Phosphorus Ha-1 Research Articles

Efficiency of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on improving steppe rangeland in semi-arid ecology

In this study, the effects of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on the successful improvement of a semi-arid steppe rangeland were recorded, which was in fair condition. The study was conducted in 2017 by using a 50 kg ha-1 P2O5, and different dosages (30, 60, 90, 120 kg ha-1) of nitrogen fertilizers and observations were recorded during 2018-2019 (2 years). Dry matter yield and forage quality parameters such as crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber contents were recorded to evaluate the performance of rangelands. All the fertilizers significantly increased dry matter yield; it was nearly doubled when P2O5 was applied and tripled when 90 or 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen was applied. Crude protein (CP) content was also affected by the fertilizers, but the effect of nitrogen was greater on CP content, which was four times higher (33.5–129.3 kg ha-1 CP) under 120 kg ha-1 nitrogen application when compared to a control group. Phosphorus slightly affected NDF content but had no significant effect on ADF content. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect NDF content but the ADF content was slightly decreased. Results indicated both phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization increased the yield and quality of forage. Hence, semi-arid steppe rangelands, which are in fair condition, need to be fertilized using 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 60 to 90 kg ha-1 nitrogen to improve their performance.

Effect of varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre of School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 to study the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) by taking four levels of phosphorus, viz. 0 kg P2 O5 /ha, 30 kg P2 O5 /ha, 40 kg P2 O5 /ha, 50 kg P2 O5 /ha and bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB (B. thuringiensis) @ 20 g/kg of seed, Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) @ 20 g/kg of seed PSB (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) which were replicated thrice. The chickpea variety “JG-16” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ ha through Urea. However, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers were applied as per the requirement of the treatments. The crop was managed as per the recommended package and practices. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P/ha recorded significantly highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches. Further, it also produced highest seed, stover, biological yield and harvest index. Similar, result showed in N, P, K uptake. However, among the bio-fertilizers, application of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium Mesorhizobium resulted in highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches, seed and stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of chickpea. Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) resulted in highest gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio.

Effect of varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition

A field experiment was conducted at the Crop Research Centre of School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh during rabi 2021–22 and 2022–23 to study the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers on growth and yield of chickpea under sub-tropical condition of Madhya Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (factorial experiment) by taking four levels of phosphorus, viz. 0 kg P2 O5 /ha, 30 kg P2 O5 /ha, 40 kg P2 O5 /ha, 50 kg P2 O5 /ha and bio-fertilizers (No inoculation, PSB (B. thuringiensis) @ 20 g/kg of seed, Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) @ 20 g/kg of seed PSB (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) which were replicated thrice. The chickpea variety “JG-16” was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N/ ha through Urea. However, phosphorus and bio-fertilizers were applied as per the requirement of the treatments. The crop was managed as per the recommended package and practices. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P/ha recorded significantly highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches. Further, it also produced highest seed, stover, biological yield and harvest index. Similar, result showed in N, P, K uptake. However, among the bio-fertilizers, application of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium Mesorhizobium resulted in highest plant height, number of nodules, shoot dry matter accumulation, number of primary and secondary branches, seed and stover yield, biological yield and harvest index of chickpea. Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (B. thuringiensis) + Rhizobium (Mesorhizobium) resulted in highest gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio.

Under Long-Term Condition, Role of Increasing Doses Phosphorus Application on Soybean (Glycine max L.) Some Nutrient Uptake and Yield

Soybeans, as an industrial plant, are used in many industries. Since soybeans fix nitrogen through the rhizobium bacteria, P fertilization is one of the biggest requested fertilizers in their production. In this context, under long-term experimental conditions, the aim is to investigate the effect of increasing doses of P application on soybean yield and nutrient uptake. The hypothesis is that optimum P fertilizer doses increase soybean yield and P uptake. A field experiment was established in 1998 on the soil Arık soil series. Four doses of P fertilizers were applied, such as 0, 50, 100, and 200 kg P2O5 ha-1 with three replications before each cultivation term. Arısoy soybean (Glycine max L.) species seeds were sown in May 2024 and harvested in November 2024. At harvest, root, shoot dry weights, and yield were determined. Plant mineral nutrients (K, P and Zn) concentrations were analyzed by ICP-OES. ANOVA statistical analysis was realized by the JMP 8-pack program, and the less significant difference (LSD) test was carried out. Research results have shown that there is no significant difference in root dry matter and yield, but there is a significant difference in shoot dry matter yield. Especially when soybean grain yield was examined yield increased due to increasing doses from P0 to P200 (1596, 2390, 2431 and 2512 kg ha-1) fertilization, respectively. Furthermore, increasing doses of P fertilization statistically increased grain P concentration in a linear manner. Overall, for soybeans, 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 phosphorus fertilization is given an optimum dose for optimum growth. It was determined that the 100 kg P2O5 ha-1 application is the optimum application in soybean cultivation growth and nutrient uptake under long-term field experiments.

How does fertilizer management strategy in soilless blueberry cultivation change the phytochemical profile and phenoloxidases activity during fruit ripening?

Highbush blueberry fruits have attracted a lot of attention from consumers due to their exquisite taste and considerable quantities of bioactive compounds. This premium-class foodstuff also contains antioxidant enzymes (phenoloxidases) implicated in the degradation of polyphenols that lead to discoloration and loss of antioxidant activity during fruit ripening. Despite substantial progress in research focused on fruit quality, unanswered questions remain about the effect of fertilizer strategy in soilless blueberry cultivation on the phytochemical content and phenoloxidases activities. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the individual effect of mineral fertilizers (Min treatment) and combined application of organic and mineral fertilizers (Org-Min treatment) the content of targeted primary and secondary metabolites, as well as phenoloxidases activities of blueberry cultivar 'Bluecrop' grown in pots. The sugar content and sweetness index were not affected by the fertilizer treatment, while the predominant organic acids content (citrate and malate) increased significantly by the Org-Min treatment in both years studied. The Org-Min treatment also stimulated the synthesis of phenolic acids, primarily chlorogenic and p-coumaric acid, while the Min treatment contributed to significant increase in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in both years of the study. The Org-Min treatment in annual amounts of 72 kg ha-1 nitrogen, 48 kg ha-1 phosphorus, and 68 kg ha-1 potassium had the most pronounced positive effect on the content of phenolic bioactives, which indicates that a partial replacement of mineral by organic fertilizers can be recommended in soilless cultivation of blueberries. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of Phosphorus Levels and Biofertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Summer Black Gram (Phaseolus mungo L.)

Background: India is the world’s leading producer and consumer of pulses, contributing a quarter to global production. Pulses are crucial in the Indian diet, providing 14% of total protein intake, especially for vegetarians. However, production falls short of demand due to inadequate nutrient management, particularly phosphorus, and biofertilizers. Black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.), a key kharif pulse crop, has significant potential but suffers from low productivity. Proper fertilization, especially phosphorus, and biofertilizers, is essential to bridge this productivity gap. Methods: A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2022 at the experimental farm of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, to evaluate the effect of phosphorus levels and biofertilizers on the growth and yield of summer black gram. The experiment was conducted by adopting a Factorial Randomized block design with four phosphorus levels , viz. P0- Control, P1- 15 kg ha-1, P2- 30 kg ha-1, and P3- 45 kg ha-1 and four treatments of biofertilizers , viz. B0- Control, B1- Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed), B2- Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) and B3- Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed), and the treatments were replicated thrice. Black gram variety “Pusa-1” was sown at a spacing of 30 cm × 10 cm, and it was uniformly fertilized by 20 kg N ha-1 through urea. However, phosphorus and biofertilizers were applied as per the treatment requirements. Result: The experimental results revealed that among the levels of phosphorus, application of 45 kg ha-1 phosphorus recorded significantly the highest plant height, number of primary branches, leaf area index, plant dry weight, and seed yield (724.17 kg ha- 1). Among the biofertilizer treatments, Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) resulted at highest growth attributes and yield of black gram. Thus, for summer black gram cultivation, application of 45 kg ha-1 phosphorus and treatment of Rhizobium (20 g kg-1 seed) + Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (20 g kg-1 seed) treatment was identified as the most promising method for boosting black gram yield.

Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Application on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of phosphorus and zinc application on growth and yield of chick pea, variety “RSG-888‟ was used in this study. The required quantities of fertilizers as per treatments were applied. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications consisting of nine treatments. The data recorded maximum growth attributes like, plant height (64.46 cm), number of branches per plant (10.01) and yield attributes such as number of pods per plant (29.15), number of seed per pod (1.92), seed yield (1855 kg/ha), stover yield (3292 kg/ha), biological yield (5147 kg/ha) and maximum net return (89483 Rs/ha) was recorded with application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1. Therefore, it was concluded that application of that phos4phorus and zinc application brought an additive effect in increasing growth, yield, quality and economics of chickpea crop. The highest seed yield (1855 kg ha-1) was obtained under the combined application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1 (T5) but the highest net returns of gross and net returns (124651 ha-1 and 89483 Rs ha-1, respectively) was recorded under the application of 80 kg phosphorus ha-1.

Performance of Black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) under Different Levels of Phosphorus at Bardiya, Nepal

A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2023 in Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality-7, Bardiya district to evaluate the performance of black gram at various levels of phosphorus. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) consisting of four treatments and five replications were used for the study. The treatments consisted of different levels of phosphorous viz. 0 Kg ha-1 (control), 20 Kg ha-1, 40 Kg ha-1 and 60 Kg ha-1. Black gram var. BLG 0093-1 was sown at spacing of 40 cm x 5 cm in the plots sized 8 m2. All the growth parameters and yield obtained from each treatment were compared at 5% level of significance. The results showed significantly greater number of branches (13.84), flower buds (11.33), root length (16.27 cm) and secondary roots (16.05) at 60 Kg phosphorus per ha followed by 40 Kg ha-1. However, plant height, pods per plant, seeds per pod, weight of pods per plant, biomass and grain yield showed non-significant results at similar levels of phosphorus (60 Kg ha-1). Though non-significant, higher number of fruiting branch, number of nodules, effective nodules, 1000 grain weight and harvest index were observed at 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus. The findings suggested a gradual increase in the yield with increasing levels of phosphorus with the highest gross return from 60 Kg ha-1 phosphorus. However, since the variation in grain yield among the treatments was not significant, the cost involved with the 60 Kg ha-1 was greater as compared to 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus, greater benefit was observed with the latter. So, on grounds of greater net return and better BC ratio, 40 Kg ha-1 phosphorus seems to be more profitable for the farmers.

Synergistic effect of salicylic acid and biochar on biochemical properties, yield and nutrient uptake of triticale under water stress

In arid regions, one of the practical solutions to overcome the water shortage and increasing soil fertility is application of salicylic acid (SA) with biochar. A pot experiment was conducted to consider the combination of SA with biochar on biochemical and physiological parameters of triticale as a factorial experiment using a completely randomized design (RCD) with four replicates. Treatments consisted of irrigation regime (normal irrigation and irrigation according to 50% field capacity), salicylic acid application [without SA (SA0) and 3mM SA (SA3)] and fertilizer type including without fertilizer (control), application of 50kgha-1 phosphorus (P), and application of wheat biochar (WB), cotton biochar (CB) and sesame biochar (SB) (2% w/w). Under water stress, CB at SA0 and SA3 could improve the total chlorophyll by 119.4 and 70.6%, compared to control, respectively. Also, carotenoid content in SA3 treatments increased in the range of 75.8 to 34.6% compared to SA0. CB at SA3, increased catalase activity by 11.4% compared to SB. At SA3, the highest RWC was observed in WB and CB by 26.7 and 18.1% increases compared to SA0, respectively. At SA3, CB could enhance grain yield by 24.8% under water stress. Under water stress, at SA3, remobilization efficiency from 63.2% in control was enhanced to 69.2, 74.3 and 68.1% in WB, CB and SB, respectively. CB and WB had better chemical properties in terms of EC, N, P, K and micronutrients compared to SB. These properties of BC and WB enhanced their ability to increase the nutrient availability, biochemical properties and consequently the grain yield enhancement, especially when applied with SA3.

Bioremediation alternatives for total petroleum hydrocarbon removal in agricultural soil

Objective: The purpose of the present study is to highlight the importance of assessing bioremediation and total petroleum hydrocarbon removal by bioaugmentation and biostimulation on the rhizosphere. Design/methodology/approach: An 89-day experiment was established with treatments considering plant (corn) establishment–crude petroleum (25,000 mg kg-1)–bacteria and hydrocarbonoclastic fungi–adding nitrogen and phosphorus to agricultural soil. At the end of the experiment, hydrocarbonoclastic fungal and bacterial populations and total petroleum hydrocarbon removal were assessed. Results: Both microbial groups increased in number and time. The treatment with 120 kg nitrogen ha-1 and 12.5 kg phosphorus ha-1 allowed the highest population (227 x 103 g-1 of colony forming units (CFU) of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria). A total of 83% petroleum hydrocarbon removal was obtained as established in 89 days. Limitations on study/implications: The effectiveness of bioremediation can vary significantly in real environments due to factors, such as soil variability, climate. Findings/conclusions: The previous results highlight the importance of using these bioremediation techniques to eliminate hydrocarbons in contaminated agricultural soils.

Effect of Different Spacing and Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Maize: A Review

Optimal plant density influenced by crop geometric/planting techniques factors are crucial in achieving high yield to maize. In addition, nutrient management further enhances productivity. Increasing plant density can lead to higher grain yield per unit area, but it also reduces the yield per individual plant as the competition between plant to plant will increase. From different research it indicates that plant density lower than the optimum number result in higher productivity rate per plant but lower yield per area unit. After reviewing various research articles, it was concluded that the maximum growth and yield attributes of maize obtained with spacing 60: 20-30 cm. Highest nitrogen application up to 160 kg N per ha-1 by split application at sowing, 25 DAS and tasselling is most reliable to increase the maize productivity. The combined application of 70 kg ha-1 phosphorus and 60 kg ha-1 potassium is the most suitable to obtain the maximum growth and yield attributes such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, cob length, cobs per plant, dry matter accumulation and crop growth rate. Effective nutrient management, aligned with proper planting density, played a pivotal role in maximizing maize productivity, meeting the demands of a growing population, and contributing to sustainable agriculture.

Productivity and profitability of chickpea as influenced by varying levels of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers under sub-tropical conditions of Madhya Pradesh

In the present study, the influence of phosphorus and bio-fertilizers was investigated on the productivity and profitability of summer black gram. The experimental study revealed that among the phosphorus levels, the application of 50 kg P ha-1 recorded significantly the high seed (1108 Kg ha-1) and stover (2616 Kg ha-1) yield. However, among the bio-fertilizers, t h e application of phosphate solubilizing bacteria + Rhizobium resulted in the highest seed (1116 Kg ha-1) and stover yield of chickpea (2655 Kg ha-1). Application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and combined treatment of phosphate solubilizing bacteria + Rhizobium incurred the highest cost of cultivation (₹ 30,421 ha-1), highest gross return (₹ 1,00,015 ha-1), net return (₹ 69,594 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (₹ 2.29). It can be concluded that the application of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus and treatment of phosphate solubilizing bacteria+ Rhizobium in chickpea cultivation may be profitable.

Interactions of Microbial Inoculations with Fertilization Options and Crop Establishment Methods on Modulation of Soil Microbial Properties and Productivity of Rice

A field investigation was undertaken to assess the interactive effects of different crop establishment methods (CEMs) and microbial formulations in field conditions. The two year experiment was carried out in kharif season (June to October) of both 2013–14 and 2014–15 at Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi India. The CEMs studied consist of puddled transplanted rice (PTR), system of rice intensification (SRI) and aerobic rice system (ARS); while microbial formulations consist of Anabaena sp. (CR1)+Providencia sp. (PR3) consortium (MC1) and Anabaena–Pseudomonas biofilm formulation (MC2). The microbial inoculation was applied with 75% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) (90 kg nitrogen ha-1 and 19.35 kg phosphorus ha-1) and compared with 100% RDN. Soil microbiological properties showed significantly higher values in SRI in the first year; while in the second year, SRI and PTR remained on par and superior to ARS. Among the combinations of nutrient supplements, application of Anabaena–Pseudomonas biofilm formulation (MC2) with 75% RDN was superior in terms of all microbiological attributes studied [acetylene reduction activity (ARA), soil chlorophyll, soil dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon and alkaline phosphatase activity]. Application of microbial inoculation led to an increase in milled rice yield from 230 to 240 kg ha-1. Among the different combinations of CEMs and inputs investigated the application of 75% RDN+MC2+zinc (Zn) (soil applied 5 kg Zn ha-1 through zinc sulphate heptahydrate) in SRI can be a judicious option to maximize rice yield and soil health.

Pigeonpea Productivity and Soil Health as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and AM Fungi under Different Planting Methods

A field experiment was conducted at ARS, Bheemarayarnagudi, Karnataka to study the effect of phosphorus graded levels and inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under different establishment techniques in pigeonpea during kharif season of three years (2010-13) in Upper Krishna Project command area of Karnataka. The treatment consists of phosphorus graded levels (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50kg ha-1) with inoculation VAM fungi under two establishment techniques (Transplanted and dibbled) with randomized block design. Three-year pooled data indicated that, Application of 50 kg P + VAM under transplanting technique recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (1510 kg ha-1) and it was on par with application 37.5 kg P + VAM under transplanting method over rest of the treatment. The economics and nutrient uptake also noticed similar trend. It proved that pigeonpea could be successfully transplanted in the UKP command area of Karnataka by applying 37.5 kg of phosphorus ha-1 in conjunction with VAM fungus inoculation. This boosted crop productivity, nutrient availability, and net returns.

Nodulation and Yields of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) Varieties at Varying Phosphorus Fertilizer Rates in Lafia, Nigeria

Soybean production in Lafia, southern Guinea savanna zone of Nigeria, is impacted by soil phosphorus deficiency, affecting nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and overall crop productivity. Field experiments were conducted in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons with different phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 13, 26 & 39 Kg P2O5 ha-1) and six improved soybean varieties (TGX 1985-10F, TGX 1987-10F, TGX 1448-2E, TGX 1987-62F, TGX 1989-19F & TGX 1835-10E) to determine the effects of phosphorus fertilizer rates on nodulation and yields of soybean varieties. The results showed significant variation in soybean nodulation and yields when different phosphorus fertilizer rates were used. Among the six improved soybean varieties tested, TGX 1989-19F and TGX 1987-62F varieties performed best with 39 kg P2O5 ha-1. The results also show that plots that received a 39 kg P2O5 ha-1 produced the highest nodule number (26.3 & 28.7) and nodule weight (203.5 & 221.2 mg/plant) significantly in 2018 and 2019, respectively, compared to those with lower phosphorus rates. The effect of phosphorus fertilizer rates on soybean yields was apparent, with the 39 kg ha-1 phosphorus treatment yielding significantly higher yields than the lower phosphorus treatments. Notably, the TGX 1989-19F variety consistently outperformed the others, yielding the highest yield (1624.0 kg/ha). Based on the results, it is recommended that soybean farmers in the Lafia region consider increasing their phosphorus rates to 39 kg ha-1 for improved nodulation and subsequent yield gains. The TGX 1989-19F variety, due to its exceptional response to this phosphorus level, could be prioritized for cultivation to maximize returns. However, further research and on-farm trials must validate these findings across multiple growing seasons and farm management practices.

Response of tef yield and yield components to nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.

The challenge facing Ethiopian farmers are the combination of low soil fertility and reduced agricultural productivity. The study aimed to quantify nitrogen and phosphorus-containing fertilizers for tef production in Sekota and Lasta-Lalibela districts, using four nitrogen and three phosphorus levels from urea and triple super phosphate sources. The Results showed that nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly affected tef yield and yield components. Application of nitrogen at the rate of 92 kg ha-1 increased tef grain yield by 131.01%, 87.78% and 182.23% in Woleh, Sayda and Lasta Lalibela districts, respectively, compared to control treatment. Similarly, 23 kg ha-1 phosphorus increased tef grain yield by 7.42 and 8.52% in Woleh and Lasta Lalibela, respectively. In Lalibela and Woleh, the application of 92 kg N ha-1 resulted in a maximum net benefits of 2099.6 and 2007 United States Dollar (USD) respectively. Furthermore, in Sayda, the application of 92 kg N ha-1 and 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 yielded a net benefit of 1812.55 USD. The marginal rate of return (MRR) from these applications was 539.6% in Lalibela, 781% in Woleh and 352.44% in Sayda. Therefore, application of 92 N and 23 kg P2O5 ha-1 is appropriate for maximum tef production in Sekota and Lasta districts of Amhara region. Further research and extension services should focus on promoting the adoption of these optimized fertilizer practices among smallholder farmers to maximize the sustainable production of tef.

Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Sulphur and Boron

At the Agronomy Field Unit, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, a field experiment was carried out in kharif 2017 to examine the impact of sulphur and boron on sesame yield and quality (Sesamum indicum L.). Twelve treatments were reproduced three times in the experiment, which was set up using a factorial RCBD design. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) with 30 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in significantly higher seed yield (470.00 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (3126 kg ha-1) than the application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 and 5, 40 and 2.5, 30 and 5 kg sulphur and borax per ha (461.56 and 2826.67, 455.13 and 2733.33, 445.67 and 2626.67 kg per ha, respectively). Increased nutrient uptake of nitrogen (40.23 kg ha-1) phosphorus (15.01 kg ha-1) potassium (45.23 kg ha-1) sulphur (13 kg ha-1) and boron (162.4 ppm) was primarily responsible for increased seed and stalk yield. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in higher seed protein (10.72%). This matched RDF + 40 kg sulphur + 2.5 kg borax (10.66%). RDF+30 kg sulphur + 5 kg borax per ha produced the highest C: B ratio (3.5).

Effect of Chemical Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Soil Microorganism and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, India, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India during kharif 2021-22 to study the effect of pre and post emergent application of weedicides on seed yield, weed dynamics, microbial population and nutrient uptake by weeds in blackgram. The results revealed that, significantly lower weed density (grassy weeds, sedges and broad leaf weeds (0.71) and weed dry weight (0.71) was observed with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (control) followed by sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS [grassy weeds (1.08, 1.26 and 1.83) sedges (1.03, 1.57 and 1.47) and broad leaf weeds (1.72, 2.06 and 2.11 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively]. Weed control efficiency was significantly higher with sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (89.52, 90.31 and 91.17 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively) that was on par with hand weeding. Hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (13.82, 12.49 and 5.25 cfu x 106 g-1 soil respectively). All chemical weedicides applied either pre-emergent or post-emergent significantly reduced population of total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes. Significantly higher nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded with weedy check (71.03, 32.00 and 56.67 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). Where as, higher nutrient uptake by blackgram was with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (126.25, 28.20 and 109.30 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). After the harvest, soil available nutrients status was higher with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (141.38, 42.10 and 298.53 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively) and significantly lower nutrients were observed with weedy check (122.93, 30.17 and 220.10 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively).

Response of Phosphorus, Sulphur and Foliar Spray of GA3 on Nutrient Content and Uptake of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Background: Soybean is an important oil seed crop grown in a varied range of climate and soils in India. Phosphorous and sulphur is an important macronutrient required for plants. Their deficiency in soil is a worldwide concern for production of oil seed crops. The gibberellic acid involved in plant growth and development. Therefore, investigation was carry out to study influenced of phosphorus, sulphur and gibberellic acid on nutrient content and uptake of soybean. Methods: An experiment conducted during kharif-2020 on soybean in sub-sub split plot design with three replications. The twenty four treatment combinations were comprised viz. four levels of phosphorus (Control, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1), three levels of sulphur (15, 30 and 45 kg ha-1) and two levels of gibberellic acid (Foliar spray of GA3 @ 75 ppm and no spray). Result: Results revealed that application of 40 kg phosphorus ha-1 and 30 kg sulphur ha-1 is optimum dose for obtaining higher available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in the soil after crop harvest, nutrient content in seed and straw and uptake of soybean crop. The foliar spray of gibberellic acid @ 75 ppm is also beneficial for improving productivity and profitability of soybean crop.

Development of banana (Musa AAA) under different doses of biochar and chemical fertilizers

The main objective of the research was to evaluate the application of different doses of biochar as organic fertilizer to a banana (Musa AAA) crop. The biochar was derived from cocoa pod husks (CPH-B) and banana stalk (BC) and applied to banana plants between 130 and 140 cm tall. The treatments included doses of 32 kg ha-1 (T1) and 48 kg ha-1 (T2) of CPH-B, 32 kg ha-1 (T3) and 48 kg ha-1 (T4) of BC. In all experiments, 100 kg ha-1 potassium nitrate and 100 kg ha-1 phosphorus (P2O5) were applied. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were found in root weight, height and pseudostem circumference at T4. Bunch weights ranged from 16.44 kg (T2) to 21.10 kg (T4). The number of clusters per bunch increased from 6.6 (T1) to 8.5 (T2), with significant differences. Treatments T2 and T4 positively affected plant growth compared to the control plot, suggesting they could be used as an alternative in fertilization programs. Keywords: banana stalk; cocoa pod husk; nutrients