Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Research Articles

Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies for Forage Maize Genotypes: Agronomic Performance, Nitrogen use Efficiency and Economic Assessment and Deter- mination of Economical N Fertilizer Rate

A field investigation was conducted using factorial experiment in randomized block design with seven genotypes and three nitrogen (N) levels (80, 120 and 160 kg N/ha) with three replications at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India during kharif season, 2022. The objective of the study was to assess the nitrogen use efficiency, productivity and profitability of forage maize genotypes under different N levels. Among, the genotypes, J-1006 and among N levels, application of 120 kg ha-1 registered the maximum green and dry fodder yield and crude protein yield (CPY). The highest partial factor productivity of N fertilizer (PFPN) was recorded with J-1006 (103.3 kg DM/kg N applied) and application of lowest dose i.e. 80 kg/ha (99.1 kg DM/kg N applied) among genotypes and N levels, respectively. J-1006 (Rs 78109 ha-1 and 3.62) and application of 120 kg N ha-1 (Rs 65716 ha-1 and 3.21) was profitable in terms of net returns and B:C ratio among genotypes and N levels, respectively. The economic optimum dose of N for tested fodder maize genotypes was found to be 139 kg/ha.

Exploring the Impact of Organic-inorganic Coupling on Nutrient Use Efficiency and Cane Yield in Calcareous Soils of the Indo-gangetic Plains of India

Improving nutrient use efficiency beyond its typical ceiling of 50% is imperative for enhancing sugarcane production and juice quality, while concurrently reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and mitigating environmental impact. To address this challenge, a field experiment was conducted during the year 2021–2022 at the Kalyanpur research farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management on sugarcane yield and nutrient utilization efficiency in spring-planted crops like sugarcane. Employing the randomized block design with three replications, the experiment utilized the sugarcane variety CoP-112. Although various treatments exhibited no significant influence on parameters such as germination percentage, plant height, cane length, diameter and individual cane weight, the combination of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with vermicompost and biofertilizer (Azotobacter + PSB) at a rate of 4 kg/ha resulted in the highest millable cane (125.4×103/ha) and cane yield (94.0 t/ha). This combination led to an increase of 78% and 24% over the sole prescribed dose of fertilizer and the absolute control, respectively. No substantial differences were observed in juice quality among treatments. The maximum agronomic use efficiency was achieved in plots treated with RDF + vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB, exhibiting a 75% improvement over plots receiving only the recommended dose of fertilizer. The findings underscore the efficacy of integrated nutrient management as the optimal approach for fostering sustainable sugarcane production.

Impact of Different Sowing Dates on Growth and Pod Yield of Vegetable Pea under Sub-Himalayan Foothills Region of India

Background: The optimum sowing date is crucial among the different agronomic procedures for maximizing output. Optimizing a crop's planting time may be one of the most significant climate resilient tactics for increasing production and hence it becomes necessary to study the crop growth behaviors in changing climatic conditions. The proposed field investigations were undertaken to study the influence of different sowing dates on yield of vegetable pea. Methods: Field investigations were undertaken during Rabi seasons of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the Vegetable Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (85.67oE - 25.98oN.), which comes under sub-Himalayan foothills region of India. The research study was performed in Randomized Block Design with three replications consisting of eight different sowing dates of vegetable pea. cv. Azad Pea-3 at 10 days interval between each sowing dates. Observations were made on various growth and yield attributing parameters. Result: Results revealed that the parameters under study were substantially affected by various sowing dates. Second week of sowing in November in the years produced maximum plant height at 60 DAS (83.77cm), number of branches per plant (3.97), number of nodules per plant at flowering (26.13), number of green pods per plant (20.80), 10 pods weight (75.67g) and pod yield (52.06q/ha).

The Integrated Effect of Organic Manure, Biofertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Yield and Quality in Sugarcane Plant-ratoon System under Calcareous Soil of Indo-gangetic Plains of India

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, to devise nutrient management strategies aimed at sustaining soil health, quality and sugarcane production within the sugarcane plant-ratoon system. The experiment evaluated the efficacy of various fertilizers on the solubility of applied inorganic fertilizer during the spring season in calcareous soil. Results from the combined data analysis showed significant variations in the number of millable cane (NMC), cane yield, and sugar yield due to the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with bio-fertilizers in both the plant and ratoon crops. Treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers demonstrated a noteworthy increase in NMC, cane yield, and sugar yield compared to the control group. The treatment that received 75% NPK of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with Acetobacter, PSB, and Bio-compost at a rate of 7.5 t ha-1 exhibited the highest NMC (103.0 × 103 ha-1), cane yield (85.8 t ha-1), and sugar yield (11.21 t ha-1). Furthermore, the residual effect of the treatment combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers showed a pronounced impact on NMC (92.4 × 103 ha-1), yield (79.6 t ha-1), and sugar yield (9.36 t ha-1) in the ratoon crop under treatment T9. Bio-compost notably enhanced the overall performance of sugarcane. Nutrient uptake by both plant and ratoon followed a similar trend as cane yield. Application of RDF alongside various bio-fertilizers significantly enhanced sugarcane productivity compared to the control group. Notably, the efficacy of bio-fertilizers was more pronounced when used in conjunction with inorganic treatments. Treatment with organic inputs through bio-compost resulted in reduced pH and increased electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and available nutrients (N,P, and K) in post-harvest soil. Enzymatic activities including glycosidase, urease, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were also recorded.

Enhancement of Yield, Nitrogen use Efficiency, Production Economics of Fodder Oat through Selection of Appropriate Genotype and Nitrogen Fertilizer Application

Growing fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) genotype with high yielding potential with adequate nitrogen could enhance the fodder yield and quality to bridge the gap between demand and supply of green fodder. Therefore, an experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of different genotypes and nitrogen levels on yield, nitrogen use efficiency, production economics, and agro-meteorological parameters of fodder oat at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar. Six oat genotypes, viz., Kent, JO-07-28, OS-403, OS-6, HFO-904 and HFO-906, were sown with 40, 80 and 120 kg of nitrogen per hectare. The experiment was set up using a split-plot design, with three replications of the genotypes in the main plots and N levels in sub-plots. Results revealed that genotype JO-07-28 was significantly superior to Kent (check) with respect to green fodder yield whereas both were comparable to each other with respect to dry matter yield, crude protein content and yield. Kent showed maximum N, P and K uptake and heat use efficiency, helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency. However, genotype JO-07-28 yielded the highest net returns (Rs. 27421/ha), B:C ratio (1.85), and economic efficiency (Rs. 271/ha/day). Among other nitrogen levels, application of 120 kg N/ha recorded the maximum yields of green fodder (371 q/ha) and dry matter (91 q/ha), crude protein content and yield, N uptake, net returns (Rs. 23096/ha), B:C ratio (1.71) and economic efficiency (Rs. 231/ha/day) and heat use efficiency (7.60), helio-thermal and photo-thermal unit efficiency which were statistically equivalent to 80 kg N/ha. Genotype JO-07-28 and HFO-904 were the most N efficient genotype in terms of partial factor productivity of N fertilizer and nitrogen utilization efficiency, respectively. Enhancement in level of N application reduced the nitrogen use efficiency.

Effect of Planting Pattern, Fertilizer Levels and Weed Management Practices on System Productivity and Economics of Pigeonpea-Based Intercropping System

The experiment was conducted during kharif 2021-22 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, a campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The primary objective was to assess how different planting pattern, in addition with the varying fertilizer levels along with weed management practices, affected the growth and physiological characteristics of pigeon pea under pigeon pea based intercropping system. The study was laid down by using factorial randomized block design with 2 intercropping systems, 3 fertilizer levels and 4 weed management practices, each replicated three times to reduce the experimental error. The study's results highlighted that all the intercropping system in both the planting pattern recorded significantly higher net return and B:C ratio than sole pigeon pea. Among the intercropping systems, paired row planting of pigeon pea (45 cm) in 2:2 row ratio significantly recorded maximum growth, yield attributes and yield, net return and B:C ratio than their intercropping with pigeon pea in normal planting pattern (60 cm) in 1:1 row ratio and pigeon pea + soybean in both planting pattern. Although, growth, yield and economics increased significantly with subsequent increase in fertilizer levels and recorded higher values up to 100% RDF. Weed management practices recorded significantly higher plant height, yield indices, grain yield, net return and B:C ratio than weedy check. Among weed management practices, hand weeding twice recorded significantly higher growth and yield attributes, fruiting efficiency, grain yield and net return than combined application of imazethapyr with quizalofop ethyl and pre-plant incorporation of chlorimuron ethyl fb imazathapyr except number of pods/plant, fruiting efficiency and net return with combined application of imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl. However, significantly higher B:C ratio was associated with combined application of imazethapyr + quizalofop ethyl. Application of 50% RDF in weed management practices produced significantly higher pigeon pea yield than application of 100% RDF in weedy check. Hence, 50% RDF could be saved by adopting the weed management practices in pigeon pea.

Effect of Foliar Application of Different Chemicals on Yield and Yield Attributes of Black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under Rainfed Condition

A field experiment was performed at the “TCA., research farm of Dholi (Muzaffarpur), which is a unit of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), Bihar, during the Kharif season of 2021” to investigate the “Effect of foliar application of different chemicals on yield attributes and yield of Black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] under rainfed condition”. The design used for making layout of experimental unit was RBD, that was replicated three times, with ten treatments in each replication for a total of 30 plots. The experiment conducted with 10 treatments viz., Absolute Control (T1), Water Spray (T2), ZnSO4 @ 0.5% Spray (T3), NPK (19-19-19) @ 2% Spray (T4), Urea @ 2% Spray (T5), DAP @ 2% Spray (T6), Salicylic acid @ 100 ppm Spray (T7), Potassium Nitrate @ 2% Spray (T8), Boron 0.25 % Spray (T9), Potassium Chloride @ 0.2% Spray(T10). The foliar spray of different treatments applied had a significant impact on the number of pod number plant-1, seed count pod-1 and the length of the pod. However, foliar chemicals had no appreciable impact on the weight of 100 seeds. At pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage, foliar treatment of “NPK (19-19-19) @ 2 % spray (T4)” resulted in significantly greater seed production and stover output. Different chemical administration to the foliage had no significant effect on harvest index.

Assessing the Variations in Canopy Temperature, Relative Humidity and Soil Temperature within the Canopy of Winter Maize in Bihar

Variations in canopy temperature, relative humidity and soil temperature within crop micro-environment exert full control over plant’s physiological processes and thereby over growth, development and yield of crop. These micro-meteorological parameters tend to significantly control the exchange of energy between the crop environment and the atmosphere. Keeping all this in view, a field experiment with winter maize ( var. Rajendra hybrid 4) was conducted with five dates of sowing viz., 1 November (D1), 10 November (D2), 20 November (D3), 30 November (D4) and 10 December (D5) and three spacings viz., 60 X 20 cm (S1), 75 cm X 20 cm (S2) and 45 cm X 20 cm (S3) at the University farm of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during rabi season of 2021-22 to assess the variations in canopy temperature, relative humidity and soil temperature, as influenced by micro-environments and planting density. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with sowing dates as main-plots and spacings as split plots. Results revealed that canopy temperature was found to be the highest for the crop planted on D4 (30 November) with S2 (75cm X 20 cm) spacing, while the lowest was associated with the crop sown on D1 (1 November) with S3 (45 cm X 20 cm) spacing. Mean canopy temperature decreased from sowing to knee high stage, thereafter it increased with every phenological stage up to physiological maturity. Crop sown on D3 (20 November) having S3 (45 cm X 20 cm) spacing recorded maximum relative humidity. Highest soil temperature at 15 cm depth was recorded for D5 (10 December) sown and S2 (75cm X 20cm) spaced crop and the lowest for D2 (10 November) having S3 (45cm X 20cm) spacing. Information generated on the variation in canopy temperature, relative humidity and soil temperature at different phenophases of winter maize would be useful in managing abiotic stresses on crop production.

Investigation on Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita through Soil Application of Bio-control Agents in Field Pea

The pot experiment was conducted at AICRP on vegetables, Pusa farm, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University during 2020-21. The bio-control agents viz. Glomus fasciculatum (85-90 spores/g), Trichoderma harzianum 1.0% WP (2×106 cfu/g), Pseudomonas fluorescens 1.0% WP (1×108 cfu/g), Purpureocillium lilacinum 1.0% WP (2×106 cfu/g) either singly or in combined application shown significant improvement in plant growth and development and in declining nematode population. The combined application of P. fluorescens 1.0% WP (1×108 cfug-1) and P. lilacinum 1.0% WP (2×106 cfug-1) when applied 10g per pot each is efficient in improving plant growth and on other hand, plants treated with Cartap hydrochloride 4G (5g per pot) had the lowest nematode population, galls per plant, and Reproduction factor (Rf). P. lilacinum 1.0% WP (2×106 cfu/g) demonstrated promising effects in plants when just single bio-control agent i.e., 10g/pot was used. This study discovered that utilizing a mixture of bio-control agents was more effective than using bio-control agents alone in reducing the population of M. incognita. According to the study, bio-control agents had the same effects as Cartap hydrochloride 4G. As a result, bio-control agents can be used instead of nematicides.

Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Dry Matter, Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Plant and Depletion by Weed in Lentil Crop (Lens culinaris M.)

Aims: To evaluate the impact of tillage and weed management techniques on Plant dry weight, Yield, nutrient uptake by plant and depletion by weed in lentil crop (Lens culinaris M.).
 Place and Duration of Study: A field study was conducted at Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, India, from Oct 2020 to Mar 2021.
 Methodology: The experiment followed a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots consisted of three tillage practices (M1: Zero tillage, M2: Minimum tillage, and M3: Conventional tillage), while subplots included five weed management practices [T1: control, T2: 1 hand weeding at 20 DAS, T3: chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g/ha (pre-emergence) + paddy straw mulching (5.0 t/ha), T4: quizalofop-ethyl 40 g/ha at 20 DAS (post-emergence) and T5: chlorimuron-ethyl 4 g/ha (pre-emergence) + quizalofop-ethyl 40 g/ha at 20 DAS (post-emergence)].
 Results: Among the tillage practices conventional found most effective in term of increasing plant dry weight, grain yield, straw yield, nutrient uptake by crop while effectively reduce the weed dry matter and nutrient depletion by the weed. Among the weed management practices hand weeding proved to be the most effective weed management practice, leading to higher plant dry matter, grain yield, straw yield and nutrient uptake by crop and least weed dry matter weight and nutrient depletion by weeds. Among the chemical weeding chlorimuron ethyl (PE) + paddy straw mulching showed comparable effectiveness to hand weeding in all the parameters. These results highlight the importance of tillage practices and effective weed management techniques in optimizing plant growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and weed control.

Genetic Divergence Studies of Submergence Tolerant Rice Genotypes

The present investigation was carried out with 24 rice genotypes including both indigenous and exotic collections/varieties/lines under both normal transplanted condition and in submerged condition and observation for various morphophysiological, quantitative and qualitative traits by using randomized block design at the Research Farm of ‘Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, during Kharif season of 2019. All the 24 genotypes grouped into 3 clusters using D2 statistics. Intra cluster distance was at most in case of Cluster II while highest inter cluster distance was detected between Cluster III and Cluster II. Cluster III contains maximum yield attributing traits so it can be used for hybridization programme of above-mentioned traits. Crop Growth Rate at 30DAS showed maximum contribution towards total divergence while minimum contribution was exhibited by Number of Fertile Spikelet.

Nutritional Composition of Cassia Auriculata Flowers

Background: Medicinal plants were used for traditional treatments in curing numerous human diseases since thousands of years in many parts of the world. In rural areas of the developing countries, many plants are used as the primary source of medicine. Cassia auriculata L. is one type of plant which provides health and nutrition promoting compounds in human diet. The present experiment was carried out at Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Community Science, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar during the year 2021-2022 to analyze different nutritional parameters of Cassia auriculata flowers by using standard methods. Methods: To analyze different nutritional parameters of Cassia auriculata flowers by using standard methods during the year 2021-2022. Result: The result showed the total antioxidant content of Cassia auriculata flowers were found to be high i.e., 553.5 µg/100 g, the flavonoids and total phenols content of Cassia auriculata flowers were 310 mg of QE/100 gm and 265.12 mg of GAE/100 gm and the high amount of antinutrient such as, oxalates (64.55 mg/100 g), phytates (28.70 mg/100 g) and tannin (1.92 Mg TAE/100 g) also present. It was also rich in physico-chemical properties such as moisture (12.37%), protein (10.54%), ash (7.15%), iron (190.50 mg/kg), fiber (2.08%) and zinc (18.35 mg/kg). Due to their nutritional quality, it is used for the treatment of urinary tract disorders, conjunctivitis, pain and liver diseases etc.

Consequence of Sesbania as brown manure along with foliar spray of iron and zinc sulphate on production potential of direct-seed rice (Oryza sativa) in calcareous soil

A field experiment was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, to introduce the foliar spray of micro-nutrients along with Sesbania based brown manuring (BM) to enhance productivity of dry direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 6 treatments and 4 replications. The treatments included foliar spray of FeSO4 (1%) and ZnSO4 (0.5%) alone and in combination with Sesbania brown manuring. The Sesbania sown broadcast on the same day along with rice for brown manuring (BM) at the seed rate of 40 kg/ ha that, BM with Sesbania treatments resulted in higher values of yield characters and yield than non-BM treatments. The treatment involving 2 foliar sprays of FeSO4 and ZnSO4 along with BM significantly increased the yield attributes like panicles/m2 , grains/panicles, and grain and straw yields of rice over the other treatment except rice + BM. This treatment also recorded the maximum uptake of nutrients, viz, N,P,K,Fe and Zn. The mmaximum benefit: cost ratio was also recorded under this treatment. The maximum weed dry weight was recorded with treatment rice alone and the lowest with treatment rice + FeSO4 @ 1% + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at tillering and panicle initation + BM.

Study of genetic diversity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes under direct seeded condition by using principal component analysis

The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic diversity by using principal component analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in thirty-two genotypes of rice under direct seeded condition (DSR). The experiment was conducted at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar in randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that first four component axes had eigen values 1.0, representing a cumulative variability of 76.86 %. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that four components (PC1 to PC4) accounted for about 76.86% of the total variation present among all the traits. Out of total principal components PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4 with values 33.781%, 19.02%, 13.859% and 10.206% respectively, contributed more to the total variation. The first principal component had high positive loading for 15 traits out of 17. Similarly, second and third principal component had 7 traits each, fourth component with 6 traits had high positive loadings which contributed more to the diversity. Genotypes in cluster V showed higher mean performance for most of the yield attributing traits. Therefore, selection of parents for different traits would be effective from this cluster. Thus, result of the present study could be exploited in planning and execution of future breeding programme in rice under direct seeded condition.

Performance of new early genotypes of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) as influenced by row spacing

Field experiment was conducted during 2017-18 at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar to study the effect of row spacing on yield and quality of early maturing sugarcane genotypes. Treatment included two row spacing (90 and 120 cm) and five genotypes viz., ‘CoLk 12207’, ‘CoP 12436’, ‘CoSe 12451’, ‘BO 130’ and ‘CoSe 95422’. Significantly higher plant population, leaf area index (4.18), dry matter accumulation (34.8 t/ ha) and millable canes (126, 200/ ha) were recorded with 90 cm row spacing gave significantly highest cane (96.2 t/ ha) and sugar yield (11.6 t/ ha). Results showed that genotype CoSe 95422 superseded other genotypes in growth and yield attributing characters. Maximum cane yield (104.4 t/ ha) was noticed due to the genotypes CoSe 95422. However, maximum brix (20.3%), pol (18.13%) and CCS percent (12.60%) were noted with the genotype CoLk 12207 which was statistically similar to BO 130. Significantly higher sugar yield (12.4 t/ha) was obtained with the genotype CoSe 95422 which was statistically comparable to CoLk 12207 and CoSe 12451.

Screening of Rice Genotypes against Sodicity in Relation to Physiological and Biological Traits

The study aimed to screen the rice genotypes against sodicity in relation to physiological and biological traits to identify the tolerant and susceptible genotypes. The field experiment was carried out at the Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra prasad central agricultural university, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during Kharif season of 2019-2020. The experiment was based on randomized block design with 30 plots in each of 3 replications where each replication consists of 30 rice genotypes. A total of 30 rice genotypes were screened of which 25 are exotic and 5 are indigenous. The exotic genotypes are GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, RMS 1, RMS 2, RMS 3, RMS 4, RMS 5, RMS 6, RMS 7, RMS 8, SRL 1, SRL 2, SRL 3, CNN 1, CNN 2, KRH 4, PVP 221, MTU 1010, VR 181, PS 344, MTP 1, Vardhan, Rasi, CSR 23 (Check) while Prabhat, R. Sweta, R. Bhagwati, R. Mahsuri and Rajshree are the indigenous ones. The physiological and biological traits were evaluated at tillering and pre-flowering stages and their inter-relationship among various physiological parameters are established. The genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri show the highest chlorophyll content, SPAD value, peroxidase and catalase activity, proline content, RLWC content, and MSI percentage, and the lowest was found in Prabhat, Rasi, and Rajendra Bhagwati. Based on response with regard to SPAD value, RLWC, and MSI the genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri show positive increase compared to CSR 23 (Check). The inter-relationship concerning to various physiological parameters shows a strong significant and positive correlation among each other at tillering and pre-flowering stages. However, Total chlorophyll at the tillering stage was found to bear a highly significant correlation with all the physiological parameters except relative water content and membrane stability index. The genotypes such as SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, and GPV 3, Rajendra Mahsuri possess better potential in sodic soil than the rest of the genotypes taken in the experiment with regard to various physiological parameters (taken as salt indices) by counteracting or minimizing the sodicity effect of sodium ion. The greater synthesis of antioxidant enzymes like catalase and peroxidase plays an important role in plant adaptation which effectively support to withstand and perform well in sodicity conditions hence SRL 1, GPV 1, GPV 2, GPV 3, and Rajendra Mahsuri categorized as salt tolerant genotypes which have great potential to boost up the rice production in sodic soil condition while Prabhat, Rasi and Rajendra Bhagwati categorized as salt susceptible genotypes. Thus, this study will be helpful for the identification of tolerant and susceptible genotypes through screening and pave way for the development of stable and high-yielding genotypes for the improvement of rice production under sodic soil.

Response of Row Ratio in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) + Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Intercropping on Growth, Yield of Crops, System Productivity and Economics

Background: Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) as oilseeds and faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as pulses are very popular and potential crops but there is lack of research work on mustard + faba bean intercropping system. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to study the effect of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) + Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) intercropping system on growth, yield of crops, economics and system productivity. Methods: The study was carried out for three consecutive years during rabi seasons of 2015-16 to 2017-18 at the Research Farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi under Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. Treatments comprised of Sole mustard, Sole faba bean, Mustard+Faba bean (1:1), Mustard+Faba bean (1:2), Mustard+Faba bean (1:3), Mustard+Faba bean (1:4), Mustard+Faba bean (1:5), Mustard+Faba bean (2:4), Mustard+Faba bean (2:5) and Mustard+Faba bean (2:6) under replacement series. Result: This study finds that significantly higher number of branches/plant (5.0), number of pods/plant (30.9), number of grains/pod (2.21), 100-grain weight (28.94 g) of faba bean were recorded in 2:5 row ratio than sole faba bean, sole mustard, intercropping systems of faba bean with mustard in 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 row ratios while plant height (134.4), number of branches/plant (10.93), number of pods/plant (170.6), number of grains/pod (9.95), 100-grain weight (0.49 g) of mustard were also found better in all the row ratios of mustard + Faba bean intercropping system than sole mustard. Maximum faba bean equivalent yield (3802 kg /ha) and net return (Rs. 92470/ha) were recorded under faba bean intercropped with mustard in 2:5 row ratio although it was found at par with mustard+faba bean in (1:5), (2:4) and (2:6) row ratios. Therefore, mustard and faba bean intercropping system in row ratio of 2:5 may be recommended.p

Effect of Irrigation Methods, Nutrient Management and Intercropping System on Grain Yield, Maize Equivalent Yield, Protein Content and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.)

This study aims to determine Effect of Irrigation Methods, Nutrient Management and Intercropping System on Grain Yield, Maize Equivalent Yield, Protein Content and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2020-21 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi (Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar). To study the effect of irrigation methods, nutrient management and intercropping system on grain yield, MEY, protein content and economics of maize (Zea mays L.). The growing of maize under drip irrigation recorded significantly higher grain yield (9.42 t/ha), MEY (11.67 t/ha), protein content (8.7%), gross returns (215942 ₹/ha), net returns (146679 ₹/ha) and B: C ratio (2.11) over furrow and surface irrigation. Application of nutrients as par STCR, recorded higher grain yield (9.24 t/ha), MEY (11.15 t/ha), protein content (8.57%), gross returns (206343 ₹/ha) and net returns (134893 ₹/ha) as compared to RDF and SSNM whereas, highest B: C ratio was noticed under RDF (1.94). Increment in grain yield (5.50 % and 12.14 %), MEY (18.16% and 18.84%), protein content (4.58 % and 7.87%), gross returns (15.85% and 15.37%), net returns (19.8% and 21.59%) and B: C ratio (13.10% and 19.41%) were observed under vegetable pea over lentil and rajmash intercropping respectively. Overall results revealed that irrigation applied through drip method, nutrient management through STCR and maize + vegetable pea intercropping system is a promising option for higher productivity, quality and profitability of maize.

Effect of Brown Manuring and Different Levels of Nutrients on Growth and Yield Attributes of Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019 to assess the Effect of brown manuring and different levels of nutrients on growth and yield attributes of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) at Crop Research Centre, Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. This experiment was conducted in randomized block design (factorial) with sixteen treatment combinations replicated thrice using the rice variety “Abhishek” as a test crop which was planted with a spacing of 20 cm row to row, with the seed rate of 40 kg ha-1. The experimental results indicated that higher values of growth parameters viz. Plant height (109cm), tillers/m2 (355), dry matter production (969g/m2) and crop growth rate (12.2g/m2/day) were observed in rice + brown manuring treatment (B2) as compared to rice without brown manuring (B1) at harvest. While among the nutrient levels, treatment F8- 70 kg/ha phosphorous and 50 kg/ha potassium as split recorded significantly higher growth parameters (tillers/m2, dry matter production and crop growth rate), yield attributes (panicles/m2, grains/panicle), grain yield, while remaining at par with treatment F4 -60 kg/ha phosphorous and 50 kg/ha potassium as split. However, the interaction effect of both the factors did not significantly influence any of the parameters. Further the Aerobic rice cultivation save 40-45 per cent of water as compared to low land cultivation of rice.

Iron and Zinc Bio-fortification through Agronomic Intervention in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Essential micronutrients are required for humans to sustain proper physiological body processes and a healthy health condition. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, and iodine, create global health concerns for people. Zinc and iron deficiency are frequent in chickpea growing regions across the world. Bio-fortification of pulse grains, especially with Fe and Zn by agronomic bio-fortification, is the simplest, most practical, and quickest method. During the Rabi season of 2019–20, a field experiment was done at the Bairiya Dhab Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, India, to find out effect on chickpea genotypes when Zn and Fe were added to the soil and the leaves. Two genotypes (GCP-105 and GNG-2264) and seven fertilization treatments (control, 0.5% Zn, 0.5% Fe, soil application of Zn and Fe, 25 and 15 kg/ha, respectively) were used in a split plot design with three replications. The GNG-2264 variety had a significantly higher plant height, yield and yield characteristics, such as number of pods per plant, test weight, seed and straw yield and economics viz. gross return, net return (62860 and 37986 ₹/ha), and B: C ratio (2.52) than GCP-105. Among the fertilization treatments, RDF + Zn (0.5%) and Fe (0.5%) foliar spraying at the pre-flowering and pod development stage recorded significantly higher growth and yield parameters viz., plant height (59.89 cm), number of pods/plant (22.31), seed yield (1283 kg/ha) and straw yields 2433 kg/ha), and quality parameters such as zinc and iron content in seed (31.84 and 17.40 ppm) and straw (72.26, 21.79 ppm, respectively) and economics in term of gross return, net return, and B: C ratio.