Plant Fertilizer Research Articles

Simultaneous adsorption of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate on electro-assisted magnesium/aluminum-loaded sludge-based biochar and its utilization as a plant fertilizer.

Herein, Mg/Al-loaded sludge-based biochar was prepared via electro-assisted impregnation. The structure and chemical analysis of modified sludge-based biochar (MgSBC-0.5(@Al) showed that the material was loaded with MgO and Al2O3. The specific surface area of MgSBC-0.5(@Al) was 11.27 times higher than that of unmodified sludge-based biochar (SBC). The simultaneous adsorption performance of MgSBC-0.5(@Al for ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) and phosphate phosphorus (PO43--P) was studied. The maximum adsorption capacities of MgSBC-0.5(@Al for NH4+-N and PO43--P at 298 K were 65.19 and 92.10 mg·g-1, respectively, 4.45 and 6.28 times higher than those of SBC. The external and internal elemental compositions of the modified and unmodified biochar specimens were quantitatively characterized using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The results emphasized the importance of Mg-loading for NH4+-N and PO43--P capture. MgO was mainly loaded on the surface of biochar, enabling adsorption through chemical reactions. Analysis showed that the adsorption of NH4+-N and PO43--P on the modified biochar proceeded simultaneously through multiple mechanisms. Particularly, the adsorption of NH4+-N and PO43--P occurred through the precipitation of struvite and physical adsorption, with PO43--P also adsorbed through the formation of MgHPO4 and CaHPO4. Other data indicated that Al, Ca, and Fe had a trapping effect on the adsorbate. Importantly, the biochar after adsorption could be used as a soil amendment.

Review of Waste Management in Indonesian Small Islands in the Last Five Years (2018-2023)

Indonesia is a maritime country composed of 16,771 islands consisting of large islands and small islands. One of the environmental problems that occur in small islands. Waste management is a shared focus because sources of water, soil and air pollution can come from waste. Waste management on small islands is very important because small islands have a much higher vulnerability than large islands.. This article aims to identify and analyze waste management in Indonesia's Small Islands and evaluate if its implementation has utilized the technology and concepts of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Based on the findings of a review of 14 articles published from 2018-2023, with 15 islands as research objects, it was found that most of the small islands used as research objects had not managed their waste properly. The waste is eventually dumped into the sea. The unmanaged factor of this waste can be caused by the geographical conditions on the island which are bordered by the sea, the lack of waste management facilities, the limited land area on small islands and the low awareness and participation of the community in waste management. The rest, several islands have carried out the process of storage, processing, collection and destruction quite well. The waste is turned into handicrafts (bags and souvenirs), ecobricks, garden decorations and plant fertilizers for organic waste as well as the development of innovative waste into diesel fuel. Unfortunately, the intended application based on the Industrial Revolution 4.0 has not been reflected in waste management on these small islands. This is expected to be information and input for the government and managers as a model for other small islands in an effort to manage waste generation on the island's mainland and garbage contamination in the sea.

Differences in Grain Yield and Nitrogen Uptake between Tetraploid and Diploid Rice: The Physiological Mechanisms under Field Conditions.

Research indicates that, owing to the enhanced grain-filling rate of tetraploid rice, its yield has notably improved compared to previous levels. Studies conducted on diploid rice have revealed that optimal planting density and fertilization rates play crucial roles in regulating rice yield. In this study, we investigated the effects of different nitrogen application and planting density treatments on the growth, development, yield, and nitrogen utilization in tetraploid (represented by T7, an indica-japonica conventional allotetraploid rice) and diploid rice (Fengliangyou-4, represented by FLY4, a two-line super hybrid rice used as a reference variety for the approval of super rice with a good grain yield performance). The results indicated that the highest grain-filling rate of T7 could reach 77.8% under field experimental conditions due to advancements in tetraploid rice breeding. This is a significant improvement compared with the rate seen in previous research. Under the same conditions, T7 exhibited a significantly lower grain yield than FLY4, which could be attributed to its lower grain-filling rate, spikelets per panicle, panicle number m-2, and harvest index score. Nitrogen application and planting density displayed little effect on the grain yield of both genotypes. A higher planting density significantly enhanced the leaf area index and biomass accumulation, but decreased the harvest index score. Compared with T7, FLY4 exhibited a significantly higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUEg), which was mainly due to the higher nitrogen content in the straw. Increasing nitrogen application significantly decreased NUEg due to its minimal effect on grain yield combined with its significant enhancement of nitrogen uptake. Our results suggest that the yield and grain-filling rate of T7 have been improved compared with those of previously tested polyploid rice, but are still lower than those of FLY4, and the yield of tetraploid rice can be further improved by enhancing the grain-filling rate, panicle number m-2, and spikelets per panicle via genotype improvement.

Introduction and Agrotechnology of Greek Chambala (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.) in Surkhondaryo Region

This research explores the introduction and agrotechnology of Greek Chambala (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in the Surkhandarya region of Uzbekistan. The study focuses on the growth development and medicinal properties of this leguminous herb, with particular emphasis on agrotechnological factors such as planting dates, row spacing, and chemical protection measures that influence productivity. Greek Chambala is valued for its bioactive compounds, known for medicinal benefits like managing diabetes and obesity. The experiment was conducted at the "Jonchekka Sarhadlari" farm using different planting configurations and fertilization methods. The results showed that planting in November yielded optimal seed development and contributed to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The findings provide practical insights for enhancing the cultivation of Greek Chambala in Surkhandarya's climatic conditions, making it a promising crop for both agricultural and medicinal purposes.

Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Fertilization on Growth Traits and Leaf and Wood Characteristics of Three Poplar Clones

A comprehension of the effects planting density and nitrogen (N) fertilization have on the physiological and morphological characteristics of trees is critical for optimizing the require size and characteristics of wood products. We evaluated the growth traits and the leaf and wood characteristics of three clone poplars including Populus simonii × P. nigra ‘Xiaohei’, ‘Xiaohei-14’ and ‘Bailin-3’ under five planting densities (1666, 1111, 833, 666, and 555 tree ha−1) and four N fertilization rates (0, 100, 160, and 220 g tree−1 year−1). The results show that the clone type significantly affected all observed indicators, while planting density and N fertilization treatments had a significant effect on growth traits and leaf characteristics, but not on wood characteristics. Specifically, the clone ‘Bailin-3’ exhibited the largest annual increments in tree height and diameter at breast height (DBH), leaf width, N content, and soluble protein content. A decrease in initial planting density (from 1666 to 555 tree ha−1) led to an increased annual incremental tree height and DBH, regardless of clone type and N fertilization treatment. N fertilization treatment significantly impacted the annual increment in DBH, but not that of tree height. Further, the annual increments in tree height and DBH were positively correlated with leaf width, N content, chlorophyll content, and soluble protein content, and negatively correlated with hemicellulose content. In addition, the chlorophyll and soluble protein contents were identified as the most reliable predictors of the annual increments in tree height and DBH. Our results demonstrate the clone ‘Bailin-3’ with 555 tree ha−1 under 160 g N tree−1 yr−1 showed superior growth traits and leaf characteristics. Thus, it is recommended for future poplar silviculture of larger diameter timber production at similar sites. The results contribute to understanding of the effects of planting density and fertilization on the growth traits and the leaf and wood characteristics of three poplar clones, offering valuable guidance for the sustainable development and long-term productivity of poplar plantations.

Anthropogenic activities significantly interfered distribution and co-occurrence patterns of antibiotic resistance genes in a small rural watershed in Southwest China

The prevalence and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have been a significant concern for global public health in recent years. Small rural watersheds are the smallest units of factor mobility for agricultural production in China, and their ARG profiles are the best scale of the contamination status, but the mapping and the distribution and diffusion of ARGs in the water and soil of small rural watersheds are inadequate. In this study, based on microbial metagenomics, we invested prevalence maps of 209 ARGs corresponding to typical commonly used antibiotics (including multidrug, aminoglycoside, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLSB), and β-Lactamase) in water and soil in different agricultural types, as well as within water-soil interfaces in small rural watersheds in Southwest China. The results revealed that the most abundant ARGs in water and soil were consistent, but different in subtypes, and anthropogenic activities affect the transport of ARGs between water and soils. Livestock wastewater discharges influenced the diversity and abundance of ARGs in water, while in soil it is planting type and fertilizer management, and thus interfered with the co-occurrence patterns between bacteria and ARGs. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were the predominant ARG hosts in water and soil, but soil exhibited a more intricate ARG-bacterial association. Overall, this study provides integrated profiles of ARGs in water and soil influenced by anthropogenic activities at the small watershed scale in a typical rural area and provides a baseline for comparisons of ARGs.

Enhanced aqueous phosphorus removal and mechanism by water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) pretreated with lanthanum nitrate.

Excess nutrients such as phosphate (PO43-) entering surface waters promote eutrophication, and phosphorous (P) removal is important to clear the water. Phytoremediation efforts have been used to improve water quality by varieties of P removal plants, such as water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk). Water spinach can reduce both internal and external resources of phosphorus from waterbody. The ion of lanthanum (La), one rare earth element (REE), is an immobilization substance for aqueous phosphate and also a fertilizer for plants. Therefore, lanthanum nitrate La (NO3)3 was used further to improve the phytoextraction of P from the polluted water. This study investigated the effects of La on the aqueous P removal by two genotypes of water spinach, green stem large leaves (GSLL) and green stem willow leaves (GSWL). The low concentration La (NO3)3 helped the plant to remove more phosphorous from eutrophic water, but La at high concentration lowered the removal of P. Under La (NO3)3 treatments, the optimum concentration for maximum P removal in GSLL is 3mg/L, and for GSWL, it is 10mg/L and P removal rates were enhanced to 95% and 96%, respectively. When the concentration of La (NO3)3 is 100mg/L, the removal percentage of P was only 10% for both genotypes. The very high concentration of La will impose toxicity and even cause the death of the water spinach and produce secondary pollution; for example, under some specific circumstances, the bond between lanthanum and nitrates dissociates into lanthanum ions (La3⁺) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). If the concentration is high, then it accumulates in the aquatic water organisms and plants and causes toxicity in their bodies. If humans eat up these plants and fish, it causes toxic effects in humans. The La (NO3)3 positively affects different parameters of plants. La (NO3)3 increases the growth, pigments, enzyme activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) of plants which were also discussed in this study. The biological mechanism should be responsible for the enhanced aqueous phosphorus removal by water spinach using lanthanum nitrate.

Стохастично моделиране при маслодайните култури в България в условията на Зелената сделка

This study is designated to elaborate and propose a model for estimation of outcomes and effects at the level of production of oilseed crops in Bulgaria. The projections are manifested through scenarios based on the stochastic error, which is yielded as a difference between real and modelling results on the projected variables. It is deemed to provide a good basis for modelling of scenarios driven by specific parameters from the Green Deal of EU. The applied stochastic model gives a very good basis to elaborate and simulate further sensitive scenarios generated by the factors and variables of the Green Deal. It is thought to carried out through incorporation of the variables covering the world price of oilseeds and the use of nitrogen mineral fertilizers. The applied and evolved model for projecting the development and future outlook of the production of oilseed crops in Bulgaria provides a system of model equations, which is created as a interdependencies between different variables. This model is considered to achieve and reveal specific quantitative results, facilitating the scenario comparisons. The presented model results are made as an estimation of the stochastic error, standing for the difference between the model over the real historical data in the period of 15 years, between 2007 – 2021. It is assumed that production and market risks in the oilseeds sector will increase crucially if the full-scale implementation of the intended restrictions and bans connected to Green Deal measures are adopted. Those restrictions are seen in purported reduction in the use of plant protection chemicals and fertilizers application. Production risks are mainly highlighted in the cut of production yield, market volatility of the oilseed commodity and the affected efficiency due to cost increment. Market risks will mainly be related to securing a market stability and appropriate cost level of the production. The results from the model show that up to the time of this study work covering the historical real data up to 2021, specific signals and turbulences in the production, supply and market performance of the sector are not yet noticed and the supposed stagnation effects from the Green Deal measures are not displayed. Therefore, putting aside the expected strong impact of the Green Deal on the sector by 2030, the production and consumption of oilseeds is projected to remain strong and to gravitate in the high levels achieved in the best years reached recently, indicating that the sector is on the upward trend and the constraints and bans of the Green Deal may have a greater affect eventually in future.

Growth and Development Stages of Four Japanese Persimmon Varieties in North Florida

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki) are a good source of vitamins A and C and dietary fiber, while also being low in calories and fat. These fruits are popular in many Asian cuisines and are enjoyed in various ways, including fresh, dried, or cooked in multiple value-added products. This publication will provide information on persimmon phenological growth stages of four established varieties grown at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida. The nine major persimmon growth stages are divided into two categories: vegetative and reproductive stages. This publication provides illustrative figures for each development stage. Accurate identification of phenological stages is important for making informed decisions on plant care, fertilizer, irrigation, and fruit harvesting. This information will be helpful to students, growers, homeowners, nursery workers, and Extension agents interested in growing persimmons in Florida.

Carbon balance in Maize (Zea mays L.) with various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers

Fertilization in agricultural cultivation has an important role in the carbon cycle. This study aims to evaluate using organic fertilizers with inorganic fertilizers that can produce high carbon sequestration with low CO2 emission levels in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation. There were seven combinations of NPK and organic fertilizers, namely ¼ NPK + 1 OF (C), ½ NPK + 1 OF (D), ¾ NPK + 1 OF (E), 1 NPK + 1 OF (F), ¾ NPK + ¼ OF (G), ¾ NPK + ½ OF (H), ¾ NPK + ¾ OF (I), and two controls, namely no fertilizer (A) and standard NPK (350 kg/ha, SP36 150 kg/ha, KCl 75 kg/ha) (B). Organic fertilizer was applied one week before planting, SP-36 and KCl fertilizer at planting, and urea fertilizer at 0, 14, and 28 HST. Maize was planted with a spacing of 20 x 70 cm. Parameters observed included CO2 emissions, soil pH, C-Organic, C-microbial, and plant growth parameters. The combined use of NPK and organic fertilizer significantly increased soil carbon stocks (33.25-64.04 Mg/ha) and carbon sequestration by plants (3.76-5.98 Mg/ha). Therefore, using organic and inorganic fertilizer can be considered more environmentally friendly and effective in managing carbon balance on farmland and has great potential to contribute to climate change mitigation through increased soil and plant carbon sequestration.

Dense planting and nitrogen fertilizer management improve drip-irrigated spring maize yield and nitrogen use efficiency in Northeast China

Farmers in China often use nitrogen (N) fertilizers to ensure adequate crop growth. However, injudicious applications have increased the risk of environmental pollution, lower maize yields, and reduced profits for farmers. Appropriate N fertilizer management is crucial for improving yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study conducted a three-year experiment involving nine N treatments (0, 45, 90, 135, 180, 225, 270, 315, and 360 kg ha-1) on a field under nitrogen fertilizer precision management (NFPM) in Northeast China. These results were compared with studies published within the past decade that analyzed yield and dry matter (DM) content under two management practices in Northeast China: conventional nitrogen fertilization management (CNFM) and water-saving fertilization management (WSFM). The findings reveal that maize yield increases with rising N application rates up to 270 kg ha-1, after which yield decreases. The kernel number (KN) and kernel weights (KW) of maize grown under NFPM were 13.7 and 14.7% higher than those grown under WSFM, respectively. Furthermore, they surpassed crops grown under CNFM by 38.4 and 21.2%, respectively. The maximum total yield of the NFPM treatment was 41.8 and 78.8% higher than WSFM and CNFM, respectively. Additionally, compared with CNFM and WSFM, NFPM significantly increased nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) across various N-level treatments. Optimizing nitrogen management could help farmers achieve higher yields and promote sustainable agricultural development.

Indicators of Radioactive Contamination by Radionuclides for Samples of Plant Fertilizers and Pesticides

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the radiation levels resulting from plant fertilizers and pesticides in Babylon City, Iraq. The specific activity of the studied radionuclides (e.g. 238U, 232Th, and 40K) was identified using the spectroscopy approach of the sodium-activated iodide thallium (NaI (Tl)) with dimensions of 3" × 3". The resulting data revealed that the specific activities for the aforementioned nuclides were 6.254 Bq/kg, 4.3694 Bq/kg, and 112.751 Bq/kg, respectively. The results indicated that the average radiation hazard metrics for fertilizers (i.e., gamma index, alpha index, absorbed dose rate, ambient dose equivalent rate, annual gonadal dose equivalent, and excess lifetime cancer risk) were lower than the reference levels. Keywords: Radiation hazard, Fertilizer, Pesticides, Risk parameters, Gamma activity.

Assessing the influence of planting time and fertilization on growth, flowering, yield and soil properties of chrysanthemum

ObjectivesTo identify optimal planting time for maximizing growth and flowering, and assess the impacts of various fertilization techniques on plant growth and soil health in chrysanthemum. MethodsThe investigation was conducted at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India from 2022 to 2023. The study aimed to investigate the impact of various planting times and fertilization schedules on the yield, quality, and soil health characteristics of chrysanthemum. Different planting times from 15 June to 30 August under organic and inorganic fertilization regimes were evaluated. Data related to vegetative growth, flowering, soil chemical and biological properties were recorded. ResultsPlantingon15 June along with inorganic fertilization resulted in improved vegetative characters like plant height (74.37 cm) and plant spread (30.56 cm), flowering characters like cut flower stem length (64.07 cm), stem strength (10.40°), flower diameter (11.80 cm) and duration of flowering (22.50 days) and soil chemical properties like available N, P, K (326.53, 40.36 and 359.48 kg/ha, respectively). However, planting on June 15 combined with organic fertilization led to enhancement in soil microbiological properties, including bacterial count (138.33 cfu/g soil), fungal count (31.75 cfu/g soil), actinomycetes count (62.46 cfu/g soil), microbial biomass (52.62 µg/g soil) as well as vase life (19.70 days). ConclusionIn the present study, it was found that planting time and fertilization significantly impacted chrysanthemum growth, yield and soil properties. The 15 June planting with inorganic fertilization boosted growth, yield and macronutrient content, while organic fertilization on the same date enhanced soil microflora. Flowering was influenced by planting time and organic fertilization showed promise as an alternative to chemical fertilization. Optimizing planting schedules and using organic fertilizers would lead to sustainability and offer economically viable alternatives to conventional crop management.

Precision Cultivation of Vegetable Crops to Increase Productivity: A Review

Precision cultivation is an innovative agricultural approach that leverages advanced technologies and data-driven methodologies to enhance the productivity and sustainability of vegetable crops. The precision agriculture techniques, including remote sensing, soil moisture sensors, GPS-guided machinery and data analytics which use to optimize various aspects of vegetable farming. These technologies facilitate informed decision-making regarding planting schedules, irrigation management, fertilization strategies and pest control which leading to improved crop yields and resource efficiency. Precision cultivation offers the potential for reduced environmental impact by minimizing chemical inputs and maximizing land use efficiency. Case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of precision practices across diverse climatic and geographical contexts which highlighting significant increases in productivity and quality of vegetable crops. The findings suggest that embracing precision cultivation not only addresses the challenges of food security but also contributes to sustainable agricultural practices that align with global environmental goals. Future research directions and technological advancements will be essential to further refine these methods and expand their applicability to diverse vegetable crops and farming systems.

Pemanfaatan Barang Bekas Menjadi Komposter Anaerobik sebagai Upaya Pengelolaan Sampah Organik di Desa Bluru Kidul, Sidoarjo

Indonesia's population reached 282,477,584 in 2024, presenting significant challenges in waste management, especially in densely populated areas. In Sidoarjo, the waste volume amounts to 598 tons per day, with a recycling rate of only 7-9%. The Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik (KKN-T) program in Bluru Kidul village aims to enhance waste management through the promotion of anaerobic composters, which convert organic waste into compost. This community service initiative involves identifying issues, observing conditions, formulating solutions, and educating on the importance of household waste management, particularly organic waste, for producing useful plant fertilizer. This outreach session provided residents of Desa Bluru Kidul with new understanding and skills to utilize used gallon containers as anaerobic composters and organic waste as raw material for oxygen-free compost, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which focuses on environmentally conscious consumption and production in villages

Pemanfaatan Barang Bekas Menjadi Komposter Anaerobik sebagai Upaya Pengelolaan Sampah Organik di Desa Bluru Kidul, Sidoarjo

Indonesia's population reached 282,477,584 in 2024, presenting significant challenges in waste management, especially in densely populated areas. In Sidoarjo, the waste volume amounts to 598 tons per day, with a recycling rate of only 7-9%. The Kuliah Kerja Nyata Tematik (KKN-T) program in Bluru Kidul village aims to enhance waste management through the promotion of anaerobic composters, which convert organic waste into compost. This community service initiative involves identifying issues, observing conditions, formulating solutions, and educating on the importance of household waste management, particularly organic waste, for producing useful plant fertilizer. This outreach session provided residents of Desa Bluru Kidul with new understanding and skills to utilize used gallon containers as anaerobic composters and organic waste as raw material for oxygen-free compost, thereby supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which focuses on environmentally conscious consumption and production in villages

Seasonal Variation in the Element Composition of Dried, Powdered Green Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) from Northern Norway

In many countries, such as Norway, there are vast quantities of sea urchins that have formed barrens over large areas of the coastline. Research has shown that removal of sufficient quantities of sea urchins from these barrens can lead to them reverting to a macroalgae forest. Identifying the chemical composition of sea urchins for various uses, such as agricultural fertiliser, would incentivise this sea urchin removal. This study investigates the composition of sea urchins and whether the composition varies when sea urchin collection sites vary both geographically and temporally. Sea urchins were collected from three sites within 10 km of each other in northern Norway at three times through the year. The sea urchins were dried, crushed, powdered, and analysed for nutrient content. An elemental analysis from the sea urchin samples showed high calcium and relatively high magnesium levels; smaller relative quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium were also found. Micronutrients such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) were found. More importantly, both primary, macro-, and micronutrients showed high variability when collected from different sites and at different times of the year. This will be a critical consideration when investigating the use of this product as a plant fertiliser or for any other use.

Pemanfaatan Sampah Rumah Tangga Dalam Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Kelurahan Paya Mabar Kecamatan Stabat Kabupaten Langkat

Waste management includes reducing and handling waste in a sustainable, systematic and comprehensive manner. Waste is not only a cause of environmental damage, but is also a real result of human activities. Waste management can start from the smallest scale, namely by separating household waste based on type. This study attempts to determine how the community can use household waste to generate economic value, find out what obstacles occur in the procedure for managing home garbage, and discover the village government's involvement in motivating the neighborhood to dispose of waste properly. This study combines descriptive research techniques with a qualitative methodology. This study uses data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification as data analysis techniques. Technical triangulation as well as source triangulation are used to verify the veracity of the data in this study. Six sources were involved in the observations and interviews that produced the data. Apart from that, data was also obtained based on the outcomes of literature studies. The analysis results show that the community is still limited in managing waste, such as burning household waste and processing it into plant fertilizer, where the use of waste does not yet bring economic value to the community. Waste management has obstacles, namely the lack of adequate facilities to manage household waste properly and correctly. In waste utilization, the government's role is still minimal or lacking in managing household waste into profitable value.

Enhancing Seed Yield of Daincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) New Variety TRY1 Through Optimum Spacing and Nutrient Management

Background: Increasing demand for leguminous green manure crop daincha seed is being noticed throughout the country mainly to restore the soil fertility. For maximizing seed production of newly released daincha variety, an optimum plant density per unit area and fertilizer application are an important management tool. The study was conducted to optimize the plant spacing and fertilizer dose for achieving higher seed yield of daincha variety TRY 1. Methods: Field experiments were conducted during Summer and Kharif 2023 to study the effect of different spacing and fertilizer doses on growth, yield and economics of new daincha variety TRY1. The treatments consisted of five different spacing (S1-75×30 cm, S2-60×30 cm, S3-75×45cm, S4-60×45 cm and S5-90×30 cm) in main plots and three fertilizer levels (F1-12.5:25:12.5 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F2-18.75:37.5:18.75 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1, F3-25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 and control) in sub plots were tested. The treatments were replicated thrice in split plot design. Result: Growing of daincha variety TRY 1 at 60×45 cm spacing produced significantly taller plants (223 cm), more number of branches per plant (15.9) and dry matter production (1766 kg ha-1), yield parameters viz., higher mean number of pods per plant (114), pod length (22.4 cm) and seeds per pod (36.7), seed yield (567 kg ha-1), mean net returns (Rs.24512 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.36) than other spacing. Application of 25:50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 recorded significantly mean taller plants (217 cm), more number of branches per plant (19.3), dry matter production (1831 kg ha-1), nodules/plant (40.7), more number of pods /plant (121), pod length (23.7 cm) and seeds per pod (37.8), seed yield (572 kg ha-1), net returns (Rs.23369 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (2.20) over other fertilizer doses. Thus, the optimum spacing of 60×45 cm and fertilizer dose of 25: 50:25 kg N, P2O5, K2O ha-1 could be recommended for getting higher growth, yield parameters, seed yield, net returns and benefit cost ratio of newly released daincha variety TRY 1.

Effect of plant growth regulators and fertilizers on the growth and yield of black gram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was carried out to assess the effect of foliar application of plant growth regulators and fertilizers on the growth, yield attributes and grain yield of black gram. The results revealed that the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm recorded significantly higher growth attributes viz., plant height (47.87 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (34.22), number of primary branches plant-1 (7.06) and number of secondary branches plant-1 (19.63), as well as yield and yield attributes including number of pods plant-1 (34.39), pod length (6.82 cm), number of grains pod-1 (6.61), test weight (38.67g), grain yield (1234.19 kg ha-1) and straw yield (3640 kg ha-1). The net returns and benefitcost ratio (Rs. 75667.66 and 2.17, respectively) were also recorded substantially higher with the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm over the rest of the treatments. Based on the present findings it was concluded that the application of RDF + DAP 2% + NAA 60 ppm in black gram crop is profitable.