Pressmud Application Research Articles

Productivity, Seed Quality and Nutrient Use Efficiency of Wheat (Triticum aestivum)under Organic, Inorganic and Integrated Nutrient Management Practices after Twenty Years of Fertilization

A long-term field experiment started in 1995 on Research Farm of Department of Soil Science, CCS Haryana Agricultural University Hisar (India) was selected to study the effects of organic manures and chemical fertilizers on productivity, seed quality and nutrient use efficiency of wheat under pearl millet-wheat cropping system. The organic manures (15 Mg FYM, 5 Mg poultry manure and 7.5 Mg pressmud) were applied alone and in combination with fertilizers (150 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 ha−1) and compared with chemical fertilizers applied alone (150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 75 kg N + 30 kg P2O5 ha−1). The results showed that the application of organic manures in combination with N and P fertilizers significantly increased all yield attributes, i.e. plant height, number of tillers/m row length, spike length, number of grains/spike. Higher grain yield of wheat (61.4, 57.4 and 62.7 q ha−1) was observed when recommended dose of N and half of P was applied in conjunction with FYM, poultry manure and pressmud, respectively. Grain yield of wheat increased by 13.5, 6.1 and 15.9%, respectively, under same treatments when compared with recommended dose of N and P fertilizers. Among the organic manures, highest yield (32.9 q ha−1) was obtained with pressmud application. However, application of organic manures alone resulted in poor yield and even lower than 50% recommended dose of N and P fertilizer. All the seed quality parameters (standard germination, shoot length, root length, seedling dry weight, seedling vigour index-I and -II) improved with the combined application of organic manures and chemical fertilizers as compared to their individual application. The partial factor productivity of N and P increased with combined application organic manures and chemical fertilizer as compared to chemical fertilizers applied alone, however, nutrient harvest index and their utilization efficiency decreased with combined application of organic manures and fertilizers as compared to their individual application.

Soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane influenced by enriched pressmud compost with chemical fertilizers

A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, Ishurdi, Pabna, Bangladesh to examine the effects of enriched compost with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility and productivity of sugarcane. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 16 treatments comprising four levels of inorganic fertilizers (100%, 75%, 50% and 0%) and four levels of pressmud (enriched by Trichoderma harzianum @ 7.5 t ha-1, T. viride @ 7.5 t ha-1, untreated raw pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 and control). It was observed that germination (90.34%), total chlorophyll content (2.58 mg g-1), leaf area index (5.00), dry matter (3.41 kg m-2), tiller (137.94 × 000 ha-1), millable cane stalk (99.15 × 000 ha-1) and yield (111.32 t ha-1) were found maximum in 100% recommended fertilizer (N150 P50 K90 S35 and Zn4 kg ha-1) with enriched pressmud which was statistically identical in comparison with 75% and 50% of recommended chemical fertilizers with enriched pressmud. The N (1.47%), K (1.24%) and S (0.17%) contents of leaf tissues were slightly increased with chemical fertilizers + enriched pressmud compared to chemical fertilizer alone. Soil Organic C, total N, P, K and S were higher with pressmud application compared to non pressmud application. Microbial enrichment of pressmud with Trichoderma sp. could save 2.5 t ha-1 of pressmud and 25% of recommended fertilizers. It can be concluded that enriched pressmud is more effective than raw pressmud in increasing sugarcane yield and maintain soil fertility in High Ganges River Floodplain soils.SAARC J. Agri., 13(2): 183-197 (2015)

English

An experiment was conducted on an alkaline clay loam soil of Golagamdi, India during 2005-2006 to study the effect of Farm Yard Manure and pressmud on fertility status of alkali soil under maize-wheat cropping sequence. The treatment consist of three levels of organic manure M0- no manure; M1- FYM at the rate of 10 tha-1; M2- Pressmud at the rate of 5 tha-1 and six fertilizer levels; F0- no fertilizer; F1- 75% of recommended N and P; F2-100% of recommended N and P; F3- 75% of recommended N and P+S+Zn+Fe; F4-100% of recommended N and P+S+Zn+Fe; F5- 100% of recommended N and P+foliar spray of 1% multi-micronutrient. The direct effect of FYM (M1) and pressmud (M2) reduced pH of soil. The maximum pH (8.26) was recorded from control after the harvest of wheat and the lowest (8.17) from F5. The highest EC (0.38 dS m-1) was recorded from F5 followed by F4 (0.37 dS m-1) and the lowest from control (0.27 dS m-1). The pressmud was more effective in reducing soil pH and increasing the EC than by FYM. The application of FYM (M1) and pressmud (M2) increased the available N, P, S, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in soil. The available N, S, Fe and Zn content under pressmud application was more than the FYM. However, the residual effect of FYM (M1) maintained higher available P (71.49 kg ha-1), K, Zn than PM (M2). Residual effect of the pressmud (M2) showed maximum available S (27.99 mg kg-1) as compared to FYM (M1) (15.86 mg kg-1). M2F3 and M2F4 treatment combinations performed better than other combinations regarding the S and Zn content of soil. The direct effect of pressmud was higher in case of Fe content than FYM. The residual effect of both FYM (1.02 mg kg-1) and pressmud (1.01 mg kg-1) significantly increased DTPA extractable Mn content in soil over control (3.27 mg kg-1) after wheat harvest. Direct effect of FYM on maize was found slightly depressed DTPA extractable Cu contents as compared to pressmud. However, the Cu content was increased again after the harvest of wheat.   Key words: Farm yard manure (FYM), pressmud, residual effect, electrical conductivity (EC), maize-wheat cropping.

Effect of Integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth attributes, biomass yield, secondary nutrient uptake and quality parameters of bhendi (Abelmoschus esculentus L.)

Organic manure from different sources could be an effective substitute of chemical fertilizers. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to study the impact of various sources of organic manures viz., sole application of composted pressmud, vermicompost, sewage sludge and farmyard manure and its combination with various levels of inorganic fertilizers on growth attributes, biomass yield, yield attributes, secondary nutrient uptake and its available status and quality parameters of bhendi (A. esculentus (L.) Moench). The results indicated that application of pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 with 50 per cent recommended dose of fertilizer had recorded the highest calcium and magnesium uptake of 30.9 and 15.4 kg ha-1 respectively and biomass yield of 2233.2 kg ha-1, In comparison to control, the increases in biomass yield and calcium and magnesium uptake were 20 and 51 and 136% higher under the same set of treatment combinations . The results revealed that treatment received with pressmud application @ 5 t ha-1 along with 50 per cent recommended dose of fertilizers registered highest available calcium and magnesium content of 0.14 and 0.28% respectively. In addition to that, there was an improvement in growth parameters such as plant height and number of branches plant-1 at all the growth stages of crop and also quality attributes viz., crude fibre (10.2%) and mucilage content (1.56%) were recorded significantly highest by same treatment compared to control (15.0 and 1.2% respectively). Among the organics, pressmud based inorganic fertilizers application was suitable for higher biomass yield, improvement in quality parameters and also maintaining the fertility status of the secondary nutrients in soil.

Impact of integrated nutrient management on yield, quality traits and economics of cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL. var. capitata)

A field experiment was carried out during 2004–05 and 2005–06 to study the response of biofertilizers in combination with organic manures and/or inorganic fertilizers on yield, quality attributes and economics of cabbage. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design consisting of 16 treatments including control. The results indicated that recommended fertilizers package coupled with seedling inoculation in any biofertilizer had relatively higher head yield (40.81–41.88±1.07 t ha−1). Application of pressmud or vermicompost plus seedling inoculation in Azospirillum or PSM noticedhead yield at par with conventional fertilization. The trend of quality attributes likes ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll content in cabbage were higher at initial stage of crop growth and thereafter declined at edible maturity whereas, total phenols content was lower at initial stage of crop growth and thereafter increased with crop improvement. Significantly higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) in head was registered with the use of either FYM or pressmud along with PSM or VAM (14.25–15.48±0.33 mg/100 g). The significantly superior total chlorophyll (3.78 and 0.932 mg/g) was obtained with recommended dose of NPK with seedling inoculation with Azospirillum whereas PSM (T3) FYM along with PSM Change had significantly higher total phenols (10.12 and 19.05 mg/100 g) at 45 DAT and at edible maturity (70 DAT). Combined use of vermicompost and biofertilizer were recorded maximum cost of cultivation (Rs. 39,385) and gross return (Rs. 56,904) per hectare area. However, the inorganic fertilizer along with biofertilizers gave maximum net return (Rs. 27,776) and output: input ratio (2.20) per hectare area.

Effects of Vinasse and Press Mud Application on the Biological Properties of Soils and Productivity of Sugarcane

The present study has been conducted to investigate the effects of vinasse and press mud (PM) (sugar industry by-products) applications on sugarcane soil microbial population, its enzyme activities and biomass carbon and nitrogen in order to work out its potential to be used as bio-friendly fertilizer. The treatments were compared with traditional chemical fertilizer (CF) applications. Vinasse and PM amended soils were found to have slightly lower pH and higher total N and C content, however, the difference was insignificant with CF amended soils. Both the treatments increased sugarcane yield compared to chemical fertilizer, but this increase was not significant in PM amended soils. The populations of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes increased in vinasse and PM amended soils. This increase in former one was significant in PM amended soils only, and that of the latter in vinasse amended soil. The biomass C and N contents were also higher in both the treatments, however, only the former one had significant difference with CF. Amongst the soil enzymes, the activities of cellulase, phosphatase and aminopeptidase were significantly higher in PM treatment while these were at par in vinasse and CF treatments. These results showed a potential possibility of substituting chemical fertilizers with vinasse and press mud which besides improving soil health and enhancing sugarcane productivity, can also solve the problem of their disposal in free environment.

Effect of organic manures and biofertilizers on yield, dry matter partitioning and quality traits of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different biofertilizers in combination with four different organic manures or with inorganic fertilizers on dry matter partitioning, yield and quality traits in cabbage. Results indicated that treatments comprising recommended fertilizers package coupled with seedling inoculation in any biofertilizer had relatively higher dry matter in leaves (head), higher number of non-wrapper leaves and head yield (40.81– 41.88±1.07 tonnes/ha). Application of pressmud or vermicompost plus seedling inoculation in Azospirillum or PSM noticed head yield at par with conventional fertilization. The total carbohydrate content in head was significantly higher with use of organic manures and VAM or PSM. The maximum protein content was noticed with sole application of vermicompost (17.4%) or digested sludge (17.3%). Fibre content in head was improved remarkably with the use of organic manures and biofertilizers. The highest total carotenoid content in head was recorded with the use of FYM + PSM (0.445 mg/100 g). Significantly higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) in head was registered with the use of either FYM or pressmud along with PSM or VAM (14.25–15.48±0.33 mg/100 g).

Sugar industry press mud as alternate organic fertiliser source

* Corresponding author Abstract: Organic materials are added to soil for improving soil physico-chemical properties. In the present study different doses of press mud along with NPK were applied to wheat crop in pot and field experiments. The increasing levels of press mud application improved soil physical conditions like increase in total porosity and reduced bulk density. Organic matter content, NPK, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content in soil also increased with the press mud application. ECe, pH and exchangeable Na percentage were reduced. Increasing levels of press mud application also increased wheat yield, yield components and crop nutrient utilisation. For realising near maximum wheat yield (95% relative yield) 40 tonnes press mud per ha −1 was found to be the optimum level.

Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Sugarcane Production in Different Agro-ecological Zones of Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) on sugarcane yield and economic return at Ishurdi (High Ganges River Floodplain), Thakurgaon (Old Himalayan Piedmont Plain), Sreepur (Madhupur Tract) and Jaipurhat (Tista Meander Floodplain). The combined use of organic and inorganic fertiliser gave significantly higher sugarcane yield and economic benefit in all locations under study. Results revealed that average yield increase was 13.0 per cent higher for combined application of press mud/ cowdung at 12.5 tonnes per hectare along with inorganic fertilisers over use of only inorganic fertilisers in case of both MYG and HYG. In situ incorporation of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) as green manure increased sugarcane yield and contributed about 42-46 kg N per hectare in soil. Keywords: Integrated nutrient, management, sugarcane, sustainable, production.

Improving quality of sugarcane-growing soils by organic amendments under subtropical climatic conditions of India

A field trial was conducted on an inceptisol to assess the effect of different bio-manures on sugarcane yield, cane quality, and changes in soil physico-chemical and microbial properties in plant–ratoon system. Seven treatments, viz. control, vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), biogas slurry, sulphitation pressmud cake (SPMC), green manuring with intercropped Sesbania, and recommended dose of NPK (150:60:60 kg ha−1), were randomized within a block and replicated three times. Improvement in bulk density and infiltration rates was recorded after the addition of various bio-manures. The highest organic C was recorded in the vermicompost (0.54%) and pressmud (0.50%) treatments. The highest increase in soil microbial biomass C (185.5%) and soil microbial biomass N (220.2%) over its initial value was recorded with the addition of FYM. Dry matter production in plant, as well as ratoon crop, was significantly higher by bio-manure application over the control. Plant N uptake was highest in the pressmud treatment (227.7 kg ha−1), whereas P and K uptake were highest (41.4 and 226.50 kg ha−1) in vermicompost treatment. The highest number of millable canes (95.6 and 101.0 thousand ha−1) in plant and ratoon crop were obtained with the addition of pressmud. The highest yield (76.7 t ha−1) was recorded in planted cane with vermicompost application, whereas ratoon yield was highest (78.16 t ha−1) with pressmud application. In both planted and ratoon crop, organic amendments produced yields statistically similar to those with recommended NPK (76.1 and 78.1 t ha−1 for plant and ratoon cane).

Evaluation of sugarcane by-product pressmud as a manure in carp culture

The effectiveness of pressmud, a sugarcane by-product, was tested as a manure in the production of natural food and carp, by conducting two experiments. The first experiment, of 5 weeks duration, examined the effect of pressmud addition on water quality and natural food production. This study was carried out in fibreglass tubs (1.54 m 3) with a 5 cm mud layer, employing pressmud at dosages of 5000, 10,000 and 15,000 kg ha −1 for treatments T 1, T 2 and T 3, respectively. Unfertilized tubs served as control (T 0). The second experiment of 120-day duration to study the effect on growth, survival and quality of common carp was conducted in 25 m 2 cement tanks with 15 cm-mud bottom, using the same dosages of pressmud. The control tanks in this experiment were manured with cattle dung at 10,000 kg ha −1 (T 0). Application of pressmud enhanced ( P < 0.05) natural food production, with the greatest effect noted in treatment T 3. Fish growth was significantly greater ( P < 0.05) in treatments T 2 and T 3, there being no difference in growth between the control (T 0) and 5000 kg pressmud treatment (T 1). The greatest survival and production were obtained under treatment T 2, which indicates that the dosage of 10,000 kg ha −1 pressmud is optimal for carp culture. A significant effect ( P < 0.05) of pressmud on carcass protein was observed. Organoleptic quality of both raw flesh and cooked meat of carp was not affected ( P > 0.05) by pressmud treatment.

Integrated phosphorus nutrition system for blackgram - ragi sequence

Studies on the effect of phosphatic fertilizer alone and in combination with organics and inoculants on black gram-ragi sequence were conducted at the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute Farm, Kumulur, Trichirappalli during 1999. 2000 and 2000-2001. The results revealed that there was a positive response for the application of phosphorous and the highest seed and haulm yields were recorded with 100 per cent P20s based on soil test value with pressmud and Phosphobacteria. Application of P fertilizer alone showed a depletion of available P with the advancement of stage of cropping but in combination with pressmud a positive balance was observed. Among the organics, the application of pressmud performed better than FYM. The residual effect of P was found to be higher while conjoint incorporation of inorganic P with pressmud and phosphobacteria than applying P alone.

Effect of integrated application of pressmud and paddy husk with fertilizers on yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum fficinarum) o

A field experiment was conducted on a medium black soil at Gangavati on integrated nutrient management in sugarcane (Saccharum officinantm L.). Application of organic sources (pressmud and paddy husk) were foud to substitute 25% of the recomniended fertilizers in getting higher cane and sugar yields. Economics worked out indicated that application of pressmud in conjuction with 100% recommended fertilizers gave higher returns.

Effect of Iron and Zinc fertilization on yield, quality and their availability in Sugarcane

Field experiments were conducted on plant and its ratoon crop of sugarcane (Co.Si.96071) during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 in a clay loam marginally-saline alkaline soil. The results on cane yield and quality parameters showed that foliar spray of ferrous sulphate (1%)+zinc sulphate (0.5%) at 45 and 90 days after planting along with basal application of pressmud (5t ha) increased the cane yield and sugar yield significantly over soil application of FeSO, and ZnSO, and control treatments. Application of pressmud enriched with FeSO, and ZnSO, increased the cane yield, commercial cane sugar content and sugar yield over soil application of state micro nutrient mixture. Enriched pressmud with micro nutrients also improved the availability of DTPA extractable iron and zinc in soil.

IMPROVEMENT OF SUGARCANE PRODUCTION IN TANNERY EFFLUENT POLLUTED SOILS

Four sugarcane varieties (Co 740, Coc 771, Coc 85061 and G 85335) were evaluated in a soil polluted by tannery effluents under different management practices Among the four varieties. CoC 771 recorded the highest cane yield of 124.92 t/ha and sugar yield of 13.61 t/ha with the application of 25 tha of coir pith. Coir pith mulching trash mulching and pressmud application were found superior over the application o amendments like gypsum and pyrites.

EFFECT OF ORGANIC AMENDMENTS AND ZINC ON AVAILABILITY AND UPTAKE OF P, Ca AND Na BY SUGARCANE

The efficacy of organic amendments (pressmud and zinc enriched pressmud) and zinc fertilisation was studied in paper factory effluent imigated soil. The results showed that available phosphorus content in soil and its uptake in plant were increased due to the application of pressmud. Application of amendments and ZnSO4 significantly increased exchangeable calcium, but decreased the exchangeable sodium. Total day matter production was significantly enhanced by the application of pressmud and soil application of ZnSO4. Enrichment of pressmud with ZnSO4 resulted in increased dry matter production. Foliar spray of zinc at 0.5 per centconcentration given at 90 and 110 days after planting significantly increased the dry matter production over soil application of zinc and control.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC AMENDMENTS ON CRUST PRONE SOILS

Field experiments were conducted in red lateritic soils of National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, for investigating the influence of organic and inorganic amendments for overcoming soil crusting and hardening conditions using black gram (KB 51) as test crop. Results showed that bulk density and soil hardness were favourably influenced by application of pressmud (5 tha). Grain yield of black gram increased due to application of amendments from 31.8 to 74.5% per cent. Experiment on the residual effect of amendments indicated positive influence on the yield of the succeeding crop.

Effect of press mud Application on the yield and Nutrient uptake by bhendi in soils of Tamil Nadu

A pot culture experiment was carried out on four solls representing black, red, lateritio and alluvial soils of Tamil Nadu amended with press mud at 0. 10 and 20 tons/ha and bhendi was grown as tost crop, The yield of bhandi fruits recorded a significant increaso with press mud application at both the levels (10 and 20 tons/ha) over control in all tho four soils, the comparative increase in ylold over control being the highest in red soil. Tho higher level of press and mud (20 tons/ha) tried did not prove superior to the lower level (10 tons/hal. The yield of dry matter and uptake of nutrients N, P, K and Ca also followed the same trend, recording a significant increase due to press mud treatments over control.

Effect of Press Mud Application on Nutrient Uptake by Ragi

A Neubauer study was carried out with four soils incubated with press mud at 0, 5 and 10 t/ha for 60 days. Ragi (CO 10) seedlings were raised for a period of 17 days. The germination per cent, mean root and shoot length. dry matter yield and uptake of nutrients were studied. Press mud application significantly reduced the germination of ragi seeds, but the growth of seedlings was better in the treated soil than in control. The uptake of N. P and K was not influenced by the treatments, but press mud application at 5 t/ha increased Ca uptake over control.

Effect of Press Mud Application on Physical, Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Some Common Soils

Laboratory studies were carriedcut with five soils amended with press mud at 0, 5 and 10 tons per hectare and incubated for a period of 60 days. The analysis of the incubated soils showed that press mud at 10 tons/ha improved the stability index and aggregate stability of the black (wetland) and acid soils significantly. Press mud application resulted in progressive increase in available nitrogen, available phosphorus and organic carbon contents of all the soils studied. Press mud at 10 tons/ha increased the cation exchange capacity of all the soils, while it increased the exchangeable calcium in the red. acid and black (gardenland) soils. The biological activity of soil as indicated by the CO evolution recorded a significant increase with press mud application in the red. alkali and acid soils. Press mud application resulted in increase in bacterial population of red soil and fungal population of black (wetland) soil.