Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Interaction Effect of Sulphur and NPK on Growth Parameters and Yield of Mustard

The field experiment conducted at Rajaula Agriculture Farm of Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) during the Rabi season of 2021-22 aimed to study the effect of sulphur (S) and NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) on the growth parameters, yield components, and yield of chickpea. The experiment consisted of 12 treatment combinations arranged in a randomized block design with three replications. The mustard variety Pitambari was grown using recommended agronomic practices. Based on the results obtained from the investigation, it was observed that the application of S at a rate of 40 kg ha-1 in combination with 125% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) had a significant impact on various growth parameters. The treatment with S at 40 kg ha-1 + 125% RDF resulted in the highest values for plant height (198.4 cm), number of leaves (36.9), and number of branches (13.2) at 90 days. Furthermore, this treatment also showed the highest values for yield attributing characters, including the number of siliqua per plant (327.7), number of seeds per siliqua (12.1), and seed index (6.9 gm). The maximum seed yield of 11.53 quintals per hectare (q ha-1) was also obtained with the application of S at 40 kg ha-1 + 125% RDF.

Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Fractions of Zinc and Its Uptake by Indian Spinach (Beta vulgaris L.)

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) availability can change with different organic amendments applied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of farm yard manure (FYM) and vermicompost (VC) applied with or without chemical Zn fertilizer on dry biomass yield, Zn uptake by Indian spinach (Beta vulgaris L.), and distribution of various fractions of Zn in post-harvest soil. Results indicated that dry biomass yield and Zn uptake positively responded to the application of FYM or VC alone at 2% as well as in combination with Zn at 5 mg kg−1 through ZnSO4·7H2O. Integrated application of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)+2% VC+5 mg kg−1 Zn increased dry biomass yield and Zn uptake by 2.92- and 3.37-folds, respectively, over the control. Integrated application of RDF+2% FYM+5 mg kg−1 Zn was the best combination for increasing water-soluble and exchangeable Zn (WS&EX-Zn), carbonate-bound Zn (CAR-Zn), Fe- and Mn-oxide-bound Zn (FeMnOX-Zn), and organically bound Zn (OR-Zn) fractions. However, the preponderance of different Zn fractions remained the same in all the treatments, viz. WS&EX-Zn < FeMnOX-Zn < CAR-Zn < OR-Zn < Residual Zn (RES-Zn). All the Zn fractions were significantly and positively correlated with DTPA-extractable Zn, dry biomass yield, and uptake of Zn.

Effect of Indigenous Potash Sources on Growth and Yield of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)

A field experiment was carried out using RBD design with 10 treatments and 3 replications at the main campus, UHS, Bagalkot. Sugar industry by-products such as incinerated ash, distillery sludge and distillery sludge ash were utilised in the experiment to examine their effect as potassium sources on growth and yield of cauliflower. These three distillery byproducts were applied as 100, 50 and 25 per cent as replacement for chemical potassium fertilizer (K2SO4). As a control, the final treatment was 100 per cent potassium sulphate. The N and P were supplied through urea and DAP respectively as per the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF). . The higher contents of both primary and secondary nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) were observed in the treatment where 25 % of chemical fertilizer was replaced by incinerated ash. The content of these major nutrients and its uptake by the cauliflower plant was significantly higher with the treatment T­4 (25% K through incinerated ash + 75% through K2SO4). Significantly higher curd yield (15.86 t ha-1) was associated with the treatment where 25 % of potassium supply was through incinerated ash.

Influence of Cropping System and Nutrient Management Practices on the Yield, and Economics of Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum

The Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of cropping systems and nutrient management practices on the yield, and economics of pearl millet in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India). The experiments were laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with two factors (Cropping system and Nutrient management) and three replications for two consecutive seasons in 2022-23. The study comprised three cropping system treatments namely C1 – Sole Pearl millet cropping, C2 - Pearl millet + Black gram intercropping (1:1), C3 – Pearl millet + Cowpea intercropping (1:1) along with four nutrient management treatments viz., N1 - 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) @80:40:40 kg of N, P2O5, and K2O/ha., N2– 75% RDF + Azospirillum @2kg/ha and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @2kg/ha, N3 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of 2% urea @ 15 and 35 days after transplanting (DAT), N4 – 75% RDF + Soil application of Azospirillum (2kg/ha) and PSB (2kg/ha) + Foliar spray of Panchagavya3% @ 15 and 35 DAT. The results of the experiment revealed that the intercropping of black gram or cowpea in pearl millet proves to be beneficial and advantageous in terms of, grain yield and returns per rupee invested, rather than going for the sole cropping of pearl millet. On the other hand, reduced application of inorganic recommended dose of fertilizers by 25% with the inclusion of biofertilizers like Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, along with the foliar application of 2% urea or 3% Panchagavya will be an economically viable and environmentally sustainable nutrient management practice for improving the yield of pearl millet.

Carbon and Zeolite Based Slow Release Fertilizer Formulations Enhances Nutrient Use Efficiency and Yield in Chilli

Aims: To develop slow release fertilizer formulations using humic acid, charcoal and zeolite and to evaluate nutrient availability, nutrient use efficiency and yield in chilli.&#x0D; Study Design: This experiment was conducted through completely randomized design with 14 treatments and 3 replications.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The research was appraised at the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani between September 2022- December 2022.&#x0D; Methods: Carbon and zeolite based slow release fertilizer formulations (SRF) containing all the major, secondary and micronutrients were prepared using compatible fertilizer materials (urea, rajphos, muriate of potash, phosphogypsum, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate and borax), carrier materials (zeolite, humic acid and charcoal) and the binding agent (carboxy methyl cellulose) in the ratio of 1:1 and 1: 0.5 in the form of pellets. These formulations were applied to chilli and evaluated nutrient use efficiency and yield.&#x0D; Results: The pellets were highly stable and weight ranged between 4.0 and 4.5 g. The highest fruit yield of chilli observed was 581.2 g/ plant. The available nitrogen (320.86 kg ha-1), phosphorus (87.15 kg ha-1), potassium (214.35 kg ha-1), calcium (351.13 mg kg-1), magnesium (106.54 mg kg-1), sulphur (9.32 mg kg- 1), boron (0.46 mg kg-1) and zinc (4.25 mg kg-1) was found to be highest in treatment receiving 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as humic acid based slow release formulation applied in two splits (basal and 1 MAP). The apparent recovery percentage of nitrogen 78.2%, phosphorus 86.33% and potassium 98.70% and partial factor productivity of 25.98 g g-1 were recorded due to the application of pellets.&#x0D; Conclusion: Carbon and zeolite based slow release fertilizer formulations in the form of pellets are very effective compared to conventional fertilizers due to their gradual pattern of nutrient release which better meets plant demand, minimizes leaching and therefore nutrient use efficiency and ultimately crop yield. Application of slow release formulations significantly increases the nutrient availability in soil, nutrient use efficiency, growth and yield of chilli.

Effect of Soil Acidity Amelioration on Soil Properties and Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under Rainfed Condition in Arunachal Pradesh

Under rainfed conditions yield potential of French bean reduced in the acid soil of Arunachal Pradesh due to low fertility and metal toxicity. Therefore, the current experiment was conducted in ICAR, Basar, Research Farm during rabi season (October–January) of 2018, 2019 and 2020 to study the effect of soil amelioration using organic amendments combined with inorganic fertilizer on the yield of French bean and important soil properties. The soil amendment treatments i.e., control, vermicompost (Vc), vermicompost+lime (Vc+lime), 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer), 50% RDF+lime, 50% RDF+Vc, 75% RDF, 75% RDF+lime, 75% RDF+Vc, 100% RDF were laid in randomized block design with three replications. The doses of vermicompost, lime and RDF were 2.5 t ha-1, 400 kg ha-1 and 50-50-50 NPK kg ha-1. Results showed soil pH recorded maximum and exchangeable aluminum, exchangeable acidity and total acidity recorded minimum in 75%RDF+lime. The soil organic carbon, soil cation exchangeable capacity, soil moisture content and soil available nutrients (N, P, K, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) recorded maximum and soil bulk density recorded minimum in 75%RDF+Vc. Vermicompost along with 75%RDF was most effective in increasing the yield (4.85 t ha-1). The study indicates soil acidity amelioration using vermicompost and/or lime along with inorganic nutrients reduced soil acidity and improved the soil fertility making the soil environment favorable to achieve an optimum yield of French bean in acid soils of Arunachal Pradesh.

Comparative Response Studies on Organic Amendments and Leguminous Intercropping on Maize (Zea mays L.) Agronomic Traits and Photosynthetic Activity

The present study aimed to optimize a suitable nutrient management practice with the co-application of organic amendments and leguminous intercropping for sustainable maize production. The experiment was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022-’23 in randomized block design following ten treatments. Maize (hybrid COH (M) 6) seeds were sown in rows at a spacing of 60ⅹ25 cm following the treatments: T1 - Absolute control, T2 – Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) alone, T3 - RDF + Poultry Manure (4t ha-1), T4 - RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1), T5 - RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T6 - RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T7 - 75 % RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T8 - 75% RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T9 - 50% RDF + Poultry Manure (4 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping, T10 - 50% RDF + FYM (12.5 t ha-1) + Black gram intercropping. Observations for plant height, dry matter production (DMP), and Relative Chlorophyll Content (RCC) were recorded at different phenological stages on 30, 45, and 60 DAS. The results showed that the treatment T5 amended with poultry manure recorded the highest growth attributes and yield during the two consecutive seasons, followed by T6, T7, and T8, whereas the lowest was in T1. While comparing growth and yield attributes in in the second season (Rabi 2022-’23), the treatments T7 and T8 with 75 % RDF + FYM/poultry manure remarked substantial yield increase. The results suggest that co-application of organic manures like poultry manure or FYM with reduced dosages of mineral fertilizer, could be recommended as an optimal nutrient management strategy for sustainable maize production.

Measuring the Influence of Seedling Age and Nutrient Sources on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) under Temperate Climatic Conditions.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the age of a seedling and sources of nutrients on the growth and yield of sweet corn at SKUAST-K during Kharif-2020. The experiment was performed under a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A was the age of the seedling with three levels, viz., 12-day-old seedlings, 22-day-old seedlings, and 32-day-old seedlings. Factor B was the source of nutrients with five levels, viz., control, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 1/2 RDF + 12 t ha-1 farmyard manure, 1/2 RDF + 4 t ha-1 vermicompost, and 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure. The experiment was tested using variety Sugar-75 with a spacing of 75 × 20 cm2. The findings of this study indicated that the age of the seedling and sources of nutrients extended a significant influence on growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of sweet corn. Significantly highest values for various growth parameters of sweet corn, viz., plant height, number of functional leaves, leaf area index (LAI), and dry matter accumulation from 30 days after transplanting up to the harvest, were noted by transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old). A similar trend was observed for yield attributes and yield with higher values with transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old). Plots fertilized with 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure registered a significantly higher plant height, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, and number of functional leaves, which eventually resulted in a higher green cob yield and green fodder yield under the same treatment. Overall, this study indicated that among different ages of seedlings, transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old) outperformed other seedling ages, and plots treated with 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure outperformed other treatments; a combination of both proved superior in realizing a higher yield and profitability with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 6.57 under temperate climatic conditions.

Influence of Various Organic Amendments on Growth and Yield Attributes of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.)

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 2022 to study the influence of various organic amendments on various attributes of growth and yield of mung bean. The experiment was laid out in four replications with 11 treatments in Randomized Block design (RBD). The results revealed that the highest plant height (52.8 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (35.3), number of branches plant-1 (11.1), chlorophyll content using SPAD (58.4), leaf area index (1.85) was recorded from the combined application of T11= Recommended dose of fertilizers(RDF) + Vermicompost + Jeevamrutam + Rhizobium. Similarly for yield attributes the highest number of pods plant-1 (31.35), pod’s length (11.05 cm), number of grains pods-1 (12.2), test weight (45.7 g) , grain yield (1242.5 kg ha-1), straw yield (2181.1 kg ha-1), biological yield (3405.3 kg ha-1) and harvest index (36%) was recorded in combined application of same treatment T11. The result showed that combined application of organic manures had positive effects on growth and yield parameters of mung bean.

Effect of Vermicompost, Municipal Compost and Inorganic Fertilization on Growth Attributes on Plant Growth of Wet Season Rice

The field experiment was conducted during the wet season (kharif) of 2020 at the Regional Research Sub-Station (RRSS), BCKV, Chakdaha, West Bengal, Indiato study the growth parameters with the application of Chemical fertilizers, Vermicompostand Municipal compost; to find out the comparative effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the growth of rice and to study the economics assessment of the experiments.Design of the experiment was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatment combinations replicated four. The treatments were T1= 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) (N: P2O5: K2O @ 60:30:30 kg ha-1), T2= 100% N from Vermicompost @ 3.75 t ha-1, T3= 100%N from Municipal Compost @ 3.75 t ha-1, T4= 50% N (from inorganic source) + 50% N (from Vermicompost), T5= 50% N (from inorganic source) + 50% N (from Municipal Compost), T6= Control (no fertilizer and no compost). Almost in all cases the growth parameters varied significantly. The plant height increases with the advancement of date and attains significantly high plant height in T1 treatment (56.60 cm at 30 DAT and 89.25cm at 60 DAT respectively) but at 90 DAT highest plant height attained inT4treatment (108.60 cm). Maximum significant number of tillers was found at T1 treatment (15.20 and 16.20 at 60 and 90 DAT respectively). Regarding Dry Matter Production significantly highest dry matter was observed at 60 DAT (335.50g m-2) in both T1 and T4treatment. At 30 DAT and 90 DAT it was observed highest in T4treatment (151.20 and 440.60g m-2 respectively). Similar trend was also observed in case of Crop Growth Rate (CGR). LAI was highest in T1 treatment followed by T4 treatment in all the 3 dates. Therefore, it may be concluded that 50% organic manure with vermicompost or municipal compost were economical, which improves the soil characteristics.

Soil Aggregation Controls Biological Activities on Long-Term Integration of Organic Amendments and Inorganic Fertilizers in Rice-Wheat Cropping System

ABSTRACT Integrated nutrient management (INM) practice with farmyard manure (FYM), wheat straw (WS) and green leaf manuring (GLM) augments aggregate formation in soils. However, soil aggregation regulating several soils biological activities has been proven to be intricate with both positive and negative interactions across studies. We studied the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and soil enzymes across three aggregate classes (>2000 µm, 2000–250 µm and <250 µm) from a long-term rice-wheat cropping system. Integrated nutrient management practices significantly influence the fraction of soil macro-aggregates; whereas suboptimal level of fertilization was dominated by micro-aggregates. Application of inorganic fertilizer with FYM over long-term improves SOC to the tune of 12.78% when compared with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF); whereas WS as an amendment improves MBC to the tune of 51.80% over RDF. Activities of the studied soil enzymes (Acid phosphatase, Alkaline phosphatase, Dehydrogenase, Fluorescein Diacetate Hydrolysing Capacity and Urease) were found to be higher when associated with large macro-aggregates fraction of size >2000 µm as compared to micro-aggregates. In conclusion, large macro-aggregates improve and regulate all the soil biological indicators after a long-term integration of organic amendments with inorganic fertilizers.

Crop yield, nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency and soil properties of soybean-mustard system as influenced by soil amendments in degraded vertisol of western India

Amelioration of salt affected soils aims to reduce exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), improve crop growth and yield. A field study was conducted with soybean-mustard cropping system for four consecutive years (2016–2019) to study the effect of soil amendments on crop yield, nutrient use efficiency and soil properties in degraded vertisol of North Western India. Treatments consist of various combinations of gypsum, farm yard manure (FYM) and crop residue (CR) with recommended fertilizer doses (RNPK), were laid in random block design with three replications. Application of gypsum alone and combined with organic amendments, showed pronounced decrease in ESP, slight reduction in pH, increased bioavailability of nutrients, as reflected by higher nutrient uptake and crop yields. Grain yield improvement in soybean (37–41%) and mustard (58–63%) was recorded in plots receiving RNPK + Gypsum + CR + FYM, RNPK + Gypsum + CR or FYM over only chemical fertilizer treatments. Combined application of gypsum with organic amendments increased N, P, K and S uptake by 75, 76, 84 and 114%, respectively over RNPK alone in soybean-mustard system. Highest values of apparent recovery efficiency and agronomic efficiency of N, P, K, S was registered under RNPK + Gypsum and RNPK + Gypsum + CR/FYM. Highest physiological and internal efficiency of nutrients was registered under RNPK and decreased with amendment application. This study revealed the combined use of FYM (10 t ha−1), CR (3 and 1.5 t ha−1), gypsum (2.5 t ha−1) with fertilizers as a sustainable technology for reclaiming soil sodicity, improving nutrient use efficiency and crop productivity under soybean-mustard system.

Efficacy of Nano Fertilizers on Yield, Attributes and Economics of Wheat

The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of foliar application of nano-fertilizers N and P on yield, and the economics of wheat in Semi-arid and sub-tropical region of Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in triplicate following a randomized block design with twelve treatments comprising foliar application semi-different doses of Nano N and P. Foliar application of 1st spray of Nano N and P at 30 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd spray of Nano N and Zn at 45 DAS along with 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) significantly (P=0.05) increased yield and have better economics. Foliar application of nano-fertilizers leads to significant improvement of crop productivity of wheat in Semi- arid and sub-tropical region of Uttar Pradesh. Moreover, the foliar application of nano-fertilizers, i.e., Nano N has direct role in increasing yield as nutrient get easily available to plant in case of foliar spray.

Kualitas Fungi Mikoriza Arbuskula yang Diproduksi dengan Teknik Fortifikasi Nutrisi Berbeda terhadap Peningkatan Produktivitas Alfafa (Medicago sativa L.)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) produced by different nutrient fortification techniques in increasing the adaptation and productivity of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at the greenhouse scale. The research design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 10 replications. The treatment based on different types of AMF product, including alfalfa without AMF as control (P0), superior AMF (P1), and three types of AMF products from the Agrostology Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science IPB: AMF1 (P2), AMF2 (P3), and AMF3 (P4). The control treatment was given a 100% recommended fertilizer dose while the AMF treated plants were given a 50% recommended fertilizer dose. The results showed that all AMF products produced the same effectiveness for plant morphological variables. The superior AMF product, AMF2, and AMF3 gave the better response to AMF colonization parameters and dry weight of alfalfa plants than the control and AMF1 product. It was concluded that AMF products with different nutrient fortification techniques were effective in symbiosis and increase the adaptation and productivity of alfalfa compared to control. The quality of AMF produced by different nutrient fortification techniques had the same performance as superior AMF.

Effectiveness of water hyacinth compost and N, P, K, S fertilizer on S-available, S uptake, protein content, and yield of shallot in Inceptisols from Jatinangor

. Water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes ) is a source of organic matter that can be used as compost to improve the soil quality and productivity of shallots. Shallots are horticultural commodities that have various benefits. Inceptisol soils dominate Indonesia, with an area of 37.5% of Indonesia's land area but have low soil fertility. Soil fertility can be increased by optimal fertilization. This experiment aimed to determine the dose of water hyacinth compost and nitrogen (N), phosphor (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S) fertilizer which gave the best effect on increasing available S, S uptake, protein content, and yield of shallots. The experiment was conducted from July to October 2021 at the Experimental Garden of the Laboratory of Soil Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor. The experiment used a Randomized Block Design, consisting of seven treatments repeated four times. The recommended fertilizer doses used are 200 kg Urea, 500 kg ZA, 300 kg SP-36, and 200 kg KCl. The compost used was water hyacinth compost at a 25 t/ha dose. The results of this experiment showed that the treatment of ¾ compost + ¾ doses of N, P, K, and S was the best in increasing available S (26.79 mg kg -1 ), S uptake (7.03 mg/plant), protein content (0.95%), colors and shallot yield (number of tubers, fresh weight, and dry weight) on Inceptisols from Jatinangor.

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.

Impact of Biomass Recycling and Fertilization on Soil Microbiological Characteristics and Wheat Productivity in Semi-Arid Environment

In India, 700 million tons of agricultural waste generated annually is burned by farmers in the fields, which decreases biological activity in soil. The issue of handling the enormous amounts of crop residues that emerge from increased crop output might be resolved by composting. However, different crop residues improve soil physico-chemical and biological properties in different ways. Crop residue incorporation and fertilization (NPK) impact crop productivity due to changes in soil microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and the soil enzymatic activity. A field experiment was conducted for two years (2020–2021 and 2021–2022), which comprises five partially composted crop residues treatments viz., control, clusterbean straw, groundnut shell, pearlmillet husk, and sesame stover (added at rate of 5 t ha−1), and four fertilization (NPK) treatments viz., control, 75% RDF, 100% RDF, and 125% RDF. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP), enzymatic activities in soil and wheat yield were studied under a semi-arid environment (India). Data showed that the continuous application of crop residues and fertilizer significantly affected MBC, MBN, MBP, and soil enzymatic activity after two years of experimentation in a semi-arid region environment. The highest levels of microbial biomass (viz, MBC, MBN, MBP) and enzyme activities were noticed in the sesame stover and 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) treatments. Therefore, this study highlights the need for restoring crop residue for effective soil management. The crop residue and NPK fertilization are more efficient in improving the soil’s microbial properties and the yield of wheat.

Optimum wheat productivity under integrated plant nutrient management is associated with improved root system and high nutrient efficiency

Depleting soil fertility and low fertilizer efficiency in alkaline calcareous soils are serious issues worldwide creating an immediate threat to environment and food security. Integrated nutrient management (INM) can be a promising eco-friendly strategy for improving crop performance and resource efficiency to resolve these concerns. A field study was conducted to investigate the integrated effect of organic sources [farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 tons ha-1 and press mud (PM) @ 5 tons ha-1] along with various NPK rates [100, 75, 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)] on root system, nutrient efficiency, and yield of wheat cultivar Kiran-95. Longest roots were measured in FYM + RDF50 while highest surface area and number of root tips were recorded in PM + RDF50 than RDF alone. However, maximum root volume and average root diameter was observed in PM + RDF100 and PM + RDF75, respectively compared with RDF only. PM + RDF100 considerably enhanced grain yield and related traits i.e., spike length, tillers count m-2 and 100-grain weight as compared to RDF only. Integration of PM and 100% RDF showed higher NPK uptake, than RDF alone. Recovery efficiency (RE) of NPK was calculated higher at lower fertilizer rates and vice versa. The sole application of RDF100 showed least RE of NPK whilst PM + RDF50 revealed higher RE of NPK. The results suggested that INM could be a sustainable approach to enhance wheat productivity and nutrient efficiency in alkaline calcareous soils. In addition, PM along with RDF100 NPK fertilizers proved superior in improving root traits and nutrient accumulation thereby increasing wheat grain yield.

Yield response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to elevated potassium applied under the irrigated ecosystem of Bangladesh

A field experiment was conducted at Bangladesh Agricultural University farm, Mymensingh, Bangladesh, during the Boro season, 2017 with six different K fertilizer rates: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg ha-1 to determine the optimum rate of potassium (K) fertilization for the improved yield of a specific rice variety in the irrigated ecosystem under floodplain area. Compared with no K fertilizer, adding K increased the rice grain and straw yields significantly, with all other yield contributing components, except 1000-grain weight. The highest yield of grain (7.07 ton ha-1) and straw (8.48 ton ha-1) were recorded in recommended fertilizer dose (RFD) of NPS + 50kg K treatment, which were statistically identical with RFD of NPS + 40 kg K. Rice grain and straw yields due to the different treatments increased by 18.65% to 53.74% and 18.67% to 53.78%, respectively over control. K content and uptake through grain and straw were significantly influenced by applying different levels of K. These results specified that the use of 40 kg K ha-1 had better performance on the grain and straw yields. Therefore, we conclude that the application of 40 kg K ha-1 along with the RFD of NPS for BRRI dhan29 cultivation is the best option for higher yield in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soil.

Effect of organic foliar nutrients on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)

Green revolution technologies played an important role in alleviating hunger but had adverse effects on natural resources. Our Indian agriculture completely transformed from begging bowl to self-sufficiency in food grain production with high yielding varieties supported by judicious inorganic fertilizers. In addition to that we have crossed the self-sufficiency level and focusing more on speciality agriculture. But at the same time, we forgot practising and recycling the organic manures which sustained the soil health and quality of produce. For a better yield achievement, combination of organic foliar nutrition will help in management of input practices. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Experimental Farm, Annamalai University during Kuruvai season in 2021 to evaluate the effect of organic foliar nutrients on growth and yield of rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments and replicated thrice. The treatment consisted of amirthakaraisal, panchagavya, vermiwash, fish amino acid, sea weed extract, humic acid, gibberellic acid and jeevamritham with different concentration along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Short duration rice variety ADT-43 was used as test variety. The foliar spray was done at active tillering and panicle premordial initiation stage. Among the treatments tried out, RDF+Jeevamritham at 3% recorded the maximum plant height (114.70 cm), leaf area index (6.14), number of panicles/m2 (396), number of filled grains/panicle (102.67), grain yield (5752 kg/ha) and straw yield (7953 kg/ha). Therefore, it can be suggested as a substitute source of nutrients for the growth and yield of rice.