Post-harvest Soil Research Articles

Establishment and Evaluation of Soil Fertility Gradient on the Basis of Sorghum Fodder Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Post-Harvest Soil Test Values

Field experiment was carried out with fodder sorghum at N.E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B.U.A.&T., Pantnagar during kharif, 2022 under AICRP on Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) approach aimed to establish and evaluate soil fertility gradient on the basis of sorghum fodder yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil test values. The experimental field was divided into three plots, each receiving graded levels of N, P2O5 and K2O: N0P0K0 (Plot A), N100P100K100 (Plot B) and N200P200K200 (Plot C). Thereafter, fodder sorghum was grown and fodder yield was recorded from each plot. Chemical analysis of plant samples was performed to estimate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and total nutrient uptake was worked out. Post-harvest soil samples were collected across the three plots and analysed for available N, P and K. Findings revealed wide variation in sorghum fodder yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil fertility status for available N, P and K in different plots confirming the establishment of soil fertility gradient for the respective nutrients. The establishment of soil fertility gradient is necessary and serves as a pre-requisite for developing improved nutrient management strategies i.e. STCR-based fertilizer recommendations to sustain crop yield and optimize fertilizer requirements.

Assessing the Effects of Integrated Nutrient Management on Groundnut Root Growth and Post-Harvest Soil Properties in Brown Forest Soil of South Odisha

The globe faces food security difficulties because of population increase and resource degradation, both worsened by climate change. Applying chemical fertilizer along with cereal-based cropping systems degrades soil health with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties, which also results in low crop land productivity. However, adopting legume-based cropping systems with integrated nutrient management provides an appropriate way to reach Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, a field trial was conducted on groundnut in 2018 and 2019 at the Post Graduate Research Farm, M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors as seed inoculation (solid carrier-based Rhizobium (SR) and liquid carrier-based Rhizobium (LR)) and nutrient management (N1: 100% N (fertilizer), N2: 75%N (fertilizer) + 25% N (FYM), N3: 50%N (fertilizer) + 50% N (FYM), N4: 25% N (fertilizer) + 75% N (FYM) and N5: 100% N (through farmyard manure, FYM) in ten treatment combinations and replicated thrice. The result revealed that seed inoculation with SR and LR showed an almost similar trend in root length, dry weight and nodule, post-harvest soil pH, organic carbon and Rhizobium population in the soil in both years, which remained statistically at par. However, SR showed the highest value for root growth. Among nutrient management, 100% N (through inorganic fertilizer) recorded the highest root length (11.72, 19.75 and 23.9 cm) and dry weight (0.394, 1.075 and 1.141 cm) at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) respectively. Further, in the pooled data, the interaction effect of seed inoculation and nutrient management significantly impacted both root length and root dry weight. The nutrient management treatment and interaction effect of both factors, seed inoculation and nutrient management, significantly influenced soil organic carbon % and Rhizobium population. The highest and equal value of organic carbon in the soil (0.46%) was recorded from NM3, NM4 and NM5 and the highest Rhizobium population (64.5 x 106 CFU g-1 soil) from 100% N (FYM). The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. The results concluded that integrated nutrient management positively impacted groundnut root growth and post-harvest soil properties. Integration of Rhizobium as seed inoculation, fertilizer, and organic manure (FYM) influenced soil properties and root growth, enhancing crop productivity.

Co-application of glucose and phosphorus with recalcitrant high-carbon soil amendments improves N retention in a reclaimed soil: a long-term incubation study

ABSTRACT Incorporation of soil amendments with high organic carbon content (HCA) can reduce losses of mineral nitrogen (N) from agricultural soils. The magnitude of N immobilization and remobilization is strongly controlled by the availability of carbon (C) and phosphorus (P). However, the exact mechanisms and interactions between C, N, and P availability are poorly understood. An eight-month incubation experiment was conducted on recultivated mine soil with low organic C, mineral N and P background concentrations to investigate the effects of HCA in combination with 13C-labelled glucose and mineral P fertilization on greenhouse gas emissions, soil nutrient status (dissolved organic C (DOC), nitrate (NO3 –), extractable P), and microbial biomass growth. The experiment had a factorial design of one N level × two P levels × six C treatments (control, wheat straw, poplar sawdust, glucose, and combinations of wheat straw or sawdust with glucose). The HCA increased the cumulative CO2 and CH4 emissions but decreased N2O emission, except for wheat straw. Addition of 13C-labelled glucose decreased the cumulative CH4 emission by 59 and 85 % in the sawdust and sawdust + P treatment, respectively. Glucose application reduced the NO3 – content in the HCA-amended soil by 26–64 %, while P fertilizer further decreased the NO3 – content in the wheat straw and sawdust treatments by 20 and 24 %, respectively. Both HCA and glucose treatments promoted microbial biomass growth and reduced the soil mineral N content. The δ13C of microbial biomass (δ13CMB) showed an increasing trend during the whole experiment, although 13C-labelled glucose was added only once at the beginning of the experiment. Addition of HCA decreased δ13CMB, while P addition had the opposite effect. In conclusion, adding a readily available C source to HCA may increase the efficacy of retaining N in post-harvest soils, particularly of more recalcitrant types of HCA like sawdust.

The Synergistic Impact of a Novel Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterial Consortium and Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extract on Rhizosphere Microbiome Dynamics and Growth Enhancement in Oryza sativa L. RD79

This study investigated the combined effects of novel plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)—Agrobacterium pusense NC2, Kosakonia oryzae WN104, and Phytobacter sp. WL65—and Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (ANE) as biostimulants (PGPR-ANE) on rice growth, yield, and rhizosphere bacterial communities using the RD79 cultivar. The biostimulants significantly enhanced plant growth, shoot and root length, and seedling vigour; however, seed germination was not affected. In pot experiments, biostimulant application significantly increased the richness and evenness of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere, resulting in improvements in rice growth and yield, with increases in plant height (9.6–17.7%), panicle length (14.3–17.9%), and seeds per panicle (48.0–53.0%). Notably, biostimulant treatments also increased post-harvest soil nutrient levels, with nitrogen increasing by 7.7–19.2%, phosphorus by 43.4–161.4%, and potassium by 16.9–70.4% compared to the control. Principal coordinate analysis revealed distinct differences in bacterial composition between the tillering and harvesting stages, as well as between biostimulant treatments and the control. Beneficial bacterial families, including Xanthobacteraceae, Beijerinckiaceae, Acetobacteraceae, Acidobacteriaceae, and Hyphomicrobiaceae, increased in number from the tillering to harvesting stages, likely contributing to soil health improvements. Conversely, methanogenic bacterial families, such as Methanobacteriaceae and Methanosarcinaceae, decreased in number compared to the control. These findings highlight the dynamic responses of the rhizosphere microbiome to biostimulant treatments and underscore their potential benefits for promoting sustainable and productive agriculture.

Impact of Soil Amendments and Improved Alkaline Water on the Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Soil, the Distribution of Salt in the Soil, the Growth, and the Yield of Hybrid Cotton Grown in Sodic Soil with Drip Irrigation

The effects of ameliorated alkali water and soil amendments on the soil properties, growth, and yield of hybrid cotton in sodic soil under drip irrigation were investigated in this field experiment at Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, using cotton (RCH-20) as a test crop. The main-plot treatments included drip irrigation with gypsum treatment water and drip irrigation with spent wash treatment water; the sub-plot treatments included soil application of gypsum @ 50% GR (5.2 t ha-1) and a one-time soil application of distillery spent wash at 5 lakh liters ha-1. The treatment without amendments under main plot and sub-plots was used as a control. The experiment was designed in a strip-plot design with four replications. The application of additives through irrigation water or soil dramatically lowered the post-harvest soil's pH. Plots applied with wasted wash had the greatest pH reduction (M1S1) 7.81, followed by those applied with gypsum (M2S2) 7.90 and control (M3S3) 8.15. Because there was more soluble salt present in the spent wash treated plots, there was a little rise in EC. Drip irrigation with distillery spent wash (DSW) treated water and drip irrigation with gypsum treated water, respectively, resulted in ESP decreases of (M2S2) 0.97 and (M1S1) 0.61 over control. Similarly, ESP decreased by 2.63 and 1.31 when gypsum and DSW were applied to the soil, respectively, compared to the control. The organic carbon values ranged from (M3S3) 0.47 to (M2S2) 0.92 percent. In general, an increase in organic carbon content was observed in all the treatments that received amendments (Gypsum& DSW) compared to control. Salt distribution pattern conducted in treatment of distillery spent wash @ 5.0 lakh liters ha-1 significantly increased vertical depth of soil pH ranges (7.56,7.68,7.80,8.30) and decreased EC ranges (1.05,1.02,1.00,0.95) followed by horizontal line soil pH ranges (7.54,7.51,7.49,7.50) and EC ranges (1.04,1.02,1.00,1.02) at 120 DAS after application. In the experimental field recorded vertical depth of soil increased pH and decreased electrical conductivity compared to horizontal distances of soil pH and EC. The physico- chemical properties reduced in treatment one time application of DSW @ 5 lakh liters ha-1 recorded the highest physico -chemical properties followed by the treatment receiving irrigation with gypsum bed treated alkali water and lowest was recorded in the untreated alkali water irrigated through drip system in non- amended soil.

Comparison of STCR and Conventional Fertilizer Approaches for Improved Yield, Uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Greengram

The present study investigates the effects of various fertilizer recommendation approaches on yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency in greengram (BGS-9), conducted at ZARS, GKVK, Bengaluru during summer-2024. Soil test crop response (STCR) based fertilizer prescription equations were developed during kharif-2022 by following the methodology of Ramamoorthy et al., (1967) and were validated alongside post-harvest soil test value prediction equations. Results indicated that significantly higher seed yield (17.99 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in the STCR approach for the target yield of 15 q ha-1, where nutrients were applied through integrated approach based on actual soil test values (T3). The highest haulm yield (30.25 q ha⁻¹) was recorded in T2, which followed the STCR inorganic approach targeting 15 q ha⁻¹, based on predicted soil test values. Nutrient uptake results indicated that significantly higher nitrogen (110.73 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (11.39 kg ha⁻¹) and potassium (140.06 kg ha⁻¹) uptake were recorded in STCR treatments, particularly in those with an integrated approach. These treatments also validated better nutrient recovery and agronomic use efficiency compared to low, medium and high (LMH) and package of practice (POP) approaches. The findings confirm the accuracy of predicted soil test values in fertilizer prescription, indicating that repeated soil testing between crops may be unnecessary. The STCR based integrated approach provided balanced nutrient application, leading to optimal yield and nutrient uptake. This study highlights the effectiveness of STCR methodologies for efficient nutrient management and improved productivity in greengram.

Input optimization in short duration red gram [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for the agri-food systems in southern Kerala

In the present study, a field experiment was laid out to assess the suitability of two short-duration varieties of red gram and standardize the agronomic management practices. The treatments included combinations of two varieties, two spacings, and three nutrient levels. Individual effects of the variety, APK 1, narrow spacing, and the highest nutrient level were found superior for yield and its contributing attributes. The pooled analysis registered the highest seed yield (1.38 t ha-1) in the combination APK 1 + 40 cm × 20 cm + 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1. The net returns and benefit-cost ratio were also the highest. Soil available nutrient status was found to be augmented with the cultivation, with wider spacing and the highest nutrient dose recording maximum postharvest soil NPK contents. The results proved that the variety APK 1 and the agronomic management of 40 cm × 20 cm spacing with 40:80:40 kg NPK ha-1 are most suitable for red gram cultivation in southern Kerala.

Long-term experiments to identify response patterns of available soil nitrogen, rice, and soybeans to rice straw compost in a paddy-upland rotation field in Akita, Japan

ABSTRACT Compost application can enhance soil fertility and is consequently presumed to increase crop production in Japan’s paddy-upland rotation fields. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rice straw compost (RSC) application on available soil nitrogen (Av-N) levels and rice and soybean plants in a paddy-upland rotation field using data obtained from a long-term field experiment. Data collected between 2005 and 2020 were analyzed from a long-term paddy rice – upland soybean rotation field. The experimental design employed a split-plot arrangement, with RSC application (with and without RSC) representing the whole plot, N fertilizer application (no nitrogen vs. standard fertilizer) representing the split-plot, and years representing the replication factor. The datasets included eight years of rice and soybean cultivation, and the chemical properties of postharvest soil spanned 16 years. The data was analyzed via analysis of variance. Applying RSC increased the Av-N concentration significantly by 63%–67%. The RSC application significantly increased the N concentration in rice shoots at the mature stage by 8%–12% but decreased it in soybean shoots after the seed emergence stage by 4%–8%. Consequently, the rice yield displayed clear responses to RSC application, whereas the soybean yield did not. The lack of soybean yield response might be due to an inhibitory effect of the Av-N gain attributable to the RSC application on biological nitrogen fixation. While applying compost can enhance Av-N content as well as rice productivity in paddy-upland rotation fields, its impact on soybean productivity requires careful evaluation.

Mobility, Bioavailability, and Enrichment of Soil-Bound Phosphorus in Flood-Prone Paddy Fields: A Case Study of Kunnukara, South India.

Bioavailability, enrichment, and risk of phosphorus (P) and its fraction composition were monitored in the paddy soils of Kunnukara during the pre-cultivation and post-harvest periods in the years 2020 and 2021. Iron-bound P (≥ 105.56 ± 0.05mg/kg) was found highest among the P fractions. The bioavailability of P was recorded at peak value during the post-harvest period, contributed by organic P, Iron bound P, and loosely bound P. Principal component analysis inferred that loosely bound P was pH-dependent and significantly influenced by cation exchange, particle density, soil aggregate stability, and total organic carbon (TOC) in the post-harvest soil, whereas TOC, aluminium-bound P, and calcium-bound P in the pre-cultivation soils. Additionally, physico-chemical parameters like electrical conductivity, bulk density, specific gravity, TOC, and soil aggregate stability have a significant impact on the composition of P fractions in the soil. Bioavailable phosphorus (BAP) ranged from 642.78 ± 0.49 to 594.20 ± 1.23mg/kg during the post-harvest period. Moreover, the contribution of BAP to total P ranged from 99.45 to 99.54%, indicating the fact that soil is sufficient in BAP. Pollution indices revealed that the paddy soils are at risk of eutrophication. Phosphorus Pollution Index (PPI) > 1 exhibited moderate pollution (1.06 to 1.07) at the topsoil (0-15cm) and PPI < 1, mild pollution (0.92 to 0.99) at 15-30cm depths. The organic nitrogen index ≥ 0.133 indicates severe soil pollution in the study site. An extended fertilizer application in the field contributes to nutrient enrichment and warrants the risk of contamination in nearby riverine systems (River Periyar and River Chalakkudy).

Sustainable farming practices enhance bacterial diversity and nutrient levels in sorghum rhizosphere soil

This research employs metagenomic analysis to explore bacterial diversity in sorghum rhizosphere soil in response to various sustainable farming practices and their impact on soil fertility. The field experiment with cotton-sorghum cropping system was conducted since 2020 and from 3rd cycle sorghum experiment, the soils were collected and subjected to metagenomics and nutrients availability analysis. We evaluated the impact of different farming approaches: Natural Farming (NF), Organic Farming (OF), integrated crop management (ICM), along with a control (No input farming). The results underscores the prevalence of Proteobacteria phylum across all farming practices, while Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes showed increased presence due to altered soil management and nutrient availability changes. Genus-level analysis revealed shifts in dominant genera, including Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Bacillus, and Candidatus nitrososphaera, across different farming practices. Post-harvest soil analysis indicated varied nutrient levels, with ICM showing enhanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium availability. ICM, utilizing a balanced mix of organic and inorganic fertilizers, promoted sorghum growth, yielding higher plant height and total dry matter compared to OF and NF, which performed similarly. The study emphasizes the efficacy of a balanced approach like ICM for improving crop production and soil nutrient availability. However, all diversified farming practices exhibited high soil biological diversity compared to the control, highlighting the necessity for continuous long-term soil monitoring across different farming practices to stabilize soil microbiomes, ensure nutrient availability, and support sustainable crop production.

Effect of bio-organics and seed priming on crop productivity, post-harvest soil fertility profile, biological counts and economics of pearl millet under rain-fed condition of Rajasthan

Effect of bio-organics and seed priming on crop productivity, post-harvest soil fertility profile, biological counts and economics of pearl millet under rain-fed condition of Rajasthan

Rejuvenation of Coastal Sandy Soils through Organics

The coastal zone represents the transition from terrestrial to marine influences and vice versa. They are predominated by sandy soil texture, and have low agricultural productivity due to their properties and are vulnerable to erosion. Effective maintenance of soil organic matter is found to be a pre-requisite to ensure soil health and crop productivity. Therefore, organics based rejuvenation methods for coastal sandy soils need to be developed. A pot culture experiment was done at Kochuveli, Industrial area, in the coastal belt of Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, with Amaranthus (variety: Arun) as test crop. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 12 treatments and 3 replications. In the study, effect of different organic manures such as FYM, coirpith compost, vermicompost, city compost, biochar and thermochemical organic fertilizer (TOF), with and without lime on plant growth and yield, soil organic carbon and nutrient dynamics in the southern coastal sandy soils were studied. Soil management using organic manures had considerable impact on the growth and yield characteristics of the crop. Also the analyses of post-harvest soil for nutrient parameters showed that the highest value for organic carbon, nitrogen and potassium were recorded in soil treated with lime+TOF, while the highest value for available phosphorous was recorded in treatment lime+vermicompost. The study showed that soil test based lime application and basal application of TOF @ 25 t ha-1, top dressing with fresh cow dung slurry @ 1kg per 10 litres, along with 272.7 kg rock phosphate and 122.5 kg potassium sulphate ha-1 was the best treatment to improve the soil quality, growth and yield of amaranthus in coastal sandy soils in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Evaluating the effect of organic NPK granules on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil fertility and soil microbial population in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice is the most important and staple food crop for more than two third of population of India. India is the second largest rice producing country in the world after China. Although, rice planted area in India is 40 per cent higher than in China, Indian rice production is 30 percent below Chinese production because of lower yields. Among several constraints of production, nutrient management plays a key role in realizing sustainable yield from any given cultivation practices. Integrated nutrient management system plays a vital role in balancing the soil fertility and plant nutrient supply to an optimum level through the judicious and efficient use of chemical fertilizers, green manure, FYM and biofertilizers leading to an eco-friendly approach and economically viable solution for this problem. Continuous integrated use of organic manures with chemical fertilizers would be quite promising in assessing the sustainability of a cropping system vis-à-vis monitoring the soil properties. To investigate further, a field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu from June to September 2023 with a key objective of evaluating the effect of combined application of graded levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules in lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments comprised of different levels of conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules. Among the nutrient management evaluated, all the yield attributes of lowland rice viz., grain yield, straw yield, uptake of nutrients and post-harvest soil available nutrients were significantly influenced by the application of 70% NPK through synthetic fertilizers and 30% NPK through organic granules. Combining conventional fertilizers along with organic NPK granules improved nitrogen use efficiency via metabolite production, enzyme activity stimulation, and microbial rhizosphere interactions significantly enhancing the yield attributes and yield.

Effect of fertility levels and stress mitigating chemicals on nutrient content, uptake, intercropping advantage and competition effect in cowpea-baby corn intercropping

The primary goal of this study was to analyze how various row ratios of intercrops, in conjunction with different fertilizer levels with spray of two stress mitigating chemical, affect nutrient content, land productivity, and economic viability during Summer season. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the competitive dynamics within legume/cereal intercropping systems. Hence, A field experiment at Agriculture University, Kota, during the summers of 2019 and 2020, investigated different cowpea + baby corn intercropping system's intercropping indices, nutrient dynamics, uptake, and post-harvest soil nutrient balance under varying recommended fertilizer levels and foliar spray of stress mitigating chemicals. Using a split-split plot design replicated four times, the experiment involved thirty treatment combinations, including five intercropping techniques viz. Sole cowpea, sole baby corn, cowpea + baby corn 2:1, cowpea + baby corn 3:1, cowpea + baby corn 4:1 in the main plot, three fertility levels viz. 100 %, 125 % and 150 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) in subplots, and two stress mitigation chemicals; CaCl2 0.5 % and KNO3 1% in sub-subplots. The findings revealed notable trends, including nitrogen (N) and (P) content in cowpea seeds and straw, baby corn cobs and fodder, as well as enhanced land-equivalent ratio (LER) and monetary advantage index (MAI) within the cowpea + baby corn 2:1 row ratio. However, despite these advantages, total N and P uptake were markedly higher in sole crops. Notably, sole cowpea demonstrated the highest actual N and P balance and lowest was under sole baby corn. Among the fertility levels, the 150 % RDF level exhibited the most favorable outcomes across various parameters, including LER, MAI, NP content, and uptake in both crops. Additionally, higher fertility levels correlated with increased apparent and actual soil nutrient balances. While, among stress mitigation chemicals, CaCl2 0.5 % resulted in significantly heightened N and P uptake. Hence, to optimize intercropping dynamics and maintain soil nutrient balance, it is advisable to intensify cowpea cultivation along with baby corn in a 2:1 row ratio, utilizing 150 % RDF is beneficial. Additionally, alleviating higher temperature stress during the summer season can be achieved by applying a 0.5 % solution CaCl2 through spraying at the flowering and pod development stages of cowpea.

Strategic management of nano-fertilizers for sustainable rice yield, grain quality, and soil health

Conventional fertilizers, although widely available, are relatively low in nutrient use efficiency and cause serious environmental concerns like eutrophication, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrate poisoning, and soil pollution. With this in mind, a randomized block design (RBD) experiment was conducted in an experimental field taking 10 treatments and 3 replications to investigate the effects of integrated approaches of nano-formulated DAP fertilizer applications on rice growth, yield, and nutrient use efficiency over conventional approaches. The result revealed that plant height, panicle length, number of tillers hill−1, total number of grain panicle−1, and root length were maximum in T10 treatment (50% of the soil test recommended doses (STD) for N and P + seedling root dipping (SRD) with nano DAP at 5 mL L−1 + twice foliar sprays (FS) with nano DAP at 4 mL L−1 at 25 and 45 DAT (date after transplanting). The highest mean grain yields (4.12 and 4.05 Mg ha−1) and nutrient uptake were recorded in the T2 treatment (100% STD), but this was at par with T10 treatment. The highest benefit–cost ratio (2.26) was recorded in T10, which was 3.5% higher than T2. N and P agronomic use efficiency (AUE) ranged from 7.5% to 31.5% and 15% to 63%, and recovery efficiency (RE) ranged from 30% to 94.2% and 11.2% to 90.4%. The highest nutrient use efficiency was recorded with T10, followed by T9, and lowest in T4. Post-harvest soil pH and available N and P were significantly highest in T10. Soil MBC, MBN, MBP, urease, and phosphatase activity were found significantly higher in T2, followed by T10. The integrated application of 50% STD for N and P + SRD with nano DAP at 5 mL L-1 + twice FS with nano DAP at 4 mL L−1 at 25 and 45 DAT application can be a suitable substitute for conventional DAP and urea for rice in climate-smart agriculture as it possibly reduces environmental pollution while undisturbing crop yield over the 100% STD.

Effect of Ni and Fe Co-Application on the Soybean Crop Grown in Nickel and Iron Deficient Soils of Mirzapur District

ABSTRACT Considering the importance of nickel and iron nutrition for the soybean crop, their deficiency inhibits the yield drastically specially in the area where soybean crop is dominant. To encounter this problem, a pot experiment was conducted in glass house on low nickel and iron soil in Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, during 2019–20 and 2021–22. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of Ni (nickel) and Fe (iron) on the post-harvest soil parameters, growth, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient content of soybean crop. There were 10 treatments with two levels of Ni (5 and 10 mg kg −1) and Fe (10 and 20 mg kg−1) with recommended dosage of fertilizers nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (8.93, 35.71, and 17.86 mg kg−1) applied to all treatments except control. The result of the experiment revealed that the co-application of nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 20 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20), resulted in the increase in plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed yield, and stover yield. Similar, findings for the post- harvest soil parameter indicated that there was increase in pH, electrical conductivity, and organic carbon content of soil. DTPA (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) extractable Ni, Fe, Zn, and Cu, also found highest in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 20 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe20) were applied in soil, but in case of DTPA extractable Mn, the highest amount was found in treatment where nickel and iron@10 mg kg−1 and 10 mg kg−1 (RDF + Ni10Fe10) was applied in soil. The soil microbial biomass carbon and urease activity was also found highest in the treatment where nickel and iron@10 and 20 mg kg−1 was applied in soil. The minimum plant height, greeness index, no of seed per pod, no of pod per plant, seed, and stover yield was recorded in treatment where only RDF(T1) was applied. Similar, result recorded for the post-harvest soil parameters. So, overall findings of the pot experiment revealed that the conjoint application of nickel and iron has resulted in better yield of soybean crop.

Textile Effluent Impact on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Growth Attributes in Sandy Clay Loam Soil

The degradation of soil caused by untreated textile effluent poses a significant threat in Pakistan. Therefore, during this study, a pot experiment quantified the impact of untreated industrial effluent on the growth attributes and heavy metal concentration (Cu and Cd) in rice. Wastewater samples were collected from two different industries and the treatments were comprised of control (tape water), Rashid printing textile effluent (RPTE), RPTE (40% dilution), Mamtaz mehal textile effluent (MMTE), MMTE (40% dilution), and RPTE (50% dilution) + MMTE (50% dilution) applied as irrigation water. Samples were evaluated for various traits including heavy metals (Cu and Cd). The highest shoot length cm (28.3) was recorded in the control treatment followed by RPTE (40% dilution) treatment (26.0) having a similar trend for fresh and dry shoot weight (g). The highest root length (7.9 cm) was recorded in the control treatment followed by RPTE (40% dilution) treatment (6.9 cm) and the same trend was observed for fresh and dry root weight (g). A similar trend was observed for tillers plant-1. In the case of heavy metals, the highest Cd shoot concentration (mg kg-1) was recorded in RPTE while the highest Cd concentration in root was recorded in treatment MMTE, and a similar trend was observed for post-harvest soil Cd concentration. Highest shoot Cu concentration (mg kg-1) was recorded for treatment MMTE and the same trend was observed for roots while the highest concentration of Cu for post-harvest soil was recorded for treatment RPTE. The results depicted that the application of contaminated effluent leads to the development of heavy metal toxicity in the soil. Furthermore, higher concentrations of effluent not only exacerbated heavy metal toxicity but also reduced the growth of rice. Therefore, regular monitoring by government agencies is recommended to ensure the production of safe and healthy food.

Effect of Varieties, Planting Densities and Phosphorus Levels on Seed Yield and Post-Harvest Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of Rice Fallow Redgram

Aim: To assess the effect of varieties, planting densities and phosphorus levels on yield and physico-chemical properties of post -harvest soil in rice fallow redgram. Study Design: The experiment was laid out in strip-split plot design with three varieties as vertical factor viz., V1: ICPV-21333, V2: ICPV-21444 and V3: ICPV-; two levels of spacings viz., P1: 0 kg P2O5 ha-1, P2: 25 kg P2O5 ha-1, P3: 37.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P4: 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. Place and Duration of Study: RL 12, block 3 and 4, International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, Hyderabad, during rabi, 2022-23 and 2023-24. Methodology: The investigation consisted of three varieties as vertical factor, two levels of spacing as horizontal factor and four levels of phosphorus as sub-plots with a total of 24 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. Data recorded on various parameters was subjected to scrutiny by ANOVA technique for split plot design concept. Data was subjected to analysis of variance procedures as outlined for strip-split plot design. Results: From this investigation, it was found that seed yield was significantly higher with the variety ICPV-21333 (812 and 750 kg ha-1), but remained statistically comparable to ICPV-21444. Among the spacings, it was highest with 30 cm x 10 cm (792 and 740 kg ha-1) and with respect to phosphorus levels, crop fertilized with 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 registered higher seed yield (797 and 740 kg ha-1) but, was statistically at par with 37.5 kg P2O5 ha-1. Available post- harvest soil N, and K2O was not influenced by the various treatments, but available P2O5 was significantly influenced by phosphorus levels. Higher available P2O5 was observed with the application of 50 and 37.5 kg P2O5 ha-1 kg P2O5 ha-1, while the lowest status was noticed with 0 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, bulk density, pH, EC and OC were not significantly influenced by varieties, spacings and phosphorus levels and due to their interaction during both the years of study.

Response of Malt Barley to NPSZnB and Urea Fertilizers Across Soil Types and Agro-ecologies, Arsi Zone of Oromia, South-Eastern Ethiopia

Field trials were conducted on farmers’ fields during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 cropping seasons to determine the optimum NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates for selected crop, soil, and climatic conditions, as well as to assess the economic feasibility of blended and urea fertilizer rates for malt barley by varying levels of NPSZnB fertilizer (0, 100, 150, 200, 250 kg ha-1) and recommended NP in combined RCBD with three replications on growth performance and yield. The post-harvest soil analysis results of experimental sites revealed that the use of treatments significantly (p&lt; 0.05 and p&lt; 0.001) altered pH, total N, available P, and organic matter for samples taken from malt barley crop experimental sites. Application of different fertilizer levels significantly affected post-harvest pH and organic carbon contents. A significant improvement was observed in soil chemical contents compared to the contents of the soil before treatment application at Lemu-Bilbilo district. Combined levels of NPSZnB and urea fertilizer rates significantly affected grain and above-ground biomass yields at Lemu-Bilbilo and Kofele districts. The maximum grain and biomass yield (6197 and 11018 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3646 and 6875 kg ha-1) in the 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Lemu-Bilbilo district up on the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, significant grain and biomass yield (5554 and 10412 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 200 and 250 + 150 kg ha-1 NPSZnB with urea fertilizer, respectively. The maximum grain and biomass yield (5244 and 10092 kg ha-1) in 2019 and minimum (3477 and 7736 kg ha-1) in 2017 and 2018 cropping season were obtained, respectively at Kofele district from the application of NPSZnB and urea fertilizers. Similarly, a significant grain and biomass yield (5125 and 9826 kg ha-1) were obtained from the application of 250 + 150 and 250 + 200 kg ha-1 NPSZnB + urea, respectively.

Enhanced Efficiency Organo-Mineral Nitrogen Fertilizer improves Yield and Quality of Red Amaranth

Crop production with increased yield in a sustainable manner requires less environmental impact. Therefore, a pot experiment was accomplished to investigate the effect of newly developed enhanced efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizer and conventional N fertilizers on the growth, yield, nutritional quality, and N use efficiency of red amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor cv. BARI lalshak 1). All the pots were placed at the experimental pot-house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University following a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Brown coal-urea (BCU) was applied as enhanced efficiency N fertilizer following top dressing and basal application strategy where urea and diammonium phosphate were applied as conventional N fertilizer. All the N fertilizers were applied at five rates viz., 0, 50, 75, 100, 150 kg N ha ̶ 1. The growth parameters and biomass yield of red amaranth were significantly impacted by varying amounts and types of N fertilizers. The highest dry biomass yield was obtained at 150 kg N ha ̶ 1 whereas the highest number of branch plant ̶ 1 was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Again, the highest biomass N concentration was found at 100 kg N ha ̶ 1. Application of a higher dose of fertilizer showed the highest N concentration in the post-harvest soil. Overall, the growth parameters and biomass N concentration were the highest in BCU basal-treated soil. In contrast, BCU top-dressed soil showed a higher N concentration after harvest than all other treatments. Based on the overall findings, the use of higher-efficiency organo-mineral N fertilizer has the potential to serve as a viable substitute for traditional N fertilizers in the context of sustainable crop production with reduced environmental effects. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 5(1): 37-44, 2023