Post-harvest Soil Properties Research Articles

Influence of moisture stress, nutrient management and varieties on post-harvest soil properties of groundnut

Influence of moisture stress, nutrient management and varieties on post-harvest soil properties of groundnut

Elucidating the role of rice straw biochar in modulating Helianthus annuus L. antioxidants, secondary metabolites and soil post-harvest characteristics in different types of microplastics

The emergence of microplastics (MPs) as pollutants in agricultural soils is increasingly alarming, presenting significant threats to soil ecosystems. Given the widespread contamination of ecosystems by various types of MPs, including polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene (PE), it is crucial to understand their effects on agricultural productivity. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of different types of MPs (PS, PVC, and PE) on various aspects of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) growth with the addition of rice straw biochar (RSB). This study aimed to examine plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments and gas exchange characteristics, oxidative stress indicators, and the response of various antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) and their specific gene expression, proline metabolism, the AsA–GSH cycle, cellular fractionation in the plants and post-harvest soil properties. The research outcomes indicated that elevated levels of different types of MPs in the soil notably reduced plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange attributes. Different types of MPs also induced oxidative stress, which caused an increase in various enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant compounds, gene expression and sugar content; notably, a significant increase in proline metabolism, AsA–GSH cycle, and pigmentation of cellular components was also observed. Favorably, the addition of RSB significantly increased plant growth and biomass, gas exchange characteristics, enzymatic and non-enzymatic compounds, and relevant gene expression while decreasing oxidative stress. In addition, RSB amendment decreased proline metabolism and AsA-GSH cycle in H. annuus plants, thereby enhancing cellular fractionation and improving post-harvest soil properties. These results open new avenues for sustainable agriculture practices and show great potential for resolving the urgent issues caused by microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.

Residual effect of micronutrients and sulfur enriched phyto-biochars soil applied to fodder maize on yields, tissue concentration and uptake of nutrients by rice and post-harvest soil properties

The residual effect of low doses of lantana, pine needles and wheat straw phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C and 450 °C and enriched with 0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) of micronutrients and S was studied on the yields, nutrient concentration and uptake of second crop, i.e. rice (Oryza sativa L.) after fodder maize to validate their nutrient slow-release characteristics. The residual effect of phyto-biochars averaged over different RDF increased rice grain yield significantly under lantana and pine needles phyto-biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C, but decreased with pine needles biochar pyrolyzed at 450 °C as compared to the control. The highest grain yield (9.43 g pot−1) was under pine needles phyto-biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C and enriched initially with 75% of RDF, which was 7.8 per cent higher than that with 75% of RDF applied through conventional fertilizer sources. The residual effect of some treatments significantly increased the readily oxidizable C and extractable Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, B and S in the soil after rice harvest. For fodder maize + rice crops together, pine needles phyto-biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C or lantana phyto-biochar pyrolyzed at 450 °C with enrichment of 75% RDF of micronutrients and S gave the higher apparent per cent utilization of Zn, Fe, Mn, and S, but numerically closer per cent utilization values for Cu and B in comparison to the conventional chemical fertilizer sources.

Influence of Fertilizer and Weed Management Practices on Yield, Economics and Post-Harvest Soil Properties of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) in North Central Plateau Zone of Odisha

To evaluate the nutrient and weed management practices on performance of onion, a field experiment was carried out during rabi 2017-18 and 2018-19 at the experimental plot of RRTTS, OUAT, Keonjhar, Odisha taking fifteen treatments in a split plot design. Among all the treatments, the maximum plant height was recorded in N3W4 (56.29 cm) which was closely followed by N3W3 (55.97 cm), number of leaves plant -1 was higher in N3W3 (12.47) significantly which was closely followed by N2W4 (12.33) and N2W3 (12.00) and maximum neck thickness was recorded in N1W2 (1.39cm). Among yield parameters, the average bulb weight of onion ranges from 33.56 g (N1W2) to 87.6 g (N2W3) while, the highest bulb yields of onion (17.37 and 20.40 t ha-1) was recorded for the treatment which to be exact was applied with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.8 l ha-1 supplement with one hand weeding at 25 DAT with B:C ratio of 1.84 and 1.76 for the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. Similarly, the treatment combination of N2W3 i.e. application of 50% STBFR along with 50% FYM based on N requirement and pre-emergence application of pendimethalin @ 0.8 l ha-1 + one hand weeding at 25 DAT) was recorded the highest. The available nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potash and sulphur content (284.67 kg ha-1, 14.83 kg ha-1 , 97.43 kg ha-1 & 11.40 kg ha-1) in the post harvest soil was recorded highest with the treatment N2W3.

Soil amendment with biochar improves wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, yield and post-harvest soil properties

Soil amendment with biochar improves wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth, yield and post-harvest soil properties

Effect of micronutrients and sulfur enriched phyto-biochars on yield, tissue concentrations and uptake of these nutrients in fodder maize (Zea mays L.) and post-harvest soil properties

A pot culture experiment was conducted to examine the effect of low doses (equivalent to 0.5 t ha−1) of phyto-biochars (lantana, pine needles and wheat straw) pyrolyzed at 300 and 450 °C which were enriched with 0, 50, 75 and 100% of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) (micronutrients and S) prior to soil application on yield, nutrient concentration and uptake of fodder maize (Zea mays L.). The dry matter yields of fodder maize increased significantly with the application of enriched phyto-biochars in comparison to direct soil application of all the corresponding levels of RDF. The highest dry matter yield (24.05 g pot−1) was obtained with wheat straw biochar pyrolyzed at 450 °C enriched with 75% of RDF; which was 140.0% higher over the control (10.02 g pot−1) and 34.6% higher over the direct application of 75% of RDF, respectively. The concentrations of micronutrients and S in maize tissue and their total uptakes by maize were differentially influenced by different enriched phyto-biochars, however, the application of some enriched phyto-biochar significantly increased the total uptakes of Zn, Fe, Mn, and B by maize. The changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity and readily oxidizable soil organic C contents after the harvest of maize crop have been reported. The use of enriched phyto-biochars significantly increased the contents of soil extractable Zn, Fe, Mn, B and S in soil after the harvest of maize.

Co-application of biochar and compost with decreased N fertilizer reduced annual ammonia emissions in wetland rice

Ammonia (NH3) emission from rice fields is a dominant nitrogen (N) loss pathway causing negative impacts on farm profitability and the environment. Reducing N fertilizer application to compensate for N inputs in organic amendments was evaluated for effects on N lossviavolatilization, rice yields and post-harvest soil properties in an annual irrigated rice (Boro) – pre-monsoon rice (Aus) – monsoon (Aman) rice sequence. That experiment was conducted using the integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS; nutrient contents in organic amendments were subtracted from the full recommended fertilizer dose i.e., RD of chemical fertilizers) where six treatments with four replications were applied in each season: (T1) no fertilizer (control), (T2) RD, (T3) poultry manure biochar (3 t ha−1; pyrolyzed at 450°C) + decreased dose of recommended fertilizer (DRD), (T4) rice husk ash (3 t ha−1) + DRD, (T5) compost (3 t ha−1) + DRD, and (T6) compost (1.5 t ha−1)+ biochar (1.5 t ha−1) + DRD. The N lossviavolatilization varied twofold among seasons being 16% in irrigated rice and 29% in the pre-monsoon rice crop. In irrigated rice, T6had significantly lower NH3emissions than all other treatments, except the control while in pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, T6and T3were alike. Pooling the three seasons together, biochar (T3) or biochar plus compost (T6) reduced NH3lossviavolatilization by 36-37% while compost alone (T5) reduced NH3loss by 23% relative to RD. Biochar (T3) and biochar plus compost mixture (T6) reduced yield-scaled NH3emissions by 40 and 47% relative to the RD of chemical fertilizer (T2). The organic amendments with IPNS reduced the quantity of N fertilizer application by 65, 7, 24, and 45% in T3, T4, T5, and T6treatments, respectively, while rice yields and soil chemical properties in all seasons were similar to the RD. This study suggests that incorporation of biochar alone or co-applied with compost and decrease of N fertilizer on an IPNS basis in rice-based cropping systems can reduce N application rates and NH3emissions without harming yield or soil quality.

Influence of phosphorus management on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil properties and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in acid Alfisols

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of phosphorus (P) on kharif rice(Oryza sativa L.) in rice-greengram cropping system in Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha. The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three replications. Four main plots viz., P1-100% soil test dose (STD) for P as basal to rice, P2- 100% STD for P to both the crops, P3-50 % STD for P to rice and 100% STD for P to greengram, P4 - No P to rice and 100% STD for P to both the crops was applied to greengram, were allotted to the main plots and three rice varieties viz., V1-Mandakini, V2-Lalat and V3- Pratikhya were considered in the sub plots. Application of 100% STD for P to both the crops (P2) resulted in the highest grain and straw yield of 3980 and 4715 kg/ha, respectively. Rice variety ‘Pratikshya’ produced the highest grain and straw yields of 3808 and 4399 kg/ha, respectively. Similarly, the same P management practice and rice cv. ‘Pratikshya’ recorded the highest chlorophyll content (3.54 mg/g of fresh leaf weight), nutrient uptake (N 68.9 kg/ha , P 27.2 kg/ha , K 88.2 kg/ha ) gross and net returns and B: C ratio (1.94). However, the post harvest soil nutrients status were maximum with P2 where rice cv. ‘Mandakini’ was taken.

Nutrient Management Modules for Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.): Yield, Quality, Economics, Nutrient Uptake and Post-Harvest Soil Properties

Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices have been recommended to farmers to boost crop productivity and improve soil properties. To test this hypothesis, a field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17 to study the influence of different nutrient management modules on yield, economics, quality, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil properties in eggplant. The experiment was comprised of eight treatments replicated thrice in a randomized block design (RBD). The detailed of the treatments were T1 - Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR), T2 - N100 + P100, T3 - N100 + K100, T4 - P100 + K100, T5 - STBFR + Azotobacter @ 5 kg ha-1, T6 - STBFR + PSB @ 5 kg ha-1 , T7 - STBFR + Azotobacter @ 4 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1, T8 - Control. Results indicated that application of STBFR + Azotobacter @ 4 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1 produced the highest fruit yield (36.10 t ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.39) which was significantly superior to other treatments. Other yield parameters like plant height (72.80 cm), number of clusters per plant (12.10), average fruit weight (44.80 g) and number of fruits per cluster (8.90) were also observed best in T7. Integration of organics, inorganic and biofertilizers in treatment T7 (STBFR + Azotobacter @ 4 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 4 kg ha-1) showed better response in quality parameters like carbohydrate content (6.93%), protein (30.43%) and ascorbic acid (3.87 mg 100 g-1 fresh weight) in fruit. The nutrient uptake (53.79 kg N ha-1, 10.17 kg P ha-1 and 61.77 kg K ha-1) and post-harvest soil nutrient status (266.17 kg N ha-1, 15.53 kg P ha-1 and 172.73 kg K ha-1) were also found to be highest with T7 which was superior to rest of the treatments.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Economics and Post-harvest Soil Properties of Sweet Corn Grown under Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), popularly known as sugar corn or pole corn is a specialty maize having high sugar content at milk or early dough stage. As the corn is considered as an exhaustive crop, requires more nutrient, so integrated nutrient management practices play an important role in sustaining productivity of sweet corn. A field experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 in order to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on sweet corn yield and post harvest soil properties. Different growth parameters like plant height (206 cm), cob length (28.5 cm), cob girth (16.43 cm), no of seed rows per cob (18.80), no of grains per row (47.55) and green cob wt. (335.43g) were found highest in integrated package where bio fertilizer consortia, B and Zn were applied along with STD fertilization (T6). Total harvested yield of sweet corn including stover (2.58 to 2.98 t ha-1) and kernel (1.33 to 2.37t ha-1) varied from 3.91 to 5.35 t ha-1 in different treatments and was observed highest in T6 (5.35 t ha-1). Harvest index (44.29%), B: C ratio (3.15) and 1000 kernel weight (198.90 g) was also recorded highest in treatment T6. The post- harvest soil properties were also recorded highest in T6 where bio fertilizer consortia, B and Zn were applied along with STD fertilization in the INM package.

Effect of Biochar and PGPR on the Growth and Nutrients Content of Einkorn Wheat (Triticum monococcum L.) and Post-Harvest Soil Properties

Limited availability of nutrients to crops is a major agricultural concern. Deteriorated soil health and poor fertility status decrease the bioavailability of essential nutrients to the plants. Consequently, organic soil amendment biochar is gaining attention due to its potential benefits. Rhizobacterial inoculation, are also documented as an effective technology for mobilization of immobile nutrients in soil. However, limited literature is available on combined use of rhizobacteria and biochar. Therefore, this study was carried out to examine the changes in the nutrient content of einkorn wheat and the change in some soil properties during the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) with biochar. Four doses of biochar (0, 2.5, 5, and 10%) were applied with and without PGPR in the study. Biochar increased the growth criteria such as plant fresh weight (PFW), plant dry weight (PDW), root fresh weight (RFW), root dry weight (RDW), number of tillers, germination rate (GR) and potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) elements. While PGPR application increased soil pH, dry and fresh weight of root, R/S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Ni contents, and it caused a decrease in PH, PFW, tillers, GR, P, Cu, and Zn values. Combined biochar applications and PGPR had a significant effect on the pH, RFW, R/S, P, Na, and Cu. In conclusion, the combination of biochar and PGPR applications has shown a positive effect in terms of soil properties, plant growth, and element contents of einkorn wheat.

Grain Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Post-harvest Soil Properties of Browntop Millet under Varying Sowing Windows and Nitrogen levels

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season (June to October, 2019) at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India to find the effect of sowing windows and nitrogen levels on yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil nutrient status of browntop millet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated thrice. Treatments consisted of four sowing windows (June 15th, June 30th, July 15th and July 30th) and four nitrogen levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1). Among sowing windows, June 15th recorded higher growth parameters (plant height, leaf area and dry matter production), yield attributes (panicles hill-1, panicle length, weight and grains panicle-1) grain, straw yield, monetary returns and nutrient uptake at harvest (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Post-harvest soil properties (pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, available P and K) were not significantly influenced by sowing windows, but available soil nitrogen was significantly higher with June 15th sowing. Among nitrogen levels, application of 60 kg ha-1 recorded significantly higher growth parameters (plant height, leaf area and dry matter production), yield attributes (panicles hill-1, panicle length, weight and grains panicle-1), grain, straw yield, monetary returns and nutrient uptake at harvest (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) but, it was comparable with 40 kg ha-1. Varying nitrogen levels did not significantly influence post-harvest soil properties (pH, electrical conductivity and organic carbon content, available P and K); however, available soil N was significantly higher with the application of 40 kg ha-1.

Evaluation of poultry manure, cattle dung, water and cattle urine-based composts on soil chemical properties, growth and yield of Amaranthus cruentus L.

The inclusion of cattle urine in compost preparation will improve compost quality, particularly with respect to nutrient composition. Field experiments were conducted at the organic farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State in 2014 and 2016 to evaluate the ef­fects of water and cattle urine composts, sole poultry manure and cattle dung on post-harvest soil properties, growth and yield of Amaranthus cruentus. Treatments used were: compost derived from poultry manure + rice husk with water as source of moisture at 2.5, 5.0, 6.5 and 7.5 t ha-1, (PRW2.5, PRW5, PRW6.5 and PRW7.5 respectively), compost derived from poultry manure + rice husk with cattle urine as source of moisture at 2.5, 5.0, 5.4 and 7.5 t ha-1 (PRU2.5, PRW5, PRW5.4 and PRW7.5 respectively) and control. Post-harvest soil was analyzed for chemical properties, agronomic parameters and yield of Amaranthus cruentus were evaluated. Results showed that the application of PRU5.4 resulted in highest values for most of the agronomic parameters in both years, while the competition for highest values of post-harvest soil parame­ters was between PRW5 and PRW6.5. The highest values of Amaranthus cruentus yield in both years resulted from the application of PRU5.4 and PM3.

Liming practice impact on post-harvest soil properties for maize-greengram cropping system in acid soil of Odisha

A field experiment was conducted for two years by taking four crops to study the “Liming practice impact on post-harvest soil properties for Maize-Greengram cropping system in Acid soil of Odisha” in the village MV-13 in Malkangiri district of Odisha during both Kharif and Rabi in the year 2017 and 2018 .The soil was ameliorated with three different sources of liming materials (paper mill sludge, Stromatolyte and Calcium Silicate @ 0.2 LR) added with soil test based dose/nutrient expert with FYM. Results indicated the post-harvest soil properties indicated that The two years of cropping harvest of four crops made soil more acidic which was not received any lime application in different POPs. Integrated use of liming materials with FYM and fertilizers (STD/NE) maintaining the available macro and micro nutrients where was decline occurs in without liming practices. The continuous application of only fertilizers decline the nutrient status and creats acidity in post harvest soil. The application of liming practice with NE gives better results compare to the STD alone.

Sustainable Management with Mycorrhizae and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria for Enhanced Phosphorus Uptake in Calcareous Soils

Low availability of phosphorus (P) in calcareous soils is a major problem for sustainable improvement in cereals crops yield. A higher amount of calcium in soils precipitates the P, thus making it immobile in soil. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could be helpful in the sustainable management of immobile P in soil. However, their combined use in releasing P from rock phosphate (RP) in alkaline calcareous soils have been little investigated. In this regard, two successive field experiments were conducted to assess the interactive inoculation potential of AMF and PSB strain Bacillus sp. PIS7 with RP on the yield and P uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops in alkaline calcareous soil. The first field experiment was conducted in a complete randomized block design with 10 treatments and three replications by inoculating maize seeds with AMF and Bacillus sp. PIS7 inoculum alone and in combination with RP. Their performance was compared with single super phosphate (SSP) inorganic fertilizer. Afterward, the residual effects of inoculated AMF and Bacillus sp. PIS7 were investigated on wheat as a subsequent crop. Maize and wheat yield parameters, P uptake, AMF root colonization, and PSB population was measured. The results of both trials indicated the beneficial effects of AMF and Bacillus sp. PIS7 with RP in increasing the plants grain yield and P uptake until the second season after inoculation, as compared to controls. Likewise, maize and wheat roots colonization, PSB population density, and post-harvest soil properties were also improved by the combined inoculation of AMF and Bacillus sp. PIS7 with RP. It is concluded that PSB solubilizes the unavailable forms of P in combination with RP fertilizers in soil, and AMF ultimately transfers it to plants for growth promotion. Moreover, the combined inoculation of AMF and PSB with ground RP had more potential to improve maize-wheat yields and P uptake comparable to those obtained by using expensive phosphatic fertilizers in P deficient calcareous pH soils.

A sustainable food security approach: Controlled land application of sewage sludge recirculates nutrients to agricultural soils and enhances crop productivity

AbstractThe food security in today's world is endangered by several threats, including accelerated increases in the world's population, depletion of the Earth's resources, exaggerated environmental pollution, and foreseen climatic changes. As a strategy to diminish these threats, the wise disposal of the huge amounts of sewage sludge (SS) to agricultural soils as a bio‐fertilizer represents a worthy practice for recirculating valuable nutrients to food chains via crop plants. The current study was designed to scientifically test the feasibility of SS application to agricultural soils without causing environmental or health threats. Different SS amendment doses of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g/kg were supplied for soil‐grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) plants. Our results show that all of the SS amendment doses improved the postharvest soil properties and enhanced barley growth, with the best results obtained at the 40 g/kg dose. At this amendment dose, the organic matter (OM) content increased to 6.7% compared with 1.4% in control soil. Analysis of the postharvest soils showed that the concentrations of the investigated heavy metals (HMs) (Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Pb) were within the allowable limits for agricultural soils at all of the SS amendment doses, except for Co. All of the SS amendment rates enhanced barley growth and yield parameters, including shoot and root lengths and dry weights, spike weight and number of spikes per plant. Up to the 40 g/kg amendment dose, the concentrations of the investigated HMs in the harvested plant tissues were within safe limits, with most of the absorbed HMs persisting in roots. Taking these results together, the current study suggests that controlled application of SS to agricultural soils represents an eco‐friendly SS disposal procedure, which can recycle macro‐ and micronutrients to food chains and hence provide a promising approach for sustainable food security.

Effect of rice straw, biochar and calcite on maize plant and Ni bio-availability in acidic Ni contaminated soil

Metals that contaminate soil is one of the major problems seriously affecting sustainable agriculture worldwide. Nickel (Ni) toxicity to agricultural crops is a global problem. Mobility of heavy metals present in contaminated soil can be reduced by the amendment of soil passivators, which will ultimately reduce the risk of them entering the food chain. A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of rice straw (RS), biochar derived from rice straw (BI) and calcium carbonate (calcite) on Ni mobility and its up take by maize (Zea maize L.) plant. Maize crop was grown in Ni spiked (100 mg kg−1) soil with three application rates of passivators (equivalent to 0, 1and 2% of each RS, BI and calcite) applied separately to the soil. Results revealed that the post-harvest soil properties (pH, DOC and MBC), plant phenology (plant height, root length, total dry weight) and physiological characteristics were significantly enhanced with passivator application. Additionally, incorporating passivator into the soil reduced Ni mobility (DTPA) by 68%, 88.9% and 79.3%, and leachability (TCLP) by 72.4%, 76.7% and 66.7% for RS, BI and calcite, respectively at 2% application rate. The Ni concentration in the maize shoots reduced by 30%, 95.2% and 95% and in the roots by 56%, 66% and 63.8% with RS, BI and calcite at 2% application rate, respectively. These findings suggest that the application of 2% biochar (BI) is very promising in reducing Ni uptake, and can reduce toxicity to plants, decrease mobility and leachability in the soil.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve the growth and phosphorus uptake of mung bean plants fertilized with composted rock phosphate fed dung in alkaline soil environment

Inoculation effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on phosphorus (P) transfer from composted dung of cattle with a diet supplemented with powdered rock phosphate (RP) and their successive uptake by mung bean plants was assessed in alkaline soil. The efficacy of composted RP fed dung alone or/and in combination with AMF inoculums containing six different species were compared with SSP in six replicates per treatment in pots. The results showed that the association of AMF with composted RP fed dung had a positive effect on mung bean shoot (3.04 g) and root (2.62 g) biomass, chlorophyll (a, b), carotenoid contents and N (58.38 mg plant−1) and P (4.61 mg plant−1) uptake. Similarly, the percent roots colonization (56%) and nodulation of mung bean plant roots and their post-harvest soil properties were also improved by the inoculation of AMF together with composted RP fed dung. It is concluded that the combined application of AMF with composted RP fed dung has almost the same effect as SSP for improving mung bean plants growth and their nutrients uptake. Moreover, AMF inoculants can be used as a suitable biofertilizer in combination with locally available organic sources of fertilizers for improving P status and growth of plants in alkaline soils.

Phosphorous Fractionation under Intensive Cropping System in Acidic Soil of Odisha and Correlation Matrix Study with Different Forms of P

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted in order to determine the status of different pools of inorganic phosphorus in surface and sub-surface soils, changed over 3 years of intensive cropping with Rice-Maize-Green gram (residual) under site-specific nutrient management and work out the correlation among different pools of P. Postharvest soil properties indicated that soil pH was increasing gradually due to lime addition as one input, in spite of the removal of basic cations. There was small but a positive build up of organic carbon, available N and P. There was a drastic reduction in available K status in postharvest soil with available S were found. Phosphorus was fractionated broadly in two groups (a) Inorganic-P and (b) Organic-P. The inorganic P fractions constituted 71.9–86.0% of total P, whereas organic-P constituted 14.0–28.1% in surface soil and 75.9–81% and 18.1–24.1% in subsoil, respectively. The sequence of different pools in order of Fe-P > RS-P > Al-P > Ca-P > occluded-P > saloid-P (surface soil 0–15 cm) and RS-P > Fe-P > Ca-P > Occluded-P > Al-P > saloid-P (Subsurface soil 15–30 cm). Bray’s extracted-P is positively correlated with Fe (r = 0.71*) and Al-P (r = 0.67*) indicating the major contribution of both fractions toward available P pool in surface soil, whereas, Al-P majorly contribute in sub-surface soil. Among the inorganic fractions of Phosphorus, Fe-P (r = 0.72*) are showing positive and significant relationship with total uptake of P, in surface soil and Al-P (0.70*) in sub-surface soil. Thus, understanding the use of both inorganic and organic fertilizer under intensive cropping for 3 years must be planned carefully because the interaction of different forms of P, in acidic soil and various other factors influencing P availability to plants.

Organic amendments for mitigating soil salinity in rice

Salinity causes cellular damage and limits crop productivity. Accumulation of organic compound is one of the adaptive mechanisms to salinity in plants. The experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the farmer’s field of Botiaghata, Khulna to investigate the mitigating effects of organic manures on salinity stress in rice genotypes during both aman and boro seasons. Two T. aman rice (salt-sensitive; BR-23 and local cultivar; Mohini) and two boro rice (salt-sensitive; BRRI dhan-29 and salt-tolerant; BINA dhan-8) were used as test crops. Farmyard manure (FYM) and poultry manure (PM) were applied to the soils during final land preparation. There were five treatments namely T0= control (no manure), T1=FYM (5 t/ha), T2=FYM (10 t/ha), T3=PM (4 t/ha), T4=PM (8 t/ha).Thirtyday- old rice seedlings were transplanted in the experimental plots. Salinity caused a significant reduction in growth and yield of both aman and boro rice. Under saline condition, BR-23 (aman rice) produced higher yield than local cultivar Mohini in aman season while BINA dhan-8 produced higher yield than BRRI dhan29 in boro season. Soil amendments with FYM and PM significantly increased the growth, and grain and straw yields of all rice cultivars under saline conditions. Increased nutrient uptake and K+/Na+ ratio in rice were also observed due to application of organic manures. No considerable changes in post-harvest soil properties such as pH, EC, CEC and organic matter status of saline soils were observed by addition of FYM and PM. The present study suggests that soil amendments with FYM and PM improve salt tolerance in rice by increasing K+/Na+ ratio and nutrient uptake.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(1): 11-17, April 2019