Application Of Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

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.

Effect of foliar supplementation of water soluble fertilizer on growth, yield and economics of wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2015-16 at Agronomy Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, to evaluate the effects of foliar application of water soluble fertilizers on growth, yield attributes and yield of wheat. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, low in available nitrogen (131.3 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (17.2 kg ha-1), and high in available potassium (335.4 kg ha-1). The soil was alkaline in reaction (pH 7.8). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 17 treatments having three replications. The treatments comprising two fertilizers level i.e., Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (150 kg N + 60 kg P2O5 + 60 kg K2O ha-1) and 75% of RDF and supplemented with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers viz. Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5%, NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5%, ZnSO4 @ 0.5% and Urea 2% at different stages. One treatment was control where no fertilizer applied. Growth parameters viz, plant height, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and leaf area index were increased with T9 i.e., RDF along with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% at 40 DAS followed by Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% at 65 DAS. Among treatments, application of RDF along with foliar application of water soluble fertilizers NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% at 40 DAS followed by Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% at 65 DAS exhibited the highest values of yield attributes, viz. effective tillers/ meter row length (mrl), number of spikeletes/spike, number of grains/spike and 1000-grains weight which led to the highest grain yield (6220 kg ha-1) However, alternate application of NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% and Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% or vice versa produced statistically similar grain yield of wheat at the same level of fertilizer application. RDF or 75% RDF along with foliar application of NPK (18:18:18) @ 1.5% was slightly superior as compared to RDF or 75% RDF along with foliar application of Urea phosphate (17:44) @ 1.5% irrespective of time of application.

Comparison of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars for productivity and nitrogen-use efficiency under different fertilizer levels in rainfed condition

Response of 9 sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars, viz. 4 hybrids (‘SPH 1820’, ‘SPH 1849’, ‘CSH 25’, ‘CSH 30’) and 5 improved varieties (‘SPV 2433’, ‘SPV 2437’, ‘SPV 2438’, ‘CSV 27’ and ‘CSV 31’), to 3 fertility levels [75, 100 and 125 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)] under rainfed conditions was studied during the rainy (kharif), season of 2018 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, comprising 27 treatment combinations, each replicated thrice. Results revealed that, fertilization with 125% RDF recorded significantly higher plant height (249.42 cm), dry- matter accumulation pea plant (164.43 g) at harvesting, yield-attributing characters, grain and stover yields (4.06 and 11.12 t/ha respectively) and N-use efficiency than 100% RDF and 75% RDF. Among the hybrids, ‘SPH 1849’ gave the highest grain yield (4.85 t/ha) and among the varieties ‘CSV 31’ showed the highest grain yield (4.08 t/ha). Thus, sorghum genotype ‘SPH 1849’ with 125% RDF application (100 kg N + 50 kg P2 O5 + 50 kg K2 O/ha) showed better performance under rainfed condition in southern Rajasthan.

Fertilizer management and incorporation of legumes on performance of maize (Zea mays L.) in western hills of Nepal

One of the main obstacles limiting the production of the improved potential crops in Nepal is the low and diminishing productivity of soils. There is a need to take urgent measures to establish good agricultural management practices that check the rate of deterioration and build up soil fertility, In this regard, an experiment was conducted to determine the rotational effect of legumes and nutrient management on performance of maize at Horticulture Research Station (HRS), Dailekh, Nepal during 2018 and 2019. The experiment was laid out in split plot design which consists 4 cropping systems: fallow–maize, lentil-maize, chickpea–maize and field pea–maize as main plot and 4 combinations of manures and fertilizers: control, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Farmyard Manure (FYM), and RDF (50%) + FYM (50%) as sub-plot which were replicated three times. The highest grain yield of 1598 kg ha−1 was obtained from field pea followed by 1388 kg ha−1 in chickpea and 1151 kg/ha in lentil and significantly higher grain yield of 1707 kg ha−1 was obtained from the application of FYM alone. Results obtained showed that yield of maize was increased by 28.8%, 13.5% and 12.7% by use of legumes: chickpea, lentil and field pea, respectively as rotational crop over fallow-maize cropping system. Similarly, the data revealed that significantly higher growth characters of maize were recorded from application of RDF followed by combination of RDF plus FYM. The grain yield of maize was increased by 68.4%, 38.5% and 16.4% from the application of RDF, RDF plus FYM and FYM alone, respectively over control plots. The incorporation of grain legumes like chickpea, lentil and field pea can be effective as rotational crop with maize and application of organic and inorganic fertilizer increase productivity of legumes as well as maize which make viable alternative to agricultural sustainability.

Influence of biostimulants on growth and productivity of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) genotypes

A field experiment was carried out at AHRS, Bavikere, Karnataka during late kharif season of 2021to find out the “Influence of biostimulants on growth and productivity of foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) genotypes’’. The field trial was laid out in split plot design with 12 treatment combinations. The study involves three genotypes in the main plot viz., SiA-3156 (G1), HMT-100-1 (G2) and DHFt-109-3 (G3). Foliar application of biostimulants in sub plots viz., 0.1 % humic acid (F1), 3 % panchagavya (F2), 0.1 % humic acid and 3 %panchagavya (F3) at 30 and 60 days after sowing (DAS) and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control (F4). Genotypes and Foliar application of biostimulants exhibited significant variation in growth and yield components of foxtail millet. Among the different genotypes, HMT-100-1 recorded significantly higher plant height (142.00 cm), number of tillers per meter (81.87) and leaf area (18.40 dm2/plant) at harvest and also yield components like panicle length (16.60 cm), grain weight per panicle (4.02 g) and grain yield (1701.0 kg/ha) compared to DHFt-109-3 and SiA -3156. In biostimulants, Foliar application of 0.1 % humic acid and 3 % panchagavya recorded significantly higher plant height (142.32 cm), number of tillers per metre (83.75) and leaf area (18.51 dm2/plant) at harvest and also yield components like panicle length (16.99 cm), grain weight per panicle (4.33 g) and grain yield (1781.2 kg/ha). While, they were found to be at their lowest with application of RDF alone. Interaction between genotypes and biostimulants was also found to be significant in which combination of HMT-100-1 with foliar application of 0.1 % humic acid and 3 %panchagavya recorded significantly higher growth and yield compared to other treatment combinations.

Effect of Different Rate and Time of Application of Slag based Gypsum on Nutrient Use Efficiency, Quality and Yield of Groundnut

Background: Slag based gypsum (SBG) is a value-added product of iron and steel industry. Application of gypsum as source of calcium and sulphur for groundnut cultivation is common practice and mainly applied during peg initiation stage of groundnut. However, its effect is mainly influenced by the type of soil and dissolution of gypsum, which facilitates the yield and quality of groundnut. Hence, field experiments were conducted to know the effect of application of different rates of SBG as basal and split application on soil properties, yield, quality, nutrient use and uptake efficiency of groundnut in acidic soil. Methods: This study contains of seven treatments which includes recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with three levels of SBG (375, 500 and 625 kg ha-1) was applied as basal and split and 500 kg natural gypsum (NG) ha-1 was applied as basal dose according to package of practice (POP) of University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore by using randomly complete block design (RCBD) at Agricultural Research Station, Balajigapade during kharif 2018 and 2019. Result: The pooled data of two field experiments on groundnut revealed that application of RDF + 625 kg SBG ha-1 as 50% at sowing + 50% at peg initiation stage recorded higher pod (28.01 q ha-1), haulm (54.46 q ha-1), kernel (20.59 q ha-1), protein (89.70 q ha-1) and oil (7.06 q ha-1) yield when compared to other treatments. There was an increase in pod, haulm and oil yield of groundnut by 11.62, 20.59 and 17.99%, respectively with the split application of 625 kg SBG ha-1 (50% at sowing + 50% at 30 DAS) over NG applied treatments. Split application of SBG significantly increased the availability of nutrients in post harvest soils than basal application. Significantly higher S and Ca nutrient use efficiency (33.98 and 28.93 kg produce/kg S and Ca utilized, respectively) and uptake efficiency (0.39 and 1.29 kg kg-1, respectively) was recorded with the split application of SBG @ 375 kg ha-1.

Productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)-based intercropping systems under diverse nutrient management practices in rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2014–2018, to study the productivity and profitability of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-based intercropping under divers nutrient management in rainfed condition. The experiment consisted of 3 intercropping, viz. C1, pigeonpea sole; C2 , pigeonpea + blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]; and C3 , pigeonpea + maize (Zea mays L.); and 4 practices nutrient management, viz. N1 , recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); N2 , RDF + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + Rhizobium; N3 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha; and N4 , RDF + PSB + Rhizobium + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized-block design with 3 replications. Results revealed that, pigeonpea + blackgram system, showed higher yield of pigeonpea (1.71 t/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.29 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency, (5.84 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.33 %), available N (164.92 kg/ha), P (18.74 kg/ha), K (245.08 kg/ha) and S (11.30 ppm) and microbial population in cfu/g dry soil, and dehydrogenase activity (17.49 μg TPF/g/h), net returns (61.15 × 103 `/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.06) than pigeonpea sole and pigeonpea + maize systems. The combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha proved effective and resulted in significantly higher pigeonpea grain yield (1.65 t/ ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.16 t/ha), rain water-use efficiency (4.94 kg/ha-mm), organic carbon (0.34%), available N (161.59 kg/ha), P (18.37 kg/ha), K (241.96 kg/ha) and S (11.92 ppm) and microbial population and dehydrogenase activity (15.56 μg TPF/g/h) and net returns as compared to RDF alone. However, higher net returns (55.4 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment were recorded in combined application of RDF + Rhizobium + PSB + FYM @ 3 t/ha + Harit-Vardan @ 5 kg/ha. The pigeonpea + blackgram intercropping and combined application of FYM @ 3 t/ha along with RDF + Rhizobium + PSB improved the organic carbon and increased available N, P and K content in the soil over initial soil value.

Aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation under drip irrigation and fertigation system

A field experiment was conducted during the summer of 2019 and 2020 at the research field of (All Indian Coordinated Research Project on Water Management), Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, to assess the effect of drip irrigation and fertigation on aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation. The experiment was laid out in strip-plot design, replicated thrice. The irrigation was scheduled once in 3 days at 120, 100, and 80% pan Evaporation (PE), and the fertigation of 100, 75 and 50% recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) was given weekly intervals from 15 days after sowing (DAS) to 70 DAS and the control of surface irrigation at an irrigation water: cumulative evaporation (IW : CPE) 1.25 with soil application of RDF (150 : 50 : 50 kg/NPK/ha) was separately maintained. The results of different irrigation and fertigation practices showed that, 120% PE × 100% RDF along with associated crop management had a significant effect on crop growth, yield and yield-contributing parameters and their values were significantly higher than all the other drip irrigation regimes and fertigation levels. This was mainly owing to continued availability of soil moisture and nutrients throughout the life period of aerobic rice, which led increased growth and yield parameters at the maximum level. Thus, 120% PE drip regimes and 100% RDF fertigation level proved better option in aerobic rice cultivation under drip irrigation and fertigation system in respect of yield and water saving.

Optical Characteristics, Thermal use Efficiency, Yield and Yield Attributes of Bt Cotton under Different Plant Spacing and Fertilizer Levels

Field trail was conducted at the Research Farm of Cotton Section, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, CCS HAU, Hisar (Lat 29ᵒ 10' N, Long 75ᵒ 46' E and 215.2 m msl) during Kharif season of 2015. The experiment was conducted in split-split plot design with three replications. Three varieties viz. V1=RCH 602, V2=RCH 650 and V3=Bunty were kept in main plots while three spacing viz. S1=67.5 cm × 45 cm, S2=67.5 cm × 60 cm and S3=67.5 cm × 75 cm with three fertilizer levels i.e. F1=RDF, F2=125 % of RDF and F3=150 % of RDF application of the recommended dose were kept in subplots. Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was N:P:K=175:60:60 kg ha-1. Optical characteristics, thermal use efficiency (TUE) were computed along with yield and yield attributes were also studied. V1 (86.6 %), S3 (84.8 %) and F3 (85.1 %) absorbed maximum PAR among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. TUE was found higher in the V1 (0.35 g/m²/℃ day), S3 (0.34 g/m²/℃ day) and F3 (0.29 g/m²/℃ day) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. Number of bolls plant-1 were found higher in V1 (21.0), S3 (14.7) and F3 (16.0) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. Among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels boll weight (g) were found higher in V2 (3.89 g), S2 (3.66 g) and F2 (3.62 g). Sympodial branches plant-1 at harvest were found highest in V1 (23.7), S1 (21.0) and F1 (21.4) among all the cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels. In seed cotton yield V1 (1248.7 kg ha-1), S3 (1120.7 kg ha-1) and F2 (1094.3 kg ha-1) have the maximum yield as compare to other cv., plant spacing and fertilizer levels.

Consequence of resource conservation practices on yield and nutrient uptake of soybean under cotton-soybean rotation in vertisols

The present study was undertaken during 2016-17 at Research farm, Dr. PDKV, Akola. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments replicated three times in Vertisols. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of different resource conservation practices on yield and nutrient uptake by soybean. The cotton based soybean rotation was followed since 2011-12. The present experiment was superimposed on soybean during 2016-17. The treatments comprised for soybean crop was recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) alone and their compensation with organics viz., FYM, phosphocompost (PC), neemcake, bio mulch (farm waste) and green leaf manuring. The results of the present experiment indicated that, comparatively higher seed (27.20 q ha-1) and straw yield (31.25 q ha-1) of soybean was recorded with RDF alone to soybean and 25% N through Neemcake + RDF compensation to cotton crop under cotton-soybean rotation. The application of RDF alone with 25% N through Neemcake + RDF compensation to cotton crop recorded higher N (187.6 kg ha-1), whereas, application of RDF + PC with 100% N (FYM) + compensation of P through phosphocompost to cotton recorded higher P uptake (18.41 kg ha-1). The K (51.78 kg ha-1) uptake was influenced significantly with the application of RDF with 25% N through Dhaincha loppings + RDF compensation to cotton. Hence, combined application of organic sources along with inorganic fertilizers is the most vital way to maintain yield of soybean relatively at higher level and uptake under cotton-soybean rotation in Vertisol.

Impact on soil fertility status and concentration of nutrient (N, P and K) in grain by adopting nutrient management practices in rice crop (Oryza sativa L.) Under different establishment methods

The present investigation was carried out to find the Impact on soil fertility status by adopting nutrient management practices in Rice Crop (Oryza Sativa L.) under different establishment methods. The experiment was conducted in A2 block at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, District Udham Singh Nagar, Uttarakhand. The treatments consisting three establishment methods in main plots and five nutrient management practices in sub plots (fifteen combination) was laid out in split plot design (SPD) with three replications. The result revealed that, the concentration of nutrient (viz. N, P and K) in grain as well as in straw was affected significantly and was higher with transplanting method. Application of RDF(recommended dose of fertilizer)+5tFYM/ha exhibited statistically higher concentration and uptake, while RDF RDF(recommended dose of fertilizer) alone recorded significantly less concentration and uptake value of all nutrients. The status of available N, P and K in soil remained unaffected due to different establishment methods, however higher values were obtained in transplanting method with application of RDF+5tFYM/ha.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in changing climatic condition of Bihar

A field experimental was conducted at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Khodawandpur as well as Gadhpura and Barauni blocks of Begusarai district to study the effect of integrated nutrient management for sustaining the productivity of pigeon pea [Canjanus cajan (L) mill sp.] under rainfed conditions. Growth and yield attributing characters viz., plant height, yield induced such as days to 50% flowering , branches/plant, leaf area, pods/plant, pod length, number of grains/pod, 100 seed weight, grain and stalk yield and benefit-cost ratio were significantly higher at recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) than organic manure and bio fertilizer. Application of RDF with vermi compost @ 2 tones/ha, Farm Yard Manure (FYM) @ 5.0 tones/ha and bio-fertilizer singly and combined enhanced the yield attributes grain yield parameters. Seed inoculation with Rhizobium + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) alone or combined inoculation were found effective and significantly enhanced the yield attributing and grain and stalk yield of pigeon pea.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, productivity, quality and nutrient uptake of irrigated yellow sarson (Brassica campestris L var. yellow sarson) in older alluvial soil of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted during rabi (winter) seasons of 2007-08 and 2008-09 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield, oil content and nutrient uptake of yellow sarson (Brassica cam-pestris L var. yellow sarson) in older alluvial soil of West Bengal. Significantly higher leaf area index (1.75 at 40 days after sowing; DAS), dry matter accumulation (1366.9 g/m2 at 80 DAS) and highest number of siliquae/plant (118.3), number of seeds/siliqua (21.8), seed yield (1.90 t/ha), stover yield (3.86 t/ha) were recorded significantly (at 5% lev-el) higher with poultry manure (PM) @2.5t/ha +50%RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer i.e. 80-40-40 of N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) + PSB (phosphate solubilising bacteria) + AZ (Azotobacter) during both the years and on pooled basis. An average of 30.5% and 233% increase in seed yield by this treatment was recorded over sole application of RDF and control respectively. Integrated application of PM (2.5 t/ha) + 50% RDF + PSB + AZ recorded highest oil content (43.16%) and positive effect on soil fertility status. The highest benefit: cost ratios (2.26 and 2.4 in 2007-'08 and 2008-'09 respectively) were achieved from the use of 50% RDF + PM (2.5 t/ha) +PSB+AZ.

Direct and Residual Effects of Fly Ash-Based Integrated Fertilization on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Rapeseed (Brassica camprestris L.)

ABSTRACTIntegrated effects of fly ash (FA), farmyard manure (FYM), and chemical fertilizers recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) on the performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and their residual effect on rapeseed (Brassica camprestris L. vartoria) were studied for two years in loamy acidic inceptisol of Assam, India.The FA was generated from a bituminous and lignite coal-based captive thermal power plant of Hindustan Paper Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Assam. Rice yields were higher when FA, FYM, and RDF were used collectively vis-à-vis sole application of RDF reflected also in rapeseed under residual effect . FA effect on mean rice equivalent yield of the rice–rapeseed system was the highest (24.4%) under integrated application. Nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) contents in rice decreased with increasing FA, while arsenic (As) was just the opposite. Integration of FA, FYM, and RDF was effective in lowering Ni, Cd, and As in rice compared to 100% RDF alone or together with FA. The residual effect on rapeseed was similar for Ni and As while the Cd content increased. Blending of FA, FYM, and RDF also positively altered the residual soil pH, organic carbon (C), and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Thus, FA can be an integral component of integrated plant nutrition system (IPNS) in augmenting crop yield and residual benefits in loamy acid inceptisol.

On-farm evaluation of fertilizer application and conservation tillage on productivity of cotton + pigeonpea strip intercropping on rainfed Vertisols of central India

Cotton + pigeonpea strip intercropping is a traditional cropping system in central India. On-farm trials were conducted on five farms each on medium deep soils (MDS) and deep soils (DS) during 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 on Vertisols under rainfed conditions to evaluate the effect of technological interventions on cotton + pigeonpea system. The interventions (applying recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), conservation tillage (CT) with in situ green manure + RDF (CT 1) and CT 1 + zinc sulphate (CT 2)) were compared with the farmers’ practice (FP). Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) and pigeonpea ( Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) were sown in 6:2 row ratio at a spacing of 0.75 m × 0.75 m on MDS and 0.90 m × 0.90 m on DS. Mean seed cotton yield was significantly greater in 2001–2002 (809 kg ha −1) compared to 2002–2003 (508 kg ha −1), while the reverse was true for pigeonpea grain yield. Averaged over years, seed cotton yield did not differ between locations (MDS versus DS). However, in 2001–2002 seed cotton yield was significantly greater on DS (855 kg ha −1) than on MDS (764 kg ha −1). Seed cotton yield increased by 114 with application of RDF, while the contributions for CT and Zn application were 51 and 76, respectively. Seed cotton yield increase in plots with interventions was because of more and heavier bolls (2.66–2.75 g) retained per plant than the FP (2.39 g). Pigeonpea grain yield was 80 kg ha −1 higher on DS than on MDS. For the interventions, yield followed the trend: CT 2 ≥ CT 1 ≥ RDF > FP, suggesting the need to apply fertilizers to pigeonpea. Fibre quality was better in the cotton grown on DS than on MDS. Marginal benefit:cost ratio (MBC) was the greatest for the RDF (3.08) followed by CT 2 (1.71) and CT 1 (1.41). Considering the farmer's low-income and high-risk nature of rainfed farming, investment on herbicide (US$ 37 ha −1) could be a deterrent to adopting CT.

Effect of cultivars and levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays) hybrids

A field study was conducted during the winter season of 201314 and 201415 at farmers field, Gayeshpur, Nadia, West Bengal, to evaluate the performance of maize (Zea mays L.) as influenced by cultivars and levels of NPK. The experimental soil was clay in texture and neutral in reaction, having low available N, high available P and medium available K. The experiment was laid out in a strip-plot design with 3 maize hybrids (P 3522, P 3396 and Rajkumar) in vertical strip and 9 NPK levels [50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% RDF, RDF (200 kg N, 60 kg P and 60 kg K/ha), 125% RDF, 150% RDF, 100% PK, 100% NK, 100% NP and control (zero- NPK)] in horizontal strip, replicated thrice. Maize hybrid P 3396 recorded better cob characteristics (cob length, cob girth and cob weight) and test weight, while other yield attributes (number of cobs/plant, number of grain rows and grains/cob) were higher in P 3522. Across cultivars, 125% RDF application resulted in significant increase in yield attributes over the control. The cultivar P 3396 recorded second best yield (grain and stover) after P 3522. Application of 125% RDF resulted in the maximum grain and stover yield with 124.5 and 91.2% increase over the control respectively. Total P and K uptake increased up to 125% RDF; however, total N uptake increased till 150% RDF application. Grain yield reduction, in comparison with RDF plots, was estimated to be 43.90% due to N omis- sion, 16.76% due to P omission, and 26.94% due to K omission. Net returns and benefit: cost ratio continued to in- crease till 125% NPK, and decreased further with addition of NPK (150%).

Response of rainy-season groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) to varying fertility levels and bioformulations

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to study the response of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) to biofertilizers and inorganic sources of nutrient. The experi- ment consisting of 4 fertility levels, viz. 25% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 50% RDF, 75% RDF and RDF allotted to main plots, and 3 bioformulations, viz. no bio-formulations, NPK liquid formulation + Zn-solubilizing bac- teria and bio-grow allotted to subplots, was laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications. Results showed that an application of RDF resulted in significantly highest number of branches/plant, number of nodules/plant and dry- matter accumulation at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing (DAS). Increasing dose of fertilizers up to RDF resulted in significant increase in haulm, pod yield and net returns. Among the bioformulations, seed inoculation with liquid bio NPK formulation with Zn solubilizing bacteria and bio-grow significantly increased the haulm, pod yield and net re- turns by 9.8, 8.6, 14.5% and 8.0, 4.3, 7.2%, respectively, over no bioformulation application. Besides, all growth at- tributes, pod yield and net returns were significantly influenced with combined application of liquid NPK + Zn-solu- bilizing bacteria and RDF. The integrated application of RDF with liquid NPK formulation + Zn-solubilizing bacteria ensured the highest pod yield followed by RDF application with bio-grow.

Influence of irrigation schedules and fertilizer levels on barley (Hordeum vulgare) in western Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was carried out at the Janta Vedic (P.G.) College, Baraut, Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, to study response of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) to irrigation scheduling and fertilizer levels during the winter (rabi) sea- son of 201415. The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three irrigation levels viz. one irrigation at tillering stage, 2 irrigations at tillering and flag-leaf stage, 3 irrigations at tillering, flag leaf and milking stage and 4 fertility levels, viz. recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) : 60 kg N : 30 kg P O : 30 kg K O/ha, RDF + biofertilizer 2 5 2 [Azotobacter + phosphate solubilizing bacteria), RDF + biofertilizer + vermicompost (2.5 t/ha) and RDF + biofertilizer + FYM (5 t/ha) in subplots. The growth attributes, yield and yield attributes were the maximum with 3 ir- rigations applied at tillering, flag leaf and milking stage as compared to 2 irrigations applied at tillering and flag-leaf stage and once at tillering stage. Three irrigations applied at tillering, flag leaf and milking stage also registered the maximum gross and net returns of barley. The combined application of RDF + biofertilizer + FYM (5 t/ha) re- sulted in significantly highest grain, straw and biological yields of barley as compared with the rest doses of fertil- izer application. Maximum nitrogen uptake and higher net returns were also higher with recommended dose of fer- tilizer + biofertilizer + FYM (5 t/ha). Thus for getting higher yield and net returns in barley, 3 irrigations should be applied at tillering, flag leaf and milking stage and crop should be fertilized with RDF + biofertilizer + FYM (5 t/ha) in Indo-Gangetic plains.