Net Realization Research Articles

Performance evaluation of agrivoltaic system for the synergy among greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) production and solar electric power generation

AbstractThe concept of agrivoltaic, combining agriculture and solar photovoltaic system, is ideal for populous countries like India as it provides access to eco‐friendly power and crop production from the same land. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of agrivoltaic systems for different geometry of solar photovoltaic strings and their suitability for agricultural practices for the greengram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) crop under North‐Gujarat agro‐climatic conditions of India. Eight equal‐capacity strings with different geometry were designed to evaluate power generation and crop production beneath the strings. The experiment involved eight strings taken as eight treatments and the traditional system of greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) cultivation practices is taken as the ninth treatment. The greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) was shown and all other cultural practices was kept same upto grain yields. The results revealed that 10.5 feet height string with continuous solar panel pattern) provided the highest gross income (Rs. 24,364.00) from power generation and greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) yield. In terms of net realization, a 6.0‐feet string with continuous solar panel pattern provided the highest net return of Rs. 12,417.00, as the capital cost was less for the system. Treatment‐5, which involved transparent panels, was found to be better for the photosynthesis process of the greengram (V. radiata L. Wilczek) crop, as it provided the highest yield (12.99 kg) under the agrivoltaic system.

A Comparative Study of Spacing and Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield and Economics of Okra

The present investigation was conducted at Horticultural Experimental Farm, B.A.C.A., Anand Agricultural University, Anand in kharif during 2022 and 2023. Ensuring balanced plant nutrients and spacing is essential for achieving optimal okra production. Optimal plant density supports uniform and healthy growth by effectively utilizing moisture, nutrients, and light, thereby maximizing okra yield. Single source of nutrients whether chemical fertilizers, organic manures or biofertilizers that cannot improve production, productivity and soil health. Sowing okra at 60 × 30 cm spacing observed better leaf area (433.06 and 568.01 cm2) and number of nodes per plant (15.57 and 23.46) at 60 and 90 DAS. While, maximum yield per plot (9.20 kg) and yield per hectare (14.19 t) was found in 45 × 30 cm spacing. Application of 25% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost + NPK consortium 1L/ha recorded maximum yield per plot (9.41 kg) and yield per hectare (15.33 t). With respect to treatment combinations, sowing of okra at 60 × 30 cm spacing with application of 25% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost + NPK consortium 1L/ha recorded the highest leaf area (458.88 and 598.27 cm2) at 60 and 90 DAS. However, maximum yield per plot (10.45 kg) and yield per hectare (16.13 t) was found in 45 × 30 cm spacing with application of 25% RDF + 50% RDN through Vermicompost + NPK consortium 1L/ha. On economic point of view, maximum net realization (218555.21 ₹/ha) and BCR (2.11) was obtained in 45 × 30 cm spacing with application of 25% RDF + 50% RDN through FYM + NPK consortium 1L/ha.

Evaluation of INM Practices on Fruit Yield and Quality of Established Mango Orchard

The current study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Saharsa, under the supervision of Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, and ICAR-ATARI (Zone-IV) in fifteen farmers' fields in Bihar's Saharsa district between 2020-21 and 2021-22. Each farmer's field was handled as a single replication. The experimental treatments were distributed in a Randomized Block Design with 15 replications (=15 farmers) and three treatments containing recommended agronomic techniques. According to two years' worth of pooled data, treatment T3 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter + 250 ml PSB) produced the highest fruit length (9.35 cm), fruit width (6.52 cm), fruit volume (213.21 cm3), and fruit weight (225.35 g), as well as yield parameters, such as the highest number of fruits per plant (365.33), fruit yield per plant (91.33 kg), and TSS (18.10°Brix). in this respect, T2 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter) came to the next. Considering the effect of agronomic practices on some chemical properties of soil under trees, T3 (75% RDF + 20 kg Vermicompost + 250 ml Azotobacter + 250 ml PSB per tree) had the highest recorded values of pH (7.4), EC (0.51 dSm-1), Organic Carbon (0.52%), available N (305.21 kg/ha), available P (32.56 kg/ha), and available K (201.33 kg/ha). Also, the maximum soil microbial count of 6.5 × 109 and 7.8 × 109, was recorded. From an economical view point, treatment T3 resulted in the maximum benefit cost ratio (3.01) and the highest net realization (₹.497800) based on fruit yield per hectare.

Nitrogen Management in Kharif Pearlmillet

An experiment was conducted during kharifseason of the years 2021 to 2023 (Three years) at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar having loamy sand soil to study the Nitrogen management in kharif pearlmillet. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and replicated four times with seven treatments. On three years pooled results application of 80 kg N/ha being at par with 75% RDN as chemical fertilizer in addition with 25% RDN through castor cake or vermicompost or FYM recorded significantly higher plant height at 60 DAS, at harvest, length of earhead over rest of treatments. Further, it also significantly increased seed yield (1631 kg/ha) and stover yield (3754 kg/ha). Maximum net realization and benifit : cost ratio (BCR) were registered with application of 80 kg N/ha as chemical fertilizer followed by 75 % RDN as chemical fertilizer + 25 % RDN through castor cake in pooled results. Higher yield and net realization can be secured with the application of either 100% RDN (Recommended Dose of Nitrogen) i.e. 80 kg/ha through chemical fertilizer + 25 % RDN through castor cake or vermicompost (20 kg N/ha) in addtion to recommend dose of phosphourus 40 kg/ha as basal under North Gujarat Agro climatic conditions.

Preceding kharif crops and fertilizer influence on growth, yield and nutrient requirement of succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during 2 consecutive rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) season each of 2020–21 and 2021–22 at C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat to study the effect of preceding kharif crops and fertilizer on growth, yield, economics and nutrient requirement of succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. The experiment was laid out in split plot design comprising of 4 kharif crops, viz. greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.] and fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] as main plots and 5 fertilizer treatments, viz. 100% RDF (120 kg N + 60 kg P2 O5 + 40 kg K2 O/ha); 75% RDF; 50% RDF; 75% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB (phosphate solubilizing bacteria); and 50% RDF + Azotobacter + PSB as sub plots with four replications. Wheat grown after kharif greengram had better growth parameters and yield attributes which was reflected in an increase in grain (4.78 t/ha) and straw (6.41 t/ha) yield of wheat. Among different fertilizer treatments, wheat fertilized with 100% RDF recorded significantly higher grain (4.60 t/ha) and straw yield (6.20 t/ha). Nutrient uptakes by grain and straw increased under wheat grown after greengram and fertilized with 100% RDF. Greengramwheat crop sequence and wheat fertilized with either 100% RDF or 75% RDF along with Azotobacter + PSB seed inoculation earned higher net realization and B:C ratio.

Response of Summer Forage Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Spacing and Seed Rate

A field experiment on “Response of summer forage cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to spacing and seed rate” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, SardarkrushinagarDantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The result revealed that significantly the highest plant height was recorded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Higher numbers of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were observed under the line sowing at 45 cm. Cowpea sown at narrow row line sowing at 30 cm produced significantly the highest green forage and dry forage yield. The maximum net realization and benefit cost ratio were recoded under the line sowing at 30 cm. Seed rate of 50 kg/ha recorded significantly higher plant population and plant height. Higher number of branches per plant and leaf area per plant were recorded with seed rate of 30 kg/ha. Higher green forage and dry forage yield were recorded under seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum net realization was accured with the seed rate of 50 kg/ha. The maximum benefit cost ratio was accured with the seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

Effect of Seed Priming on Fodder Yield of Maize

The study on effect of seed priming on yield and quality of fodder maize was carried out at Main Forage Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during the rabi season 2020-21. The research comprised of ten treatments and four replications, and it was set up in a randomized block design. The results of the experiments revealed that different seed priming treatments failed to create a significant response on plant population per meter row length at 15 DAS, days to 50% flowering, and plant height at 20 DAS. The growth and yield attributes of fodder maize crop viz., periodical plant height at 40 DAS and at harvest, number of leaves per plant, leaf stem ratio, green fodder yield, dry fodder yield, dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and Neutral detergent fiber at harvest were significantly affected by different seed priming treatments and recorded significantly higher in treatment of Seed priming with ZnSO4 @ 0.5% for 6 hrs. and also reported maximum net realization with its BCR.

Effect of Bio-NPK and Organic Manures on Growth, Yield and Economics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis l.) var. Pusa Snowball K 1

The present investigation was carried out on “Effect of Bio-NPK and organic manures on growth, yield and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis l.) var. Pusa Snowball K 1” at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during Rabi season 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with factorial concept with three replication and thirteen treatment combinations comprising of two level of Bio-NPK and six level of organic manures of total 12 combinations. The experiment result revealed that, treatment B1 (seedling dipping with Bio-NPK) was found the most effective treatment which recorded significantly maximum plant height (44.97, 51.74 and 58.16 cm), number of leaves at (10.65, 16.84 and 23.42), N-S plant spread (37.04, 50.67 and 63.88 cm) and E-W plant spread (34.78, 48.79 and 62.26 cm) at 40th, 60th and 80th DAT, respectively, weight of the curd (745.16 gm), diameter of the curd (16.99 cm) and yield per plot (13.46 kg). Treatment of organic manures significantly responded on growth and yield parameters viz., Among all treatment, treatment F3 (100 % RDN through VC) was the most effective treatment which recorded significantly maximum plant height (46.84, 54.42 and 61.00 cm), number of leaves (11.26, 17.66 and 24.19), plant spread N-S (37.58, 52.26 and 65.86), E-W (35.40, 50.05 and 64.25 cm) at 40th, 60th and 80th DAT respectively, weight of the curd (802.41 gm), diameter of the curd (17.69 cm) and yield per plot (14.72 kg). However, based on economics, treatments 75 % RDN through VC + 25 % RDN through FYM gave maximum net realization (197168 ₹ /ha).

Effect of Split Application of Nitrogen Levels in Summer Pearlmillet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat during summer season of 2022 on loamy sand. The experiment comprised of nine treatment combinations. Significantly higher plant height, earhead/plant, length of earhead, girth of earhead, test weight, grain and straw yield as well as protein content were recorded under 120 kg N/ha and application of nitrogen at 25% as basal + 75% as top dressing. The same level of nitrogen along with split application of nitrogen provided maximum net realization value and BCR. Application of 150 kg N/ha and split application of nitrogen 40% as basal + 60% as top dressing were at par with 120 kg N/ha and 25% as basal + 75% as top dressing, respectively.

Effect of Organic Manures and Bioenhancers on Growth and Yield of Kharif Groundnut under Organic Farming

A field experiment on effect of organic manures and bioenhancers on growth and yield of kharif groundnut under organic farming” was conducted at organic unit, Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during kharif 2020. The results of experiment indicated that significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant and pod yield were recorded with the application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha which remained at par with application of FYM @ 5 t/ha. Shelling percentage of groundnut recorded significantly higher with the application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha which was at par with Ghan jivamrut @ 0.25 t/ha + FYM @ 2.5 t/ha. Haulm yield of groundnut recorded significantly the highest with application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha. While in case of application of bioenhancers, significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod yield per plant and pod yield recorded with the application of Panchgavya @ 4 % spray at 25 and 40 DAS which was at par with the Jivamrut @ 500 l/ha. While Rhizobium @ 1 l/ha + PSB @ 1 l/ha was also at par in case of number of pod per plant at harvest. Result showed that among the organic manures, application of vermicompost @ 2 t/ha secured maximum net realization as well as benefit cost ratio. While in case of bioenhancers, application of the Panchgavya @ 4 % spray at 25 and 40 DAS gave maximum net realization and benefit cost ratio.

Response of Intercropping of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)] + Green Gram [Vigna radiata] on Yield and Economics under Sandy Loam Soils of Rajasthan, India

The existing experiment was conducted at MJRPU, Jaipur during 2021-22 season. Nowadays fertility of soil was decreasing day by day so the present investigation was conducted to assess the fertility as well as other effects on growth and yield of both the crops. The experiment was conducted using randomized block design with 10 treatment combination replicated thrice. The treatments were as T1-Pearl millet (drilled) + Green gram (1:1) 45 cm, T2-Pearl millet (drilled) + Green gram (2:1) 45 cm, T3-Pearl millet (drilled) + Green gram (1:2) 30 cm, T4-Pearl millet (drilled) + Green gram (2:2) 30 cm, T5-Pearl millet (T. P.) + Green gram (1:1) 45 cm, T6-Pearl millet (T. P.) + Green gram (2:1) 45 cm, T7-Pearl millet (T. P.) + Green gram (1:2) 30 cm, T8-Pearl millet (T. P.) + Green gram (2:2) 30 cm, T9-Pearl millet sole (drilled) 45 cm and T10-Pearl millet sole (T. P.) 45 cm. From the current examination it can be concluded that higher growth parameters, growth, grain yield, straw yield, and net realization of summer pearl millet could be achieved either sole pearl millet crop when transplanted at 45 cm or 30 cm, or when it is transplanted as an intercrop with green gram at a row ratio of 2:1 of 45 cm or sole pearl millet crop when sown by drill method at 45 cm row spacing. The soil available nitrogen also found non-significant at harvest.

Integrated Weed Management in Summer Sesame (sesumun indicum L.)

A field research was evaluated at the Seed Technology, S. D Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar-385506, Banaskantha (North Gujarat) in the year between summer 2019 to 2021 to study the effect of weed management practices in summer sesamum. Experimental plot was loamy sand in texture with low organic carbon and available N, medium in available P2O5 and high in available K2O.
 Treatments were weed free (IC fb HW at 20 and 40 DAS), weedy control, pendimethalin 30 EC 0.750 kg/ha PE application fb IC+HW at 30 DAS, pendimethalin 30 EC1.0 kg/ha PE application fb IC+HW at 30 DAS, oxadiargyl 6 EC 75 g/ha PE fb IC + HW at 30 DAS, oxadiargyl 6 EC 90 g / ha PE fb IC+HW at 30 DAS, quizalofop-ethyl 5 EC 40 g/ha PoE 20 DAS fb IC+ HW at 40 DAS, quizalofop-ethyl 5 EC 50 g/ha PoE at 20 DAS fb IC+ HW at 40 DAS, pendimethalin 30 EC 0.75 kg/ha PE fb quizalofo-pethyl 5 EC 40 g/ha at 30 DAS and pendimethalin 30 EC 1.0 kg/ha PE fb quizalofop-ethyl 5 EC 40 g/ha at 30 DAS.
 The results revealed that significantly maximum seed yield (0.90 t/ha), stalk yield (2.14 t/ha), number of capsules per plant (73.1) and number of branches per plant (5.2) were obtained under weed free (IC fb HW at 20 and 40 DAS) treatment with maximum net realization (₹52322/ha).
 Minimum weed density at harvest/m2 and weed dry weight/m2 (67.17/m2 and 32.51g/m2) and maximum weed control efficiency (71.62%) were found under weed free (IC fb HW at 20 and 40 DAS).

Assessment of Effect of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization Module on Growth, Yield and Quality of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Quantity of nitrogen and phosphorus assessed for growth, yield and quality of linseed during rabi 2022-23 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S.D.A.U., Sardarkrushinagar. Nine treatment combinations comprising nitrogen (40, 60 and 80 kg N/ha) and phosphorus (30, 40 and 50 kg P2O5/ha) were tested in FRBD and replicated thrice in loamy sand. Significantly higher plant height, branches/plant, capsules/plant, test weight, seed yield (1540 kg/ha), stover yield (2330 kg/ha), oil content in seed, nitrogen (content and uptake), phosphorus uptake by linseed were recorded under 80 kg N/ha. The same treatment gave maximum net realization (Rs.61716/ha) and BCR (2.51). Significantly higher plant height, branches/plant, capsules/plant, test weight, seed yield (1524 kg/ha), stover yield (2297 kg/ha), oil content in seed, nitrogen uptake, phosphorus (content and uptake) by seed and stover recorded under 50 kg P2O5/ha. The same treatment gave maximum net realization (Rs. 59941/ha) and BCR (2.45). Application of 80 kg N/ha and 50 kg P2O5/ha were at par with 60 kg N/ha and 40 kg P2O5/ha, respectively. Based on the result of one year experimentation, it is concluded that to achieve better growth, yield and quality of linseed, it should be fertilized with 60 kg N/ha and 40 kg P2O5/ha.

Sowing Time and Spacing Influenced Yield, Quality and Economics of Bt Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

A field study was conducted in the 2019 kharif season at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, SDAU, SKNagar, Gujarat, India. To investigate that the sowing time and spacing influenced yield, quality and economics of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in loamy sand soil. Twelve treatment combinations were examined, involving three sowing times (T1: 3rd week of May, T2: 1st week of June, T3: 3rd week of June) and four plant spacings (S1: 90 cm × 60 cm, S2: 90 cm × 45 cm, S3: 60 cm × 60 cm, S4: 60 cm × 45 cm). Four replications of a split plot design were used for the experiment. The third week of May was consistently the best time to sow cotton, according to the results, producing the maximum yields of seed cotton and stalk cotton. The quantity of monopodial branches/plant, harvest index and plant population as well as quality parameters such as oil content and ginning percentage were not significantly impacted by sowing time. The 3rd week of May sowing also yielded the highest benefit cost ratio and net realization. In terms of plant spacing, the spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm promoted highest plant population, taller plants and increased yield attributes like the bolls/plant, boll weight and seed cotton yield/plant. The highest seed cotton yield and stalk yield were achieved with this spacing. Harvest index and quality parameters were unaffected by plant spacing. The narrow spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm also resulted in the highest benefit cost ratio and net realization. The interaction effect between sowing time and plant spacing did not significantly influence growth, yield, yield attributes and quality parameters of Bt cotton.

Effect of Seaweed Extracts on the Growth, Flower Yield and Quality of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) C.V. Aditya Birla

An experiment entitled “Effect of seaweed extracts on the growth, flower yield and quality of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis) c.v. Aditya Birla” was conducted to evaluate the response of dahlia to different growth regulators, Kelp @ 2ml and 4 ml and Biovita @ 2ml and 4 ml. Thirteen different treatment combinations were replicated thrice in a Randomized Completely Block Design. The investigation revealed that Biovita was very effective and recorded maximum days to seed germination, plant height, number of leaves, stem diameter, secondary branch number. Leaf area Significant influence of growth regulators was observed on various vegetative parameters. Flower diameter, flower number, diameter and fresh weight increased Significant influence of growth regulators was observed on various foral parameters. Highest flower numbers per plant and flower yield per ha was recorded treatment T11 (4 ml L-1Biovita, 5 days interval). Treatment T11 recorded higher net realization Rs. 506700 which was followed by treatment cost of cultivation with of Rs.170500.. Furthermore, highest Cost benefit ratio was recorded under treatment T11 (1:2.97).

Synergism of Plant Oils with Different Insecticides against Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Hardwick Infesting Chickpea

Background: Gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) Hardwick has developed high level of resistance against so many insecticides due to some operational and biotic factors. The resistance can be managed by many ways among which adding of plant materials in insecticidal solution, which is having a synergistic effect, is one of the better ways to overcome this problem. Methods: In aim to break the resistance of insecticides towards this pest, an experiment was carried out to know the synergistic effect of different plant oils along with different insecticides against pod borer infesting chickpea at Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh (Gujarat) during two consecutive years i.e., 2017-18 and 2018-19. The experiment was laid in randomize block design having nine treatments (two oils and three insecticides) along with control. Result: The results revealed that the minimum (10.98 %) pod damage was observed in the treatment of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006 % + neem oil 0.5% which was found at par with flubendiamide 48 SC 0.015% + neem oil 0.5% (12.04 %). As far as the yield and economic is concern, highest (2634 kg/ha) yield and net realization (57,008 Rs /ha) was recorded in the treatment of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006 % + neem oil 0.5% followed by flubendiamide 48 SC 0.015% + neem oil 0.5% (2432 kg/ha and 45,934 Rs /ha ). The highest (1:10.33) ICBR was obtained in the treatment of chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006 % + neem oil 0.5% followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 0.006 % (1:9.36) and flubendiamide 48 SC 0.015% + neem oil 0.5% (1:7.13).

Combine effects of inorganic and organic nutrient sources on maize–sesame cropping sequence of middle Gujarat

AbstractIncreasing uses of nutrients have played a major role in increasing the food supply to a continually growing world population. However, excessive use of chemical fertilizers results in significant losses, inefficient utilization, and nutritional imbalance. However, poor soil management, inadequate nutrient application, and extreme weather conditions have all contributed to soil degradation. Prudent usage of integrated nutrient management (INM) is the greatest alternative to provide nutrients to crop needs and enhance soil conditions to repair the soil's nutrient depletion. To examine the impact of INM on the yield of rabi maize (Zea mays L.) and its lasting effects on succeeding summer sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under irrigated conditions during 2019–2020 to 2021–2022 at College Agronomy Farm, Bansilal Amrutlal (B. A.) College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, India, a field trial was conducted on loamy sand soil of Agro‐Climatic Zone–XIII, Gujarat Plains, and Hills region, India. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 12 treatments. The improved growth, yield, and protein content of the maize crop were obtained by the application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 25% recommended dose of nutrient (RDN) through vermicompost + nitrogen–phosporus–potassium (NPK) consortium (soil application). In the subsequent sesame crop, residual effects of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through farm yard manure (FYM) + NPK consortium (soil application) together with 50% RDF (50:25:00 NPK kg/ha) were reported, which led to higher crop growth and yield. Under the conditions of middle Gujarat, the application of 75% RDF + 25% RDN through the FYM + NPK consortium (soil application) led to a greater system net realization in the maize–sesame sequence.

Effect of Spacing and Hybrid on Quality of Summer Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under South Gujarat Condition

A field experiment conducted during summer season 2018 on College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari on heavy black soil consisting nine treatments combinations were laid out in Randomized block design with factorial concept with four replications. The results revealed that the highest yield and net return of summer pearl millet was obtained with row spacing 45 × 15 cm or 60 × 15 cm along with hybrid GHB – 732 or GHB –558. Sowing of pearl millet at 45 × 15 cm row spacing showed significantly higher protein yield (508.85 kg/ha), grain yield (4775 kg/ha), straw yield (7828 kg/ha), nutrients uptake by grain and straw and maximum net realization of Rs.81295/ha with BCR of 3.07. The hybrid GHB-732 gave significantly higher protein yield (498.75 kg/ha), grain yield (4579 kg/ha), straw yield (7536 kg/ha), nutrients (N and K) uptake and total uptake by grain and straw and maximum net realization of Rs.77014/ha with highest BCR 2.91.

Development and performance evaluation of picking mechanism for knapsack cotton picker

One of the most significant fibre cash crops in both India and the rest of the world is cotton (Gossypium herbaceum). India is the world’s second-largest cotton producer. Cotton is hand-picked by human labours in India, which is a laborious and time-consuming task. In existing knapsack cotton picker, the cotton quality was compromised due to the impact of the impeller vanes during conveying of picked cotton to collector. Keeping all these aspects in mind, a picking mechanism for knapsack power driven cotton picker was developed with considering the agronomical parameters, functional requirements, engineering requirements and ergonomic aspects. As a power source, a 0.9 kW, 5500 rpm petrol engine was used. The remaining components of the knapsack cotton picker, such as the aspirator, impeller, sucking assembly, collecting sack, mounting frame and so on, were developed according to design specifications. It was evaluated how effectively the knapsack cotton picker performed in terms of picking capacity, picking efficiency, harvesting losses, trash content, the quality of machine-picked cotton, and operation costs. Based on trial results using cotton varieties as GPG-3, a knapsack cotton picker’s picking capacity was determined to be 7.62 kg/ h. The average picking efficiency for cotton picking using a knapsack cotton picker was 95.79%. The harvesting losses and trash content were determined as 4.21% and 8.13%, respectively in case of knapsack cotton picker. The fiber quality in terms of span length, uniformity ratio and strength was not affected by knapsack cotton picker. There was reduction in time requirement and the picking cost by 51.44 and 14.86%, respectively over manual picking method. Cotton picking with a knapsack cotton picker showed a 3.27% increase in overall net realization over manual picking.

Micronutrients enriched organic manure and biofertilizer as influenced on multi-cut fodder oat [Avena sativa (L.)

Micronutrients enriched organic manure and biofertilizer as influenced on multi-cut fodder oat” conducted during rabi 2021-22 at MFRS, AAU, Anand 388110 (Gujarat) with ten different treatments i.e T1 RDF (80-40-0 NPK/ha), T2 (RDF + NPK consortia), T3 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched FYM 0.5 t/ha), T4 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched FYM 1 t/ha), T5 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 0.5 t/ha), T6 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 1 t/ha), T7 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched FYM 0.5 t/ha + NPK consortia), T8 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched FYM 1 t/ha + NPK consortia), T9 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 0.5 t/ha + NPK consortia) and T10 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 1 t/ha + NPK consortia) and an experiment data analysis done with randomized block statistical design having three replications. Plant population, plant height at 20 and 40 DAS, DM% gave non-significant differences due to different treatments. An application of RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 1 t/ha + NPK consortia (T10) gave significantly higher plant height at 1st cut (103.32 cm), 30 days after 1st cut (21.37 cm) and at 2nd cut (37.86 cm) and LSR (2.35 and 0.93 both cuts, respectively). Economical yield at 1st and 2nd cut (430.56 & 358.13 q/ha, respectively) and TGFY yield (788.69 q/ha) was observed higher in treatment T10 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 1 t/ha + NPK consortia). CP % (Crude protein) [11.35 and 11.13 % at 1st and 2nd cut] was noted higher treatment T10 and T8, respectively) whereas DMY (Dry matter yield) (63.48, 78.60, and 142.06 q/ha at 1st and 2nd cut and total DMY, respectively) and CPY (Crude protein yield) (7.22, 8.57, 15.76 q/ha at 1st and 2nd cut and total DMY, respectively) by application of RDF + Micronutrients Enriched VC 1 t/ha + NPK consortia (T10). Lower ADF content (29.91 %) was reported in treatment T8 (RDF + Micronutrients Enriched FYM 1 t/ha + NPK consortia) at 1st cut, whereas the response of treatment on fodder oat was found to be non-significant in the case of ADF content in 2nd cut and NDF content in both cuts. Higher gross income (157740 `/ha), and net realization (94887 `/ha) with 2.51 BCR were also reported with T10, while treatment T2 (RDF + NPK consortia) reported a higher BCR of 3.14.