Randomized Block Design Research Articles

Assessment of BxN Hybrids for Fodder Productivity in South Gujarat, India

A field experiment was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bharuch, Gujarat to evaluate eight Bajra x Napier (BxN) hybrids viz. BNH-10, BNH-11, CO-5, CO-6, DHN-5, DHN-15, Phule Jaywant, and Phule Gunwant for their fodder yield potentials and quality parameters over three years (2021-2024). A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications was employed for the experiment. The pooled results of three years revealed that significant variations were observed in hybrids investigated. The hybrid BNH-11 consistently and significantly outperformed other tested hybrids, demonstrating superior performance across multiple parameters, including plant height (143.25 cm), tillers per plant (26), leaf-to-stem ratio (1.14), green fodder yield (207.05 MT ha⁻¹), dry matter yield (80.36 MT ha⁻¹) and crude protein yield (6.06 MT ha⁻¹). Phule Gunwant closely followed BNH-11, performing on par across all evaluated parameters. These findings indicate that BxN hybrids exhibit substantial potential for fodder production, supporting their use in sustainable livestock farming systems in the region.

Growth of Indigofera zolingeriana with differences in source of cuttings and planting media

This study investigates the effect of different cutting types and planting media on the growth of Indigofera zollingeriana, a valuable forage crop. The research used a factorial randomized block design (2 x 2) with 40 experimental units. The treatments included two cutting sources—stem cuttings (A1) and shoot cuttings (A2)—and two planting media—natural soil (B1) and natural soil supplemented with liquid organic fertilizer from rabbit urine (B2). Growth parameters such as the number of leaves, plant height, and stem diameter were measured. The results indicate that cutting type significantly affects leaf production, with shoot cuttings (A2) producing a higher number of leaves than stem cuttings (A1) (P<0.05). However, the planting media and its interaction with the cutting type had no significant impact on plant height and stem diameter (P>0.05). These findings suggest that using shoot cuttings could enhance the propagation and growth of Indigofera zollingeriana for sustainable forage production. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of organic fertilizer on biomass yield.

Assessment of Nitrogen Volatilization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Urea with N-stabilizer in a Productive Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Nitrogen fertilization plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth. However, nitrogen in the soil can be lost through rainwater leaching. To address this issue, the concept of fertilizing N-stabilizer-coated urea was proposed. The aim is to reduce nitrogen loss on the field due to vaporization and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this N-stabilizer-coated urea in reducing nitrogen loss through vaporization, improving GHG emissions, and its impact on plant growth and leaf quality. The research was conducted at IPB-Cargill Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, oil palm education and research station from August 2021 to March 2022. The experimental design employed a completely randomized block design. The fertilizer treatments included four types of nitrogen fertilizers: urea (46% N), coated urea with N-stabilizer (46% N), ZA (21% N), and NPK (15-15-15, 15% N). Additionally, a control treatment without any fertilizer application was included. All treatments were replicated three times. Data analysis was done using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) 9.0 program. The F-test was conducted, followed by DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) advanced tests at a 5% error level. The results revealed that urea with N-stabilizer fertilization significantly reduced NH3-vaporization by 53% in the first week compared to the application of normal urea. NH3-vaporization level from ZA and NPK was < 1% compared to urea application. Field application of urea with N-stabilizer showed no significant difference in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) compared to the other nitrogen fertilizer types. The GHG values ranged from 7.10 to 7.29 g CO2-e.m-2 per day. The use of N-stabilizer-coated urea could be an effective approach to minimize nitrogen loss through vaporization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining comparable results to other nitrogen fertilizer types in terms of GHG emissions on the field.

Maize crop performance on different Agricultural Production Systems and co-inoculation with A. brasilense and T. asperellum

Considering the increasing global population and demand for food, it is crucial to adopt agricultural practices that ensure both food security and environmental preservation. In this context, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ICLF) have emerged as promising strategies for sustainable productive intensification. This research aimed to determine the effects of inoculating Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma asperellum on maize crops (Zea mays L.) grown in monocropping and ICLF systems. A complete randomized block design was performed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replications. The crop systems included maize monocrop (C), crop-livestock (CL), crop-forest (CF), and crop-livestock-forest (CLF). Concomitantly, the co-inoculation (A. brasilense + T. asperellum) was compared to the control management (with no PGPM). CL and C systems with co-inoculation showed the highest yields, while the CF and CLF systems, which include the arboreal component, showed lower yields because of tree shading. CL + co-inoculation treatment was the most significant with increases of 17.14% in shoot dry mass, 43% in 1000-grain weight, and 9.56% in yield (t ha-1) compared to the C + control treatment. Additionally, the CL + co-inoculation treatment overcame the CLF + control by 136.63% in yield. Results indicate that the PGPM co-inoculation in maize within the CL system is an effective strategy for optimizing crop production.

Assessment of Fuel Wood Consumption and Its Effect on Forest Depletion in Dry Deciduous Forest of Haliyal Taluk, Uttar Kannada District, India

Forest plays a significant role in extending wood and non-wood resources around the world, Forests provide ecosystem services, such as timber, food, fuel, fodder, non-wood products and shelter, which are essential for human well-being. However the increasing demand and pressure on forest resources majorly like fuel wood lead to degradation of forests. Hence it is important to assess the fuel wood consumption pattern and its impact on the forest for sustainable management of resources. In the present study, Haliyal taluk was selected, the area which is under rapid urbanization, surrounded by dry deciduous forest and the people living in that area depend on forest for fuel wood consumption. The study examined fuel wood collection among different farmer categories: large, medium, small, and landless. Results from the semi structured questioner survey revealed that medium farmers collected the most fuel wood. The total fuel wood consumption in Haliyal taluk was 5232.2 tonnes, with an average household consumption of 2.60 quintals of fuel wood per year. Major preferred tree species for fuel wood were Xylia xylocarpa, Terminalia tomentosa and Lagerstroemia lanceolata, which are valued for their high energy content, favourable burning characteristics and availability. For estimation of forest degradation Randomized Block Design was used and the study classified the forest vegetation into four crown density classes: Very Dense Forest (T1), Moderately Dense Forest (T2), Open Forest (T3), and Scrub (T4). Data was collected from 20 plots (20 x 20 m each) across these classes to measure forest depletion. The results showed that statistically significant differences in degradation levels, with the highest depletion (31.56 m³/ha) in very dense forests followed by moderate depletion (6.75 m³/ha) in moderately dense forests and the lowest (2.4 m³/ha) in scrub forests. This pattern reflects greater anthropogenic pressures and higher fuel wood availability in more dense forest types.

Impact of Plant Spacing and Fertilization Dose on the Growth and Yield Traits of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan

This study examines the impact of plant spacing and nitrogen fertilization doses on the growth and yield traits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) in Sudan. Using a factorial experiment within a completely randomized block design, the research explored four spacing levels within raw, S1, S2, S3, and S4 (20, 25, 30, and 35 cm, respectively) and four nitrogen fertilizer doses, Ur1, Ur2, Ur3 and Ur4 (60, 80, 100, and 120 kg.ha-1 , respectively). Key metrics were measured: plant height, number of leaves, number of nodes, pod length, fresh weight, and seed count per pod. The results, analyzed via OPSTAT statistical software and ANOVA, indicated that a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing combined with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 significantly optimized growth parameters and yield components. Specifically, this combination resulted in the tallest plants (15.50 cm), the highest number of leaves (7.30), nodes (7.30), and greater fresh pod weight (7.69 g) and length (5.50 cm). Significant interaction effects between spacing and fertilizer doses were observed across all parameters at a 5% confidence level. The study recommends a 60 cm × 30 cm spacing with a nitrogen dose of 60 kg.ha-1 to maximize okra growth, yield, and quality in Sudan's agroecological zones, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced productivity. These findings can be directly applied to optimize okra production in Sudan, contributing to the country's agricultural sustainability.

Evaluating the Influence of Legume and Cereal Intercropping on Bt Cotton Traits in Rainfed Conditions

This study investigates how various intercropping systems involving cereals and legumes affect the phenotypic characteristics of Bt cotton. Understanding that intercropping can improve agricultural sustainability and production, we grew Bt cotton alongside various cereal and leguminous crops in several field tests. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different cotton based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions on important phenotypic characteristics of cotton, including dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR) and boll weight in black calcareous soil under rainfed conditions. The experiment conducted at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh, Gujarat during kharif 2022-23 and 2023-24 with randomized block design with fifteen treatments, involving sole and intercropping systems of groundnut, sunflower, pearl millet, maize and soybean with cotton in 1:1 row proportion. According to our research, intercropping legumes like green gram, black gram and groundnut significantly improved cotton phenotypic characteristics as compare to other intercropping systems by increasing soil fertility and lowering insect burden. Dry matter per plant at 60, 90 DAS, at harvest and average boll weight were found significantly higher under sole cotton except 30 DAS during both the years of experimentation and in pooled results. Among different intercropping systems, the cotton + green gram (T14) intercropping recorded the highest dry matter, CGR and average boll weight while the lowest was recorded with the cotton + maize (T12) intercropping system. Overall, the findings show that while cereal-based systems necessitate careful management to balance competition and resource consumption, incorporating legumes into Bt cotton agriculture can provide significant agronomic benefits, including higher growth and yield. This study emphasises how crucial it is to choose the right intercrops in order to maximise the productivity and efficiency of Bt cotton systems.

Assessment of Different Nutrient Combination on the Performance of Maize (Zea mays L) in North Indian Plains

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2023 at the Agriculture Research Farm, Graphic Era Hill University, Uttarakhand. Surface soil (0-15 cm) of the experiment field was sandy loam in texture, low organic carbon (0.39%), medium in available nitrogen (157 kg h-1), medium in available phosphorus (15.5 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (112.6 kg ha-1) with neutral soil reaction (pH 7.4). The experiment consisted of eleven treatments viz., 100% NPK (T1), 100% N (T2), 100% P (T3), 100% K (T4), 100% NP (T5), 100% NK (T6), 100% PK (T7), 100% NPK + VC 5 t ha -1 (T8), 100% + Azotobactor (T9), 100% + VC 5 t ha -1 + Azotobactor (T10), Control (T11). Each treatment was replicated thrice and constituted total of 33 plots. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD). The variety used for the field experiment was K-55. The results of the field experiment reported that the effect of different treatments was significant on growth and productivity of maize. Significantly higher emergence count m-2 (9 m-2) of maize was obtained with the application of 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10). Maximum plant height (102.07 cm, 155.02 cm and 225.87 cm) was observed under treatment 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10) at 30, 45 and 60 days of sowing, respectively. It also produced highest dry matter m-2 (556.56 g, 1023.20 g, and 2062.00 g, respectively at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS). Application of vermicompost along with Azotobacter and chemical fertilizer produced maximum number of leaves per plant (4.05, 8.87 and 14.20 at 30 DAS, 45 DAS and 60 DAS, respectively). Application of 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10) resulted in significant improvement in yield attributes and yield of maize compared to other treatments. The maximum grain yield (59.93 q ha-1) and straw yield (69.90q ha-1) was produced under 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha-1 + Azotobacter (T10). Moreover, adoption of different nutrient combinations resulted in improving the economic status of the farmer. Significantly higher B: C ratio of 1.90 was recorded for 100% NPK + VC @ 5t ha -1 + Azotobacter (T10) and it was 14.45 % higher than that for 100 % NPK (T1). Hence, it is concluded that application of 100% NPK + VC 5 t ha -1 + Azotobacter exhibited higher growth and yield along with B: C ratio.

Assessment of Combining Ability for Yield and Associated Traits in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The study was carried out at the Oilseeds Research Station, Latur. During kharif 2023, crosses were produced and during Rabi 2023–24, evaluation was conducted to assess the combining ability for seed yield and component traits in parents and hybrids in sunflower. In this study, 48 F1 hybrids were produced through Line x Tester mating design during Kharif 2023 using six CMS lines (DSF-2 A, CMS 148A, CMS 47A, CMS 597A, CMS 103A, CMS 112A) and eight testers (RHA-1055, EC-601951-1, EC-601924, R-274, LTRR-341, AKSF-15R, BK-R-1, R-856). These hybrids were assessed using a Randomized Block Design with two replications at the Oilseeds Research Station in Latur during Rabi 2023–24, together with their 14 parent lines and two commercial checks (LSFH-171 and KBSH-44). The observations were recorded on five randomly selected plants and the average value of these data was calculated for ten quantitative attributes. The analysis of combining ability (GCA and SCA) effect was came out by using the Line x Tester analysis method suggested by Kempthorne [1]. The significance of GCA and SCA effects was determined at the 0.05 and 0.01 level using the t-test [2]. All characteristics had substantial significant variance due to line x tester effects. The existence of non-additive gene action for days to maturity, head diameter, seed filling, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant were recorded. The per cent contribution of testers towards total variance was greater than lines for all the characters except plant height. Among the parents, two lines CMS-597 A and CMS-47 A and four testers RHA-1055, EC-601924, R-274 and AKSF-15R were found to be superior general combiners for seed yield per plant and most of the yield contributing traits. On the basis of mean performance, SCA effects of crosses and GCA effects of the parents, the crosses viz., CMS-112 A x AKSF-15R, CMS-148 A x RHA-1055, CMS-597 A x R-856, CMS-47 A x R-274, CMS-597 A x LTRR-341, CMS-112 A x EC-601924 and CMS-597 A x EC-601951-1 recorded high SCA effect with low x high, low x high and high x high GCA status of parents for seed yield per plant.

Azolla Liquid Fertilizer (Azolla pinnata) And Chicken Manure Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Shallots

This study aims to see the effect of giving Azolla liquid organic fertilizer and chicken manure on the growth and yield of shallots. The research method used a factorial Randomized Block Design (RAK) consisting of 2 factors with 16 combinations and 3 blocks. The first factor is the provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 ml / l water / m2, 200 ml / l water / m2, 400 ml / l water / m2, 600 ml / l water / m2. The second factor is the provision of chicken manure consisting of 4 levels, namely 0 kg / m2, 0.5 kg / m2, 1.0 kg / m2 and 1.5 kg / m2. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer has a significant effect on the parameters of the number of tillers, the number / plant, the wet weight of bulbs / plant, the dry weight of bulbs / plant. The provision of azolla liquid organic fertilizer 600 ml / liter of water / m2 gave the best effect on all observation parameters. The provision of chicken manure gave a significant effect on the parameters of plant height, number of leaves, number of shoots, number of bulbs/ plant, wet weight of bulbs/plant, dry weight of bulbs/plant. The dose of chicken manure of 1.5 kg/m2 showed the best effect for all observation parameters. The interaction between the provision of liquid organic fertilizer azolla and chicken manure did not differ significantly in all treatments. Keywords: Azolla, Chicken Manure, Red Onion

Effect of Foliar Application of Humic Acid on Vegetative Growth Attributes of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels.) cv. Goma Priyanka

A field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry in Jhalarapatan, Jhalawar during 2021-22 and 2022-23 with the object of assessing the response of foliar application of humic acid on growth attributes of Jamun (Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels) cv. Goma Priyanka. The experiment comprised of 4 treatment combinations in randomized block design with three replications consisted of HA0: [Control], HA1: [1000ppm humic acid], HA2: [2000 ppm humic acid], and HA3: [3000 ppm humic acid]. On the basis of the results emanated from present investigation, it could be concluded that foliar application of humic acid HA3 (3000 ppm) was significantly superior plant growth parameters viz. rootstock girth, scion girth, plant height, canopy volume, canopy spread E-W, N-S, of Jamun cv. Goma Priyanka plants.

Evaluation of Red Skinned Advance Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Clones for Tuber Yield and Yield Parameters in Eastern Indo-gangetic Plains of India

Potato is a very important tuber crop used as staple vegetable in almost every household. India ranks second in potato production after China. The production of potato increased significantly during last six decades. There is remarkable increase in potato yield and production during last decade 1.10 and 5.98% per annum respectively at national level (Rani & Prasoon, 2013). The important yield and yield attributing traits are plant emergence (%), number of tubers/plots, tuber yield/plot and tuber dry matter (%). The present experiment was conducted at experimental field of ICAR- Central Potato Research Institute Regional Station Patna, Bihar. In this experiment data were recorded for plant emergence (%), seed wt (t/ha), foliage senescence (%), total and marketable tuber yield (t/ha), dry matter content in percentage (tuber), late blight (%), leaf spot disease (%) during 75- and 90-days crop. The trial was conducted in randomized block design with three replications to evaluate nine advance clones namely MS/11-664, MS/13-527, MS/14-1381, MSP/16-307, MSP/16-375, PS/11-47, PS/13-45, CP-4409 and Memphis along with seven potato varieties Kufri Khyati, Kufri Lalima, Kufri Lalit, Kufri Manik, Kufri Mohan, Kufri Pukhraj and K Neelkanth as controls during 2020-21 & 2021-22. The advance clones PS/13-45 (36.97t/ha), PS/11-47 (35.87t/ha), MS/11-664 (35.39t/ha) were good candidates for future new potato varieties in Eastern Indo Gangetic plains of India.

Jerusalem Artichoke: Nitrogen Fertilization Strategy and Energy Balance in the Production Technology of Aerial Biomass

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is a plant with considerable potential for energy generation due to its rapid growth, high biomass yield, and resistance to environmental stresses. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the nitrogen fertilization strategy on the yield and energy balance in the production technology of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) in a perennial cropping system. The article presents the results of a three-year experiment which was conducted in Poland to determine the effect of different N rates (0, 50, 75, and 100 kg ha−1) supplied with mineral fertilizers and liquid digestate on the energy balance in the production of JA aerial biomass. The experiment had a randomized block design with three replications. The demand for energy in JA cultivation reached 16.2–26.3 (year 1) and 2.9–14.6 GJ ha−1 (years 2 and 3). Energy inputs in the cultivation technology were reduced by 17–19% (year 1) and 35–47% (years 2 and 3) when mineral fertilizers were replaced with digestate. Jerusalem artichoke yields were lowest in the technology without fertilization (12.5 Mg ha−1 DM). Dry matter yield increased significantly (by 43–55%) after the application of 75 kg N ha−1, regardless of fertilizer type. The energy output of biomass peaked (230.1 GJ ha−1) in response to a mineral fertilizer rate of 75 kg N ha−1. In turn, the highest energy gain (218.5 GJ ha−1) was noted after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha–1. The energy efficiency ratio was highest in the technology without fertilization (20.1) and after the application of digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1 (19.7). Regardless of the factors that limit agricultural production, the energy balance of JA biomass production was most favorable when JA was fertilized with digestate at a rate equivalent to 75 kg N ha−1. The results of this study may pave the way for future research on novel agronomic strategies for sustainable bioenergy production, including nutrient recycling.

Nutrient Management with Nitrogen Based Formulations for Enhancing Growth and Yield in Fodder Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench

Fertilizers play a vital role in agricultural practices by boosting crop yield. Among various nutrient application methods, foliar application is one of the cost - effective method which allow rapid and efficient nutrient absorption through the stomata or cuticle, and subsequently into the cells. Applying nutrients through foliage offers several benefits, such as rapid nutrient absorption by plant tissues, improved transport to developing plant parts, elimination of leaching and fixation losses, regulated nutrient uptake by crops and enhanced nutrient utilization. Timely foliar application of nano fertilizers enhances crop output while reducing environmental risks. The current study aimed to evaluate the different concentrations of nano urea on growth and yield of fodder sorghum. The study was conducted at Instructional Farm, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during December 2023- February 2024. The field experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments, replicated thrice. The treatments were T1:75% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + nano urea (0.2%); T2:75% RDN+ nano urea (0.4%); T3:75% RDN + nano urea (0.6%);T4:100% RDN + nano urea (0.2%); T5:100% RDN + nano urea (0.4%); T6:100% RDN + nano urea (0.6%); T7:75% RDN + urea spray (2%); T8:100% RDN + urea spray (2%); T9: nano urea alone (0.2%); T10: nano urea alone (0.4%); T11: nano urea alone (0.6%); T12: KAU POP and T13: Control (without nitrogen). Both nano urea and urea spray were applied at 20 DAS and 40 DAS. Soil application of nitrogen was applied in three splits - 50% as basal, 25% at 20 DAS and 25% at 40 DAS. Full P and K were applied as basal. The study revealed that combined application of RDN along with nano urea 0.4% proved its superiority by registering higher growth and yield attributes such as plant height, stem girth, leaf: stem ratio, green fodder yield and dry fodder yield.

Performance of Holstein dairy cows fed a diet supplemented with rosemary and ginger essential oils: milk production, milk fatty acid, and ruminal fermentation

Abstract The study determined the impact of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Zingiberene officinalis essential oil (EO) on milk yield, composition, milk fatty acids profile, blood biochemicals, and rumen fermentation in dairy cows. Twenty-eight Holstein lactating cows were distributed into four groups using a completely randomized block design in a 70-d experiment. The control diet consisted of 13 kg of concentrate and 40 kg of fresh berseem clover per head per day, without supplementation. In the other treatments, the control diet was supplemented with 10 mL of EO per head per day, using either ginger EO (GEO treatment), rosemary (REO treatment) EO or a blend of both at a 1:1 v/v ratio (BEO treatment). Supplementation did not affect intake, milk production, or composition. Omega-n3 and omega-n5 were increased with REO (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Both REO and BEO decreased (p = 0.003) serum globulin and increased (p < 0.005) albumin to globulin ratio, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total lipid. Serum total antioxidant capacity was increased (p ˂ 0.001) with the supplementation, without affecting glucose, total protein, albumin, serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and urea concentrations. In conclusion, supplementing Holstein dairy cows with GEO and/ or REO increased the level of omega-3 and omega-5 fatty acids while reduced saturated fatty acids in milk, without affecting feed intake, milk production or milk composition.

Technical and Economic Assessment of Tomato Cultivation Through a Macro-Tunnel Production System with the Application of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Bacterial inoculants hold promise for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of tomato cultivation in macro-tunnel systems. This study aimed to evaluate the technical and economic viability of applying Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus to tomato production. The separate addition of native G. diazotrophicus GIBI025 and GIBI029 isolates and a commercial inoculant containing Azotobacter chrococcum and Azospirillium sp. was evaluated at a rate of 1 × 108 CFU·mL−1 without nitrogen addition. Conventional fertilization treatment with no bacteria added and 100%-nitrogen fertilization relative to crop requirements (added as MAP and urea) was also assessed. The treatments were evaluated within the macro-tunnel production system. The experiment utilized a completely randomized block design with four replications per treatment, and each experimental unit consisted of 20 plants. The yield (kg·ha−1) was calculated and economic assessment was performed. The results show that native G. diazotrophicus isolates in tomato cultivation under the macro-tunnel production system improved its economic viability, achieving yields up to 95,501 kg·ha−1 without the addition of nitrogenous fertilizers. This research reveals benefit–cost ratios achieving 1.57 and net incomes reaching 16,707 US dollars per hectare. This work demonstrated that the native isolates assessed may be used in the pursuit of more integrated, sustainable, and competitive cultural practices.

Effect of Different Fertilizers and Approaches on Nutrient Use Efficiency and Economics of Aerobic Rice Under Rice-Cowpea Cropping Sequence in Ecological Conditions of Karnataka, India

At the University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, a field experiment was conducted in 2015-16 and 2016-17 to examine the impact of fertigation on the yield, nutrient usage efficiency, and economics of aerobic rice in an aerobic rice–cowpea cropping sequence. In a randomized block design, hybrid rice was tested in aerobic conditions with 16 treatments that were reproduced three times. The results indicated that significantly higher grain (62.98 q ha-1) and straw (85.26 q ha-1) yield of rice was recorded in 100% STCR dose through WSF at 8 DI. Similarly higher NRn (3.50 kg q-1) and NRp (0.86 kg q-1) of grain production in 100% STCR dose with WSF at 8 DI on contrary, higher NRk of 2.27 kg q-1 was noticed in 100% STCR with WSF at 4 DI. While higher AUE-N (32.51 kg kg-1), AUE-P (65.02 kg kg-1) and AUE-K (65.02 kg kg-1) were recorded in 30% RDF with WSF at 8 DI. The higher ACRE-N (78.60 %) was recorded with 100% RDF with WSF at 8 DI and higher ACRE-P (44.40%) was recorded with 30% RDF with WSF at 8 DI. Notably higher ACRE-K (132.51%) was recorded in 30% STCR with WSF at 8 DI. However, supplement of 30% STCR dose with WSF at 8 DI obtained notably higher IUE-N (35.05 kg kg-1), IUE-P (163.27 kg kg-1) and IUE-K ( 60.11 kg kg-1). Significantly higher PFP-N, P and K (261.23, 522.46 and 522.46, respectively) were recorded in 30% RDF with WSF at 8 DI. Among all treatments, 100% RDF through CF at 4 DI found significantly higher B: C ratio (2.74) during both years of pooled data.

Selection of rice genotypes based on agronomic traits and commercial grain quality

The study aimed to select rice genotypes based on agronomic traits and commercial grain quality. The study was carried out in the 2014/15 and 2015/16 harvests in eight growing environments, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fourteen rice genotypes were sown in each environment. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four replications. The following agronomic traits were evaluated: number of days to flowering and grain yield as well as commercial grain quality traits: percentage of whole grains and percentage of chalky area in the grains. AMMI, GGE and MGIDI methodologies were used to select the best performing genotypes. Using the AMMI, GGE and MGDI methods, genotypes G9 and G1 performed close to the ideal ideotype for the number of days to grain flowering, yield and quality.

Study on performance of cabbage (Brassica oleraceae var. capitata L.) under different production systems

Coimbatore is located in the western part of Tamil Nadu and nestled against the foothills of the Western Ghats. This region's cool climate and favourable terrain make it ideal for cultivating hill vegetables. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) is a significant cole crop known for its high nutritional value. Excessive chemical usage in cabbage cultivation leads to residual effects on soil and produce. This study aimed to identify the best production system for cabbage cultivation in the northwestern parts of Tamil Nadu. An experiment was conducted during the winter season of 2023-2024 at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with four treatments and five replications. The organic farming system exhibited the highest values for plant height (21.47 cm), stalk length (8.49 cm), dry matter accumulation (71.34 g per plant), days to head formation (18.75 days), days to harvest (56.25 days), head diameter (17.70 cm), head compactness (33.91), head weight (945.35 g per plant) and cabbage yield (24.92 t ha-1), surpassing both conventional and natural farming systems. A similar pattern was observed in quality parameters, including TSS (6.54 °Brix), shelf life (12.21 days) and ascorbic acid content (44.26 mg per 100 g). This study highlights an efficient cabbage cultivation system in the Coimbatore region, leading to improved yield, soil health and quality.

Sources and doses of biofertilizers in soybean and corn crops

The application of humic substances (SHs) can provide numerous benefits to the soil-plant system, such as greater absorption of nutrients and greater plant growth, resulting in productivity gains in several crops. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the growth attributes, nutritional aspects and yield, as well as the chemical attributes of the soil after harvest, as a function of the application of biofertilizers containing fulvic and humic acids in the sowing furrow for soybean crops. and corn. The experiments were carried out in the municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais, in a randomized block design, in a 4x3+1 factorial structure, with four replications. The first factor formed by four sources of biofertilizers (Biof. 1, Biof. 2, Biof. 3 and Biof. 4), the second factor composed of three doses (2, 4 and 6 L ha-1), and the additional treatment as a control, totaling 13 treatments. Different results were observed between the sources and doses evaluated. For corn, biofertilizers affected the uptake of N, K, S and B and plant growth, as well as the P and Ca content in the soil, however, they did not affect the crop yield. For the soybean crop, the biofertilizers provided an increase in the absorption of N, S and Mg and an increase in the phosphorus content in the soil; however, they did not interfere in the variables of growth and crop yield. The long-term use of biofertilizers containing SHs can contribute to building soil fertility, and provide improvements to plant development and productivity.