Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Variation in physio-chemical attributes and WUE during growth and development of Pak choi (Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis L.) under different drip fertigation and mulching treatments

AbstractIn the modern era, nutraceutical properties of horticultural crops are indispensable to determine their adaptability to different agro-ecological regions. The present study exploits the potential of mulches (P: plastic mulch; S: straw mulch; N: No mulch) in relation to drip irrigation (I1: 100%, I2: 80%, I3: 60% of crop evapotranspiration (Etc)), and fertigation (F1: 100%, F2: 80%, F3: 60% of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF): 125 kg N, 62.5 Kg P2O5, 62.5 kg K2O per ha) on Pak choi at three maturity stages in the North West region of India. Plant fresh weight was the highest at 55 days after transplanting (DAT); however, maximum soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values were registered at 45 DAT. Antioxidant activity, FRAP, DPPH, phenols, flavanols, total sugars, ascorbic acid, free amino acids, and irrigation water use efficiency were observed significantly higher in plants grown on plastic mulch at different levels of irrigation and fertigation. It is envisioned that Pak choi plants had the highest nutritional value at 45 DAT from plots mulched with silver-black, irrigated at 80% Etc, and fertigated at 100% RDF. The nutrient enriched plants are used for green salad and as ingredients for the preparation of many recipes in the semi-arid and sub-tropic areas of India.

Unveiling the Impact of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Health and Microbial Dynamics in Mustard Cultivation

During the Rabi season of 2020-21, an investigation was carried out at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, under the supervision of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. The primary aim of the research was to assess the influence of integrated nutrient management on the organic carbon content, enzyme activity and microbial population in the mustard (Brassica juncea L.) crop. The experiment was conducted in soil with a sandy clay loam texture and followed a randomized block design, consisting of nine distinct treatments, each of which was replicated three times. These treatments includes: T1: 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T2: 100% RDF + FYM, T3: 100% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T4: 75% RDF, T5: 75% RDF + FYM, T6: 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T7: Soil Test Based NPK, T8: 75% STB NPK + FYM and T9: 75% STB NPK + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium. The results revealed that the organic carbon, dehydrogenase activity and microbial population of soil were significantly enhanced by the application of combined use of organic, inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers. All the parameters were recorded higher with the integrated application of 75% STB NPK+ FYM + Biofertilizer consortium which was on par with 100 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, 75 % STB NPK + FYM, 100 % RDF + FYM, 75 % RDF + FYM. The population of bacteria and fungi, organic carbon content and dehydrogenase were recorded lower in the treatments receiving sole application of inorganic fertilizers.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Dynamics of Nutrient Availability at Various Intervals in Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, Agricultural College, Polasa, Jagtial, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University. The study was aimed at identifying the effect of integrated nutrient management on nutrient availability in soil. The field experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments includes T1: 100% Recommended dose of Fertilizer (RDF), T2: 100% RDF + FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T3: 100% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T4: 75% RDF, T5: 75% RDF + FYM, T6: 75% RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, T7: Soil Test Based (STB) NPK, T8: 75% STB NPK + FYM and T9: 75% STB NPK + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium. The results of the experiment revealed that integrated nutrient management significantly influenced the availability of various nutrients at different stages of the crop. Significantly higher nitrogen and its inorganic fractions, phosphorous, potassium and sulphur availability was recorded with the integrated application of 75% STB + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium which was comparable with an application of Soil Test Based NPK, 100 % RDF + FYM + Biofertilizer consortium, and 75% STB NPK + FYM. The lower available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, ammonical and nitrate nitrogen were recorded under the treatment of 75 % RDF.

Productivity and economic viability of winter niger [Guizotia abyssinica (L.f.) Cass.] under varying nutrient management practices

Results of the field experiments conducted in Vertisols of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh on irrigated niger (cv.JNC-1) during winter season for three consecutive years (2008-09 to 2010-11) revealed that application of 40 kgN + 30 kg P2O5 + 20 kg K2O/ha (recommended dose of fertilizer) along with spraying of 2% DAP twice at flowering and capitula formation stage showed higher seed (647 kg/ha); oil yield (198 kg/ha), and net monetary returns (` 7867/ha). This was at par with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with spraying of 2% urea twice. Application of 75% RDF along with spraying of 2% DAP twice at the same stage was comparable to 100% RDF alone with regard to productivity and economic viability. Numerically,spraying of DAP proved better than spraying of urea in respect of production and profit.

Improving Yield of Tomatoes Grown in Greenhouses Using IoT Based Nutrient Management System

Aims: This paper discuss, a study conducted to evaluate the developed automated IoT based fertigation control system for greenhouse for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crop.
 Study Design: Different nutrient and irrigation water levels were used to evaluate developed system using three replications in a factorial randomized block design (RBD).
 Methodology: An automated fertigation scheduling system was implemented in a greenhouse with soil moisture sensors at three depths (15, 30, and 45 cm) within the tomato root zone. R2, RMSE, NSE and MAE values were used to establish the correlation between sensor values and actual soil moisture. Tomato crop biometric parameters were collected and analyzed to evaluate the system's performance.
 Results: The results indicated strong correlation between sensor and observed soil moisture with R2 (0.8642 to 0.9528), RMSE (1.0786 to 1.8328), NSE (0.8438 to 0.9463), and MAE (0.9729 to 1.7043) values. Highest plant height (255 cm), girth (2.29 cm), number of leaves (21), number of flowers (23.1), fruit length (8.05 cm), fruit weight (110 g), yield/plant (2.75 kg), yield (68.77 t/ha) and sugar (5.1°Brix) were observed with drip irrigation at the rate of 100% ETc and 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), while minimum values of these parameters were noted in the control treatment.
 Conclusion: Using sensor-based drip irrigation at 100% ETc and 100% RDF led to a 62.92% increase in tomato yield and water saving of 14.84% compared to the control treatment. For tomato crop, the system required 2.27 l/plant/day water at 100% ETc. The developed automated fertigation system found suitable for greenhouse vegetable crops with the use of sensor based drip irrigation at 100% ETc and 100% RDF.

Effect of Nutrients Management Management Practices on Growth and Yield Parameters of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus spp. napus).

An experiment was conducted at Shivalik Agriculture Research and Extension Centre (SAREC), CSKHPKV, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh to study the response of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer as well as their combinations with farm yard manure (FYM), secondary and micro nutrients on growth and yield of gobhi sarson during rabi 2019-20. The experiment consists of eleven treatments which replicated thrice under Randamized block design (RBD). Results of the experiment revealed that yield attributes like plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant, number of siliquae per plant, number of seeds per siliqua, and1000 seed weight were maximum in 150 per cent NPK was applied and minimum control. Seed and stover yield of mustard was significantly influenced with fertilizer application. Application of 150 per cent NPK resulted in significantly higher seed yield, stover yield as well as biological yield of gobhi sarson. Yield responses to fertilization were ranked as NPK>NP>NK>PK, illustrating that N was the most limiting nutrient in rapeseed productivity following P and K. The seed yield (1451.2 kgha-1) and stover yield (2815.7 kgha-1) increased progressively and significantly with 150% NPK application over recommended fertilizer dose followed by application of 100 per cent NPK in combination with farmyard manure (FYM).

Effect of nutrient management on physio morphological and yield attributes of field pea (Pisum sativum L.)

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of nitrogen management on the growth and yield of field peas. The experiment took place during the rabi season (October–March of 2022–2023) at Lovely Professional University's Agriculture Research Farm in Phagwara, Punjab, India. Fifteen different treatment combinations were utilized, involving the application of chemical fertilizers (NPK) and micronutrients (boron and zinc). The experimental design followed a randomized complete block approach with three replications. Among the treatment combinations, the application of foliar spray with B at a rate of 0.2%, Zn at a rate of 0.5%, along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), resulted in the highest measurements for plant height (70.44 cm), leaf count (70.60), branch count (18.86), leaf area (32.24 cm²), dry matter accumulation (6.12 g), crop growth rate (0.299 g m⁻² day⁻¹), and relative growth rate (0.05933 g g⁻¹ day⁻¹). Furthermore, treatments involving 100% RDF, 0.2% B, and 0.5% Zn exhibited enhanced yield characteristics, including the number of seeds per pod (10.26), pods per plant (12.33), test weight of seeds (15.06 g), seed yield (3537 kg ha⁻¹), and harvest index (47.49%). Furthermore, 100% RDF and the inclusion of 0.2% B and 0.5% Zn outperformed the control. Applying 100% RDF along with the micronutrients B and Zn is recommended to maximize production and net profit in field pea cultivation.

Precision nutrient management on the growth and productivity of Rabi maize (Zea mays L.) under light textured brown forest soils of Odisha

Maize's high production potential, flexibility, and demand have led to a steady expansion of the land dedicated to growing the crop. Since maize is highly nutrient demanding crop, farmers are applying huge amount of nutrients which can lead to soil degradation and may cause environmental pollution. As an alternative for these circumstances, the present study was conducted on precision nutrient management in maize by using smart nutrient tools such as chlorophyll content meter (CCM) and leaf colour chart (LCC) and decision support systems, namely, nutrient expert (NE) for optimizing the nutrient requirement in maize. The current study was carried out for two consecutive years during Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23 at P. G. Research Farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 14 treatments and replicated thrice and tested on the high yielding hybrid ‘Pioneer P3396’ with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of 120:60:60 kg NPK/ha. The results clearly showed that precision nutrient management had a significant influence on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize. During both the seasons, the maximum plant height (244.3 and 256.7 cm), dry matter accumulation/plan (317.9 g and 323.4 g, stem girth (8.2 mm and 8.1 mm), number of cobs/plant (1.8 and 1.9), weight of the cob (238 g and 243 g), length of the cob (23.8 cm and 24.0 cm), grain yield (7850 kg/ha and 7950 kg/ha) and stover yield (12850 kg/ha and 12667 kg/ha) was found in the treatment consisting of ample dose of nitrogen and the other treatments such as 150% RDF and Sufficiency Index (SI) at 90-95% also performed better and remained at par with ample dose of nitrogen application during both the years. The experiment concluded that the application of primary nutrients, mainly, nitrogen in ample dose or in splits by considering CCM-based SI can be useful for optimization of nutrient requirement in Rabi maize for the light textured brown forest soils of Odisha.

Evaluating of abiotic stress tolerance-inducing substances on the growth, physiology and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Moisture stress due to delayed onset of monsoon, drought or frequent dry spell is one of the major abiotic stresses that affect rice production in Tamil Nadu. It reduces the yield of rice up to 85 % based on its severity. The foliar application of abiotic stress tolerance inducing substances may aid in mitigating stress-induced damages and increase the yield of rice plants. Salicylic acid, ZnSO4, gibberellic acid, humic acid, pink pigment facultative methylotrophs (PPFM), etc. are reported to increase antioxidant enzyme activities and resistance to drought stress however, its effects on crops were location specific. Field experiments were conducted at Annamalai University Experimental Farm, Annamalainagar, Cuddalore District in Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu during “Kuruvai” and “Nanvarai” (Kharif and Rabi) seasons of 2021 and 2022 to study the effect of foliar application of stress tolerance inducing substances on the performance of transplanted rice under moisture stress condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatment combinations including control; Recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) with + acute soil drying + water spray/ KNO3 @ 2% and ZnSO4 @ 0.5% two foliar sprays/ salicylic acid @ 200 ppm/ gibberellic acid @ 40 ppm/ humic acid @ 0.2%/pink pigment facultative methylotrophs (PPFM) @ 2% and was replicated thrice. Among the treatments, application of recommended dose of fertilizer (120 kg N, 40 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O/ha) along with KNO3 @ 2% and ZnSO4 @ 0.5% at panicle initiation and 15 days after first spray and humic acid @ 0.2% at booting stage and 15 days after first spray (flowering stage) increased the plant height of 41.01%, dry matter production of 84.70%, leaf area index of 94.25%, number of productive tillers/m of 32.43%, number of filled grains/panicle of 39.14%, reduced unfilled grains /panicle of 368.23%, increased grain yield of 87.23% and straw yield of 82.57% and benefit cost ratio of 1.86.

Effect of Nutrient Menagement on Growth, Yield and Quality of Onion (Alium cepa L.)

A field experiment was conducted on the Horticulture Research Farm of the RBS College, Bichpuri, Agra during the rabi season of 2016-18. In this experiment eight treatments were tested with three replications in randomized block design (RBD). Treatments were (T1) recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (T2) 100% RDF + Azotobacter, (T3) 100% RDF + FYM, (T4) 100% RDF + Azotobacter + FYM, (T5) 80% RDF + Azotobacter + FYM, (T6) 80% RDF + FYM, (T7) 80% RDF + Azotobacter and (T8) control. The application of 100%RDF +Azotobacter + FYM (T4) significantly maximum plant height (50.14cm), maximum number of green leaves (8.65), maximum leaf length(45.53cm). maximum fresh weight of top of plant 45.34gm), maximum fresh weight of bulbs (84.32gm), maximum diameter of bulb (6.9cm) and the highest bulb yield of 33.95 t/ha. were recorded from treatment T4 (100%RDF +Azotobacter + FYM)

Utilizing industrial wastes as compost in wheat-rice production to improve the above and below-ground ecosystem services

The prime objective of this study was to enhance the ESs and achieve sustainability in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) production system (WRPS). The study was conducted in the split-plot design (SPD). In this study’s results were presented as the 2018–2021 average of the WRPS. As compared to zero fertilization in the main-plot, the applied treatment recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) 100%+ 5 kg zinc (Zn) + 5 kg iron (Fe) increased grain and straw-based ESs by 50% and 39%, respectively. Similarly, in the sub-plot, the carpet waste +Trichoderma viride (CW+M3) treatment had 24% and 22% more grain and straw-based ESs than the application of the bagasse + Pleurotus sajor-caju (B+M1) treatment, respectively. Furthermore, the grain and straw-based ESs interaction between the applications of RDF 100%+ 5 kg Zn + 5 kg Fe × carpet waste decomposed through Trichoderma viride (CW+M3) was significant and observed that the maximum monetary value was US$ 2638 and 557 ha−1 year−1, respectively. There was also 64% more carbon (C) flow and 144% higher soil fertility than those in zero fertilization × B+M1 treatment. While based on other indices in the main-plot, among the different RDF levels, the zero-fertilization plot had the maximum sustainable value index (SVI) (0.880 and 0.985) and sustainable yield index (SYI) (0.977 and 0.983) of wheat and rice in an average of the system for 2018–2021 of WRPS. Furthermore, the sub-plot B+M1 had wheat's highest SVI (0.865) and SYI (0.958). Moreover, in the case of rice, the maximum SVI (0.928) and SYI (0.952) were observed in the pressmud + Pleurotus sajor-caju (PM+M1). All the variables are positively correlated except total, and partial factor productivity. Based on the regression study, the C flow-based ESs contributed to 99.9% variability in grain-based ESs. Based on the above results, this experiment provides unique and distinct information for above and below-ground ESs in WRPS and using IWs to maintain a long-term sustainable food system. The experiment hypothesized that using the IWs as a nutrient source will enhance nutrient use efficiency (NUE), reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and maintain yield sustainability, improve ESs in WRPS, improve soil health, and ensure a green-sustainable food production system. Additionally, it is an assessable and practical method of sustainably managing waste that correlates well with green economic sustainability to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Effect of Organic Manures and Nano Zinc on Growth and Yield of Wheat

A field experiment was carried out during Rabi season 2022 at experimental field of Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH7.3), low in organic carbon (0.48%), available nitrogen (230 kg/ha), available phosphorus (13.60 kg/ha) and available potassium (215.4 kg/ha). The treatments consist of organic manures (FYM 10t/ha, panchagavya 3%, FYM 5t/ha + panchagavya 1.5%) and nano zinc (30, 40, 50 ppm) along with control plot (Recommended Dose Fertilizer). The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with ten treatments each replicated thrice. Higher plant height (91.90 cm), higher plant dry weight (27.27 g), number of tillers/hill (8.67), Crop Growth Rate (11.82), grains/spike (45.12), effective tillers/row meter (73.57), Spikes/running row meter (77.57), grain yield (6.01 t/ha), straw yield (8.49 t/ha), maximum gross return (127712.50 INR/ha), net return (85765.70 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.04) were also obtained highest in the treatment 9 [FYM 5t/ha + Panchagavya 1.5% + Nano-zinc 50ppm].

Response of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) to Split Application of Nitrogen under North Gujarat Agro-Climatic Condition

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study the effect of split application of nitrogen under mini sprinkler system on potato yield and economics in North Gujarat Agro-climatic condition on loamy sand soil at Potato Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Deesa. The Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) of potato for North Gujarat is 275:138:275 NPK kg/ha. The results revealed that the significantly higher total tuber yield (67.81 t/ha) and net return (`206104/ha) was recorded in 50 % N (103 kg) as basal and remaining 50 % N (103 kg) in two equal splits at 30 and 45 DAP along with 110 P2O5 and 275 kg K2O/ha as basal application with saving of 25 % N under North Gujrat Agro-climatic condition of Gujarat.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Crop Moisture Utilization and Water Use Efficiency in Indian Mustard

Improving agricultural water use efficiency is a major concern, particularly in areas affected by drought, as it significantly limits grain production worldwide. Efficient water management techniques are essential for crop production in water-scarce regions. Enhancing crop water use efficiency and drought tolerance through genetic improvement and physiological regulation can contribute to more effective water utilization. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2017-18 at Agriculture Farm, Bhagwant University, Ajmer to study the “Effect of nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of mustard” to evaluate the effect of nutrient management on crop moisture utilization and moisture use efficiency. The experiment comprising of 10 treatments replicated three times, was laid out in randomized block design. The treatments are Control (T1), Water Spray (T2), 2% urea spray (T3), 100% RDF (T4), 50% RDF + 2% urea spray (T5), 50 % RDF + 2% Multiplex spray (T6), 50% RDF + 2% urea + 2% Multiplex spray (T7), 100% RDF + 2% urea spray (T8), 100 % RDF + 2% Multiplex spray (T9), 100% RDF + 2%urea + 2% Multiplex spray (T11). The results indicated that the application of 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer) along with 2% urea and 2% Multiplex spray improved crop moisture utilization and moisture use efficiency.

Impact of Precision Nutrient Management on Rice Growth and Productivity in Southern Odisha

Background: Despite the emergence of numerous smart tools in recent times, a significant research gap still exists in identifying the most effective smart tool that optimally synchronizes fertilizer application with crop requirements, thereby promoting crop growth and productivity in accordance with the principles of SSNM. Methods: The present investigation took place at the PG Experimental Farm, MSSSoA, CUTM, Odisha, during the boro season of 2021-22.The experiment followed a randomized block design, with eleven treatments that were replicated three times. The investigated treatments included the following: T1-absolute control (no fertilizer), T2-75% of the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), T3-100% RDF, T4-125% RDF, T5-75% RDF followed by a spray of nano urea at a rate of 2ml/L during panicle initiation, T6-100% RDF followed by a spray of nano urea at a rate of 2ml/L during panicle initiation, T7- leaf colour chart (LCC) 3 based nitrogen management,, T8-LCC 4 based nitrogen management, T9- Sufficiency Index (SI)-based nitrogen management at SI less than 90%, T10- Nutrient expert (NE)-based nutrient recommendation, and T11- Rice crop manager (RCM)-based nutrient recommendation. Result: The study found that implementing nitrogen management based on site-specific information, using a total of 150 kg of nitrogen per hectare applied in four separate applications (at the basal stage, 28 days after transplanting, 42 days after transplanting, and 63 days after transplanting), along with consistent levels of phosphorus and potassium, led to a 16.68% increase in grain yield and a 13.17% increase in biological yield for rice. This approach outperformed the traditional method of applying 100% recommended dose of fertilizer with 120 kg of nitrogen at fixed time intervals (basal, active tillering, and panicle initiation).

Influence of Precision Nutrient Management on Dry Matter Accumulation and Partitioning of Rice in Southern Odisha

Background: The nutrient management practices are largely known to influence dry matter accumulation and translocation in rice. However, the role of precision nutrient management in dry matter partitioning to the reproductive parts of rice is still unexplored. Methods: The present trial was conducted during boro season of 2021-22 at PG Experimental Farm, MSSSoA, CUTM, Odisha. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 11treatments that were replicated thrice. The treatments examined under the investigation were namely, absolute control, 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 100% RDF, 125% RDF, 75% RDF fb nano urea spray @ 2ml/L at panicle initiation, 100% RDF fb nano urea spray @ 2ml/L at panicle initiation, leaf colour chart (LCC) 3 basednitrogen management, LCC 4 based nitrogen management, sufficiency Index (SI)-based N management at a threshold value less than 90%, Nutrient expert (NE) based nutrient recommendation, Rice crop manager (RCM) based nutrient recommendation. Result: The results of the study indicated that SI-based N management at a threshold value less than 90% results in highest allocation, shoot dry matter to the panicle (53.46%); while, absolute control of nutrients resulted in highest percentage allocation of shoot dry matter to culm (23.72%) and leaves (33.88%) during maturity.

Management of plant nutrient dynamics under alkaline soils through graded application of pressmud and gypsum.

An incubation experiment was conducted to monitor the effect of different organic matter inputs with the graded application of gypsum at different time intervals on soil pH, sodium (Na) content and available plant nutrients like nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) in alkaline soil. The experiment was formulated with nine treatments, i.e. control (T1), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (T2), RDF+Gyp1 (T3), RDF+FYM5+Gyp2 (T4), RDF+FYM10+Gyp1 (T5), RDF+PM5+Gyp2 (T6), RDF+PM10+Gyp1 (T7), RDF+FYM2.5+PM2.5+Gyp2 (T8), RDF+FYM5+PM5+Gyp1 (T9) with three replications. Periodical soil samples were taken at six and twelve months intervals. Results showed that the addition of organic matter reduced the pH and Na content in the soil. More reduction was observed at one year period as compared to six months. The addition of farmyard manure (FYM) and pressmud (PM) at 10 t/ha with gypsum (1 t/ha) improved available N and available S content as compared to organic inputs (5 t/ha) with gypsum (2 t/ha) in soil. Pressmud application with FYM showed better availability of plant nutrients and a reduction of soil pH (8.39 to 7.79) and Na content from 626 to 391 mEq/L in the soil during the incubation period. During the study, the application of treatment T9 (FYM and PM in equal ratio with 1 t/ha gypsum) showed a better availability of available N (175 to 235 kg/ha) and S (15.44 to 23.24 kg/ha) and reduced the active ion concentration of Na. This study is very useful for the management of sodium toxicity, improving soil health and the mineralization rate of organic matter through the application of organic inputs for sustainable crop production.

Biosynthesis of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles using Ipomoea carnea leaf extract and its effect on black carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Pusa Asita

Nano fertilizers (NFs) are now becoming an important tool for plant nutrient management having capabilities to improve soil fertility, crop productivity and quality of agricultural products. Since, they are needed in very small amount, thus, reduces cost of crop production. Among different essential or beneficial plant nutrients, Zn and Ti are important micro nutrients having number of beneficial effect on crop growth, yield, quality and post harvest life. Present experiment was carried out to prepare ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) through green technology by using aqueous extract of Ipomoea carnea (morning glory) leaves. In order to investigate size, morphology, composition, and stability of selected NPs, the detailed characterization was carried out using UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, HRTEM, EDX, BET, X-ray diffraction, XPS and particle size distribution studies. Subsequently, the effect of foliar spray of ZnO and TiO2 NPs was evaluated in respect of vegetative growth, yield and quality of black carrot (Daucus carota L.) cv. Pusa Asita in presence of 50% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to assess their effect on fertilizer use efficiency also. There were 8 treatments viz. Control (no fertilizer), recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), TiO2 (5, 10 and 15 ppm along with 50% RDF), ZnO (50, 75 and 100 ppm along with 50% RDF)] with 3 replications following Randomised Block Design having 24 plots (1 m × 1 m). The observations were taken for vegetative growth, edible root yield and root quality parameters. Although, the growth, yield and quality parameters were found superior (root yield 43.84 g/plant) under conventional system of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of NPK, however, TiO2 NPs also showed very promising result close to RDF as compared to ZnO NPs. Among them, 5 ppm TiO2 foliar application along with 50% NPK was found to be the best in terms of vegetative growth, root yield (38.73 g/plant) and quality of black carrot. It was also found that higher concentration of TiO2 and ZnO NPs had adverse effect on the plant performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that 5 ppm TiO2 NPs along with 50% RDF was good for black carrot production.

Characteristics of Organic Manures and Its Effect on Physical Properties of Soil in Pearl Millet

Organic manures are rich source of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which are essential for plants. It also contains organic matter that improves soil structure, water-holding capacity, and aeration. The study focused on evaluating two types of organic manures, i.e. Farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost. Results showed that vermicompost had higher nutrient content them FYM. A field experiment was conducted during kharif season 2018 at Agronomy farm, S.K.N. College of Agriculture Jobner (Rajasthan). The design of experiment was factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised five treatments of organic manures (Control, vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, FYM @ 5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1) and four treatments of fertility levels (Control, 50 per cent RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer), 75 per cent RDF and 100 per cent RDF). The variety used for experiment was RHB-173 of pearl millet. Results showed that the application of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 significantly decreased the bulk density and increased the saturated hydraulic conductivity over control. The maximum water retention of soil (12.86 per cent and 3.28 per cent) at 33kPa and 1500 kPa were recorded under the treatment vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 being at par with FYM @ 10 t ha -1. Thus, addition of FYM @ 10 t ha -1 improves the physical soil properties.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on the Growth and Yield of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) under Protected Cultivation

The present investigation titled “Effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on growth and yield of tomato under protected cultivation” was carried out during 2022 in Central Horticulture Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj to assess the impact of different doses of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the growth and yield of tomatoes under protected condition, as well as to analyze the economic aspects of different treatments. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments were T0 Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), T1 75% (RDF) +25% (Vermicompost), T2 50% (RDF) + 50% (Vermicompost), T3 25% (RDF) +75% (Vermicompost), T4 75% (RDF) + 25% (FYM), T5 50 %(RDF) +50% (FYM), T6 25 %(RDF) +75% (FYM), T7 75% (RDF) + 25% (Poultry Manure), T8 50% (RDF) +50% (Poultry Manure), T9 25% (RDF) +75% (Poultry Manure). On the basis of our finding the best treatment was found to be T6 (25% RDF + 75% FYM) which was found best in terms of growth parameters and yield parameters among different treatment combinations of tomato. Also the best B:C ratio 3.84 was found in T6 (25% RDF + 75% FYM).