposer, also showed potential for maintaining soil health. These findings emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to nutrient management that combines readily available nutrients from inorganic sources with the long-term benefits of organic matter.&#x0D; In summary, this study emphasizes the importance of integrated nutrient management and sustainable agricultural practices for enhancing soil fertility and overall soil health, thereby contributing to sustainable crop production. These findings hold significance for addressing soil nutrient imbalances and ensuring the well-being of farmers and environmental sustainability.