Plain Zone Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of Nano Urea Versus Conventional Urea for Nitrogen Management in Rainfed Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivation in Acid Sandy Loam Soils of Assam.

A field experiment was conducted during rabi, 2021-22 at the experimental plot of the Department of Agronomy, Biswanath College of Agriculture (BNCA), Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Biswanath Chariali, Assam having geographic coordinates 26°43'30'' N and 93°08'08'' E to assess nitrogen management in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with conventional and nano urea under rainfed farming situations in the North Bank Plain Zone of Assam. The experiment confined to 10 treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) viz., T1: Control (No Nitrogen), T2: Soil application of 50% N, T3: Soil application of 100% N (RD), T4: 3 foliar applications of 0.6% nano urea, T5: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 1% conventional urea, T6: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 2% conventional urea, T7: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 3% conventional urea, T8: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.2% nano urea, T9: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.4% nano urea, T10: Soil application of 50% N + 2 foliar application of 0.6% nano urea. Results revealed that there was no significant effect on the seedling emergence percentage due to different nitrogen management treatments. The highest plant height (84 cm) and maximum number of leaves (33) were found in T10. T9 showed the maximum values of Relative Leaf Water Content (RLWC) (71%), leaf area index (LAI) (3.2 and 4.2 at 60 and 90 DAS), chlorophyll content index (30 DAS) and head diameter (16.70 cm). For most of the growth and phenological parameters, T9 and T10 were at par with each other. T1 (no nitrogen) was the earliest to complete its life cycle which is reflected in 50% heading (65 days) and days to maturity (97 days). Dry matter accumulation varied at different time intervals, initially, it was highest in T3 but later T9 and T10 showed the maximum values. In terms of seed yield, test weight and chaffy grain percentage (%), T9 showed the best results: (1505 kg/ha), (54 g/1000 seeds) and (20%) respectively, followed by T10. Whereas the highest stover yield was recorded in T10. The highest Benefit to Cost ratio (B:C ratio of 1.60) was obtained in the T9.

Coriander Yield Characteristics as Influenced by Varied Date of Sowing and Planting Geometry under Chhattisgarh Plain Zone

A field experiment was carried out during the rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Instructional farm, College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh to find out the influence of different sowing dates and planting geometry on coriander. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with sixteen treatment combinations of main and sub plots, replicated trice. Four Dates of sowing viz. D1: 25th October, D2: 10th November, D3: 25th November and D4: 10th December were arranged in main plot and four planting geometries viz., S1: 30 x 5 cm, S2: 30 x 7.5 cm, S3: 30 x 10 cm and S4: 30 x 12.5 cm were taken as subplot treatments. Results revealed that coriander sown on 25th October registered significantly yield attributing characters viz., number of umbels plant-1, number of umbellets umbel-1, number of umbellets plant-1, number of seeds umbel-1, number of seeds umbellet-1, length of umbel, diameter of umbel, weight of umbels, test weight, seed yield plant-1 and seed yield ha-1. Among planting geometry, sowing of coriander at 30 x 12.5 cm spacing produced significantly higher values of aforesaid characters except for seed yield ha-1, which was maximum under 30 x 10 cm spacing. The interaction effect of 25th October coupled with the spacing 30 x 12.5 cm produced significant maximum seed yield plant-1.

Socio-economic profile of entrepreneurial behaviour of dairy farmers in eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Socio-economic profile of entrepreneurial behaviour of dairy farmers in eastern plain zone of Uttar Pradesh

Evaluation of Promising Lines of Vegetable Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) Suitable for Cultivation in North Eastern India

Sixteen accessions of vegetable amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) were collected from different locations of the state of Assam and North East. The accessions were tested for leaf and plant yield and component characters under different breeding trials. They were evaluated consecutively for three years in the Deptt. of Horticulture, AAU, Jorhat in station trials. The accessions viz., Am-1, Am-2, Am-3, Am-4, Am-5, Am-6, Am-7, Am-8, Am-9, Am-10, Am-11, Am-12, Am-13 (Boga Morisa), Am-14 (Ranga Morisa), Am-15 and Am-16 were tested in zonal trials covering UBVZ (Upper Brahmaputra valley zone), NBPZ (North Bank Plains zone) and LBVZ(Lower Brahmaputra valley zone) also. In these trials, among all genotypes JorAm-1(Shyamali) and JorAm-2 (Rodali) were found to be the best for leaf and plant yield and other component characters.The AICRP(VC) trials conducted throughout the country exhibited average plant yield of 137q/ha inJorAm-1 and 133.18 q/ha in JorAm-2 with 25 – 30% yield increase over the best check variety. Shyamaliwas a green leaf variety whereas Rodali was a purplish variety. The edible leaves were getting ready for plucking at 30 – 35 days after sowing. Both of them were found to be tolerant with 5% infection to leaf spot and aphids. They have been recommended in the Zonal Research Committee Meeting (ZREAC)andAnnual Technical Committee Meeting (ATCM) held at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhatfor release in the state of Assam. In view of the consumer preference and taste, the varieties are spreading very fast and getting popularity throughout entire NE states.Considering yield performance and other desirable characteristics, extensive cultivation of these varieties may be done in better performing states also.

Nano Urea Fertilization for More Wheat Yield Under North Western Plains Zone for Irrigated Conditions Assessed by AMMI and BLUP Analysis

Highly significant variations due to treatments, locations and TxL interactions were observed for wheat yield by analysis of variance during field evaluation of nano urea formulations at number of locations in the north western plans zone of the country. First component of AMMI analysis shared of about 51.3% while second accounted for 29.9%. Significant variations due to locations, TxL interactions and treatments effects were observed for thousands grains weight. Around 82.9% of the interaction effects accounted by two significant components while total of significant components were up to 96.9%. Maximum yield was observed at Karnal followed by Hisar more over maximum yield for 56.1 was expressed by T3 treatment. ASV1 & ASV measures based on 81.3% of interaction effects selected T5, T8 and T8, T5 treatments. Average of thousands grains weight found T3, T8, T9 treatments as suitable for maximum realization and as per MASV1 and MASV settled T6, T2 treatments for thousands grains weight. Adaptability measures corresponding to BLUP estimates of yield i.e. PRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, HMPRVG measures found T3, T4, T2 treatments for yield. Superiority index measures considering average thousands grains weight and stability in 65 and 35 ratios for weighted average settled for T3, T7, T8 treatments formulation of nano urea in the study. Biplot analysis observed Pantnagar center had expressed strong bondage with superiority index measures while considering mean, GAI and HM of treatments based on fixed and random effects of treatments. WAASB, W3, W2, W5 had maintained direct association with MASV, MASV1 on right hand side and with ASV1, W1, IPC4 on left side for yield. Treatments T13, T5 and T4 would express unstable yield as compared to T11, T6, T7 placed near to origin of biplot analysis. Thousands grains weight found that Karnal, Hisar centers with IPV2 formed the first cluster while Gurdaspur with Gwalior joined hands with superiority index measures in second cluster of biplot analysis. Next cluster was of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu, mean, GAI, HM with Jammu, Delhi and Ludhiana centres. Next cluster of IPC4, IPC6 with Pantnagar observed near to large cluster of adaptability measures PRVG, HMPRVG, PRVG*Gu, HMPRVG*Gu.

Dynamics of changes in cadmium levels in environmental objects and its impact on the bio-elemental composition of living organisms.

As a result of intensive anthropogenic impact in the biosphere there is a rapid process of accumulation of heavy metal salts. They have led to the aggravation of problems associated with the pollution of ecosystems and basic food products of plant and animal origin. Environmental pollution by these compounds is caused by their persistence in environmental objects, migration ability, accumulation by plants. This contributes to their accumulation in the human environment. A number of studies have shown that heavy metals have mutagenic, toxic effects and affect the intensity of biochemical processes. Therefore, the presence of heavy metals in the environment is extremely undesirable. Moreover, the ecological state of the environment is directly related to changes in the human internal environment. Deficiency or excess of certain bioelements in soils and drinking water or non-compliance with its stable chemical composition causes the development of dysmicroelementosis. The ecological situation of the Carpathian region is closely related to the state of soils and water resources. In this regard, it is advisable to study and control the level of cadmium compounds in the environment of the region. The study of the effect of cadmium intoxication on the macro- and microelement composition of the brain and myocardium of experimental animals is also worthwhile. Materials and methods. Soils and drinking water of the plain, foothill and mountainous zones of the region, as well as organs and tissues of experimental animals served as the object of research. Cadmium levels in drinking water and myocardial tissues and brain of experimental animals have been measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results and discussion. The study of soils in the Prykarpattia region has revealed an increase in the toxic element cadmium. Its content is 1.1-1.5 times higher than background levels. The analysis of drinking water allowed to establish that a significant number of people living in the plain and foothill zone of the region consume water with a high content of cadmium. The main stages of cadmium intake and accumulation in plants have been analyzed. Significant disorders in the body of experimental animals under conditions of excessive intake of cadmium compounds have been revealed. It was accompanied by the accumulation of cadmium in the myocardium and brain, on the background of redistribution of vital macronutrients calcium and magnesium along with micronutrients copper and zinc. Thus, excessive intake of cadmium salts causes the development of dysmicroelementosis, which is accompanied by a violation of the homeostasis of a living organism. It is suggested to conduct continuous monitoring of the level of toxicants in the ecosystem as an integral component of environmental monitoring.

НОВЫЕ НАХОДКИ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПИЯВКИ HIRUDO VERBANA (CARENA, 1820) В ВОДНЫХ ЭКОСИСТЕМАХ КАБАРДИНО-БАЛКАРИИ

Background. Medicinal leeches are a traditional aquatic biological resource in Russia, officially used in practical medicine, pharmacology and cosmetology. However, in recent decades, the distribution range and abundance of these valuable aquatic organisms on the Russian territiry have decreased considerably. Relevance. The study of the present geographical range of this exploitable leech species is of practical importance, since the modern technology of their controlled breeding at biological production facilities requires constant replenishment of the broodstock and procurement of mature individuals from natural populations. This work is aimed at the identification of the current habitats of medicinal leeches in the aquatic ecosystems of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Methods. This research was carried out in the last ten days of August 2021 in the daytime, in the littoral part of the water bodies of the plain and foothill zones of Kabardino-Balkaria. Leeches were caught with a handheld net, as well as collected manually from the objects in the immediate surroundings. The species of the caught leeches were determined using taxonomic keys in accordance with the modern classification. Results. New data on the distribution of the exploitable species of medicinal leeches Hirudo verbana (Carena, 1820) in the aquatic ecosystems of Kabardino-Balkaria are presented. Habitats of natural populations of this leech species were found in the Trek Lake and Deya River. Conclusion. The presence of the medicinal leech H. verbana in the investigated water bodies indicates their good ecological state. The results of this study make it possible to expand our understanding of the present distribution range of this exploitable species of aquatic organisms.

Effect of biofertilizers seed treatment on growth and yield of wheat in North-Western Plain Zone

Effect of biofertilizers seed treatment on growth and yield of wheat in North-Western Plain Zone

To analyse the trend, growth rate in area, production and productivity of major vegetable crops in Chhattisgarh plain zone

To analyse the trend, growth rate in area, production and productivity of major vegetable crops in Chhattisgarh plain zone

Improvement of productivity and profitability in wheat by nitrogen and bio-fertilizer in north western plain zone

Improvement of productivity and profitability in wheat by nitrogen and bio-fertilizer in north western plain zone

Furrow Application of Lime on Growth and Yield of Potato in Acid Soils of North Bank Plain Zone of Assam, India

A research experiment was successfully conducted at farmers’ field in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during the year 2022 - 23 by application of lime to ameliorate the soil acidity for better production of potato in three villages of Lakhimpur District of Assam. There were 3 Technologies i.e. (TO-1: Lime @ 2 – 4 q/ha + 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) that is NPK @ 60:50:50 kg/ha, TO-2: RDF (NPK@ 60:50:50 kg/ ha)and TO-3: Farmers Practice). The experiment was conducted in total area of 0.3 ha following randomized block design. The outcomes revealed that application of lime @ 2 – 4 q/ha in furrows + 50% RDF (NPK@ 60:50:50 kg/ha) gave higher yield of 93.7 q/ha and in farmers practice it gave 74.2 q/ha having B:C ratio of 2.33 and 2.10, respectively. With the integration of lime and chemical fertilizers the soil nutrient status improved as compared to the plot receiving only chemical fertilizers and to the Farmers practice. So, application of lime in furrows @ 2 – 4 q/ha and 50% RDF (NPK@ 60:50:50 kg/ha) is economical and profit oriented for small land holding farmers of that region and maintaining the soil acidity in Lakhimpur district of Assam.

Winter Rice Trend Analysis and Change Point Detection in Assam’s North Bank Plains Zone (NBPZ): A Non-Parametric Approach

Winter Rice Trend Analysis and Change Point Detection in Assam’s North Bank Plains Zone (NBPZ): A Non-Parametric Approach

Impact of Integrated Farming Systems on the Socio-economic Status and Profitability of the Farmers in Western Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

Impact of Integrated Farming Systems on the Socio-economic Status and Profitability of the Farmers in Western Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

Genotypes Performance, Characterization and Genetic Variability Studies of Sweet Pepper Accessions for Different Traits

The study was conducted during two consecutive years 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 at IARI, Regional Station, Pune, Maharashtra, India to evaluate for genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance of nineteen genotypes. Our objective was to select the promising genotypes under open condition with better horticultural attributes under Western Maharashtra plain zone. Based on average of two years data, total yield ranged from 1.79-4.22 t ha-1 and maximum observed in Orobelle Yellow. TSS ranged from 6.35–9.66°Brix, maximum in KTC-153 while Vitamin C content varied between 129.99–175.57 mg 100 g-1 FW maximum in ATS-89. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all traits. However, GCV values were near to PCV values for most of the characters indicating high contribution of genotypic effect for phenotypic expression. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance (Mean %) was obtained for plant height, number of fruits plant-1, yield plant-1, yield ha-1, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit cavity, fruit weight, number of seeds per fruit, and hundred seed weight, reflecting the presence of additive gene effects for the expression of these traits. Genotypes NS-281, KTP-141, SH-SP-4-1, SH-SPH-603, ATS-89, ATS-86, KTC-153, ATS-86 were found promising in one or the other characters like number of fruits plant-1, yield plant-1, yield (t ha-1), Vitamin C content, TSS. These lines can be used as pre-breeding material for hybridization programme.

Factors Affecting Wheat Production in Districts Loralai and Jaffarabad Baluchistan

The present study aims to identify the main factors affecting wheat production in the upper zone of the Loralai District and the plain zone of the Jaffarabad District. Data was collected from the farmers by purposive sampling method. A structured questionnaire was developed for collecting data from the farmers. A total of 85 growers were identified for data collection from the study area. A multiple linear regression model was used to assess the significant factors affecting the production of wheat. The yield of wheat was considered a dependent variable. The multiple regression model indicates that the amount of DAP and Urea applied to wheat crops, number of canal irrigation accessible and tube well irrigation availability were significant factors associated with yield of wheat in the study area.

Uso de herramientas hidroquímicas e isotópicas para evaluar el rol del agua subterránea en el funcionamiento hidrológico de una laguna Pampeana, provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Waters from the fractured-karstic and detritic (Pampeano) aquifers, and from surface water bodies are closely interacting in the Tapalqué Creek Upper Basin (CSAT for its acronym in Spanish), southeast of the Chaco-Pampean plain, Argentina. The La Barrancosa lake, endorheic and of socio-economic and cultural relevance, is located in this basin headwater. Within the framework of an integrated vision of these water resources, the main objective of this work is to know this lake’s water origin, as well as to identify and explain the processes involved in its interaction with the Pampeano aquifer. Hydrochemical and isotopic (δ2H and δ18O) tools were jointly used, with special emphasis on the ionic ratios study and the hydrochemical modelling. The rainwater evaporation during infiltration into aquifers and the dissolution/weathering of the geological materials rich in Ca2+, Mg2+ and K+ present in the study area, are the main processes that determine the composition of waters in the recharge zones. The dissolution of Na+-rich minerals and the cationic exchange are of relevance toward the plain zone. This last process and the concentration by evaporation control the composition of the La Barrancosa lake waters (effluent). These conclusions are validated by the δ2H, δ18O and d values characteristic of the CSAT waters and can be extrapolated to other basins developed in similar environments.

Optimizing polyhalite (POLY-4) use in the maize-wheat system: A comparative case study from upper and Trans Indo-Gangetic plains of India

Increasing complexity in crop nutrient requirement in intensive crop production systems needs alternate multi-nutrient sources. Polyhalite (POLY-4) which contains 14% K2O along withcalcium (17% CaO), magnesium (6% MgO), and sulfur (19% S) can be a possible recourse in this regard. In maize-wheat systems, it was evaluated for productivity, profitability, nutrient usage, and nutrient use efficiency under Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP) zones for consecutive two years (2018-19 and 2019-20). The results revealed that 150% K through POLY-4 produced the maximum maize grain yield under the Trans Indo-Gangetic plains (TGP). The maize grain yield increased by 20.8% and 26.2% under 100% K (POLY-4) and 150% K (POLY-4) over No–K, respectively. But statistically, 100% K (POLY-4) stands similar with both 150% K (POLY-4) and 150% K through muriate of potash (MOP) and equivalent. The trends were noticed under upper Indo-Gangetic plain zones (UGP) also. Similarly, the maximum wheat grain yield (6.12 and 6.29 t/ha under TGP and UGP, respectively) was obtained under 150% K (POLY-4), and remained statistically at par with 100% K (POLY-4), but significantly higher than 150% K (MOP). Under both agro-ecologies i.e. TGP and UGP, the highest system productivity was obtained with recommended N, P, and 150% K application through POLY-4. The added return over NPK remained highest with 150% K (POLY-4) for both maize and wheat. However, higher partial factor productivity for N and S, agronomic, physiological, and translocation efficiencies were noticed under 150% K (POLY-4), and remained at par with 100% K (POLY-4). Increased system yield, added returns, partial factor productivity, agronomic, physiological, and translocation efficiencies under 100% K through POLY-4 (along with recommended N and P) proved its effectiveness as multi-nutrient source for the maize-wheat system under TGP and UGP.

Assessment of different elite mango varieties suitable for North western plain zones of Uttar Pradesh

The evaluation of different mango varieties was conducted during 2019-20 and 2020-21. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four varieties, namely, Ambika, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Dashehari-51, each replicated three times. The plants were spaced at 4x4 m intervals. The results obtained demonstrated significant variations in various parameters, ranging from minimum to maximum values. The canopy spread ranged from 1.77 to 7.49 m, stem girth from 16.67 to 40 cm, number of fruits per plant from 21 to 118, fruit length from 92.04 to 123.28 mm, fruit width from 56.02 to 77.41 mm, and fruit weight from 202 to 591 g. However, the number of primary branches (2-3) and plant height (1.54-4.35 m) were found to be nonsignificant. Based on the morpho-economic traits, Pusa Arunima appeared to be a superior variety in terms of tree morpho-economic traits, while others were considered moderate. Considering the average number of fruits per plant and fruit weight (g) over a two-year period, Pusa Arunima clearly outperformed the other three varieties in terms of yield. Furthermore, Pusa Arunima, Kesar, and Ambika exhibited more marketable fruit traits. These findings emphasize the significant diversity among the examined mango cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to protect and preserve these valuable genetic resources for future breeding programs aimed at developing novel and commercially viable cultivars.

Seasonal variation of the quality of groundwater resources for human consumption and industrial purposes in the central plain zone of Punjab, India.

Due to environmental pollution, climate change, and anthropogenic activities, the judicious use and regular assessment of the quality of groundwater for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes had gained a lot of attention across the globe. To assess the seasonal suitability of groundwater based on hydrochemistry and different quality indices, groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for different physicochemical parameters. Our findings indicated that the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), and calcium ion (Ca2+) content of groundwater were within acceptable limits of WHO and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) guidelines for drinking water. However, chloride content exceeded the acceptable levels, accounting for about 29.1% during the pre-monsoon and 15.3% during the post-monsoon period. Based on the water quality index (WQI), none of the water samples were deemed unsuitable for drinking purposes. However, when considering the synthetic pollution index (SPI), 100% of the samples were categorized as moderately polluted during both the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods. For industrial purpose suitability, 39.8 and 30.6% of the water samples had high corrosion tendency for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, respectively. Additionally, 77.5-93.4% of the total water samples were slightly affected by salinization on the basis of Revelle index. Generally, the groundwater quality for drinking purposes meets the WHO and BIS guidelines, with high corrosion potential for industrial use and slight salinization concerns in the area.

Effect on Yield, Attribute Character and Economics of Various Treatment in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad (U.P.) during Rabi season of 2014-15 to study the response of late sown wheat varieties to doses of nitrogen application. Eighteen treatment consisted of six doses of nitrogen (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha-1) and three varieties of wheat (PBW-373, HD-2327, and NW-1014). The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design R.B.D. (factorial) with three replications on silt loam having low organic carbon (0.37%), nitrogen (194.25 kg ha-1), medium in phosphorus (15.25 kg ha-1) and potassium (250.25 kg ha-1). All the growth and yield parameters increased significantly with increasing nitrogen doses up to 200 kg ha-1. The maximum net return (Rs. 40712ha-1) was obtained at 160 kg N ha-1 with NW-1014 and B:C ratio 1.19 followed by same variety at 120 kg N ha-1. Thus it may be concluded that application of 160 kg N ha-1 proved appropriate levels of nitrogen for exploration of the yield potential of the late sown wheat varieties. Among the varieties NW-1014 was found the most suitable for cultivation under late sown condition for Northern East Plain zone.