Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

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

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

Impact of Drip Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Levels on Yield and Economics of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum)

A field experiment was conducted at College farm, Water Technology Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2018 to 2019 to study the effect of differential drip irrigation and fertigation schedules on yield and economics of summer sesame. The experiment was framed with ten treatments viz., two irrigation levels (0.8 and 1.0 Epan), two fertigation levels (75% and 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium), two schedules (Equal and differential) and two treatments with soil application of 100% RDF with Drip irrigation (1.0 Epan) and conventional furrow irrigation (1.0 IW/CPE) and were replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that, application of 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium (RDNK) through drip fertigation @ 0.8 or 1.0 Epan either in differential dosages based on crop growth stage or in equal splits recorded significantly superior yields (1011, 971, 977 and 990 kg/ ha, respectively) compared to the other treatments. These treatments recorded 13.5 and 26.7% higher yields, obtained from soil application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan (882 kg/ha) and furrow irrigation at a 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (774 kg/ha). Further, the highest water productivity of 0.24 kg/m3 was recorded with differential application of 100% RDNK under a drip irrigation regime of 0.8 Epan. This treatment also recorded the highest gross returns ( ₹ 96,489 /ha), net returns (₹ 53,604 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.95).

Differential Responses to Integrated Nutrient Management of Cabbage–Capsicum–Radish Cropping Sequence with Fertilizers and Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

The present investigation was carried out to study the differential responses to assimilated nutrient management in the cabbage–capsicum–radish cropping system to develop an integrated plant nutrient supply. The experimental trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates and included assimilations of 15 various combinations: T1—recommended dose of fertilizers (RDFs) + farmyard manure (FYM) (Control); T2—nitrogen and phosphorus (NP) + vermicompost (VC) (75% + 2.5 t/ha); T3—NP + VC (50% + 2.5 t/ha); T4—NP + enriched compost (EC) (75% + 2.5 t/ha); T5—NP + EC (50% + 2.5 t/ha); T6—NP + plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (75% + 5 kg/ha); T7—NP + PGPR (50% + 5 kg/ha); T8—NP + VC + PGPR (75% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T9—NP + VC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T10—NP + EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T11—NP + EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T12—NP + VC and EC (75% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha); T13—NP + VC and EC (50% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha); T14—NP + VC and EC + PGPR (75% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha); T15—NP + VC and EC + PGPR (50% + 2.5 t/ha and 2.5 t/ha + 5 kg/ha) for two consecutive years. Seedlings of the cabbage cultivar were transplanted with a spacing of 45 × 30 cm, whereas the capsicum seedlings were transplanted with a spacing of 60 × 45 cm. The radish cultivar was sown directly in the field with a spacing of 30 × 7.5 cm. The yield and growth attributes of all three crops were notably impacted by the INM modules. The utilization of a combination of 75% of the recommended quantity of NP + VC and EC, along with PGPR, at a rate of 2.5 t/ha, during cabbage cultivation, led to a noteworthy rise in plant height, equatorial diameter, gross head weight, net head weight, and ultimately, the maximum head yield, as per the statistical analysis. In the case of capsicum, the treatment (T14) module demonstrated superior performance in terms of the major yielding components, namely, fruit size, fruit weight, and number of fruits per plant, resulting in the highest yield compared to the other modules, including RDFs. The cabbage exhibited high protein content and inorganic modules in terms of quality traits, whereas ascorbic acid and total soluble solids (TSSs) levels were high due to strong organic support across all three crops. Thus, it can be inferred that the integrated combination of 75% NP, VC, and EC at 2.5 t/ha, and PGPR, along with the basic application of the full recommended potash and farmyard manure (FYM), led to a reduction of 25% in fertilizers (NP), improved growth and yield, and higher annual net returns. Thus, this incorporation can be suggested as an economically efficient strategy for consistently attaining increased productivity with enhanced excellence.

Effect of nutrient and pest management on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2017 and 2018 at the Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya, Chitrakoot, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India, to study the impact of nutrient and pest management on productivity and profitability of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp.]. The experiment consisted 8 treatments of nutrient and pest management, replicated thrice in randomized block design. Pods/plant were found markedly superior in recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray. However, 1000-seed weight (65.19 g) was significantly higher in RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after first spray. Grain yield (1.07 t/ha) was significantly superior under RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray. The stover yield (6.13 t/ha) was recorded significantly higher (17.92%) in RDF + 0.5% borax spray at 50% flowering. Harvest index was estimated significantly superior in RDF + indoxacarb spray at 50% flowering + 1 systemic insecticide (Dimethoate) at 15 days after first spray followed by RDF + multimicronutrinent @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray (17.53%). Gross returns (69.3 × 103 `/ha) and net returns (69.3 × 103 `/ha) of pigeonpea were recorded significantly higher under RDF + multimicronutrient @ 2 ml/L at 50% flowering + Indoxacarb spray at flowering + 1 systemic insecticide at 15 days after the first spray, while benefit : cost ratio (3.68; 3.49) was found significantly more in RDF + 2% urea spray at 50% flowering and RDF + 0.5% ZnSO4 spray at 50% flowering than the other treatments.

Yield and economics of Integrated nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa)- zero tillage finger millet (Eleusine coracana) cropping system

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18 and 2018–19 on sandy loam soil of the Agricultural College, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the economics of the rice (Oryza sativa L.)–zero tillage finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] cropping system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design and replicated thrice during rainy season rice, and in winter each rainy season treatment was subdivided into 4 subtreatments and hence, split-plot design was adopted in winter season. The highest grain yield (5,343, 5,465 and 5,404 kg/ha) was recorded with 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM @ 10 t/ha + ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha in rice, while in winter season, 100% RDF resulted in the maximum grain yield (1,935, 2,038 and 1,986 kg/ha) of finger millet (ragi) in both the years. The maximum gross returns (`100,010) net returns (`54,947) and returns/rupee invested (1.24) were recorded with the application of 50 RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha+ ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha. In zero tillage finger millet, the maximum gross returns (`52,172) was recorded with 50% RDF + FYM @ 10 t/ha + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha. The highest net returns (`28,539) and returns per rupee invested (1.28) were recorded with the application of 50% RDF + poultry manure @ 1.6 t/ha + soil application of ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha to rainy season rice. Among the different fertilizer levels, the highest gross returns (`56,072), net returns (`32,157) and returns per rupee invested (1.34) were recorded with 100% RDF treatment in finger millet in both the years and in pooled data.

Dry-matter accumulation of sweet corn (Zea mays) under variable seedling age and integrated nutrient supply

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (Kharif) season of 2020 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Wadura Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the effect of age of seedling and sources of nutrients on dry-matter production of sweet corn (Zea mays L.). It was laid out in randomized complete-block design with factorial arrangement, replicated thrice. The age of seedling comprised of 12, 22 and 32 days old seedlings and sources of nutrients consisted of control, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 50% RDF + FYM @ 12 t/ha, 50% RDF + vermicompost @ 4 t/ha and 50% RDF + poultry manure @ 2 t/ha. The findings of this study indicated that, age of seedling and sources of nutrients had a significant influence on dry-matter accumulation. Transplanting of 32 days old seedlings recorded significantly higher values for dry-matter accumulation up to 30 days after transplanting, but thereafter transplanting 22 days old seedlings was found superior up to the harvesting. With respect to sources of nutrients application of 50% RDF + poultry manure @ 2 t/ha registering significantly higher dry-matter accumulation.

Integrated nutrient-management practices effect on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) and soil properties under rainfed lowland rice situation – A long-term study

An experiment was conducted on a fixed site at Agricultural Research Station (Paddy), Sirsi, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, during the rainy (kharif) season of 2000 to 2017 (18 years), to study the long-term effect of integrated nutrient-management (INM) practices on productivity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its soil health. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 7 main plot treatments, viz. no manure, farmyard manure (FYM) @ 10 t/ha, vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, eupatorium @ 10 t/ha, gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.] or quick stich @ 10 t/ha, sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) grown in-situ @ 8.96 t/ha and paddy straw @ 5 t/ ha) and 3 subplot treatments [no fertilizer, 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 100% RDF]. The average of 18 years pooled data showed that, the grain yield, straw yield and net returns of rice were significantly higher with the application of gliricidia and eupatorium @ 10 t/ha compared to all other manures. Among the interactions of different organic manures and inorganic fertilizers, combinations of application of gliricidia @ 10 t/ha + 100% RDF resulted in significantly higher grain yield (6.2 t/ha), straw yield (7.8 t/ha) and net returns (`30,569/ha) followed by eupatorium + 100% RDF. The grain yield, straw yield and net returns obtained with application of green-leaf manures, viz. gliricidia alone (5.29, 6.01 t/ha and `25,443/ha, respectively) or eupatorium @ 10 t/ha alone were found to be at par with that of 100% RDF alone.

Effect of fertility levels and foliar nutrition in fieldpea (Pisum sativum) under south - eastern Rajasthan

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2016–17, 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the Agriculture University, Kota, Rajasthan, to evaluate the effect of fertility levels and foliar nutrition on fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.). The experiment consisted of 3 recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) levels (75%, 100% and 125%) and 5 foliar sprays [water spray, neem-coated urea 2%, NPK (19 : 19 : 19) 0.5%, NPK (17 : 44 : 0) 0.5% and NPK (0 : 0 : 50) 0.5%] at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stages. Result revealed, that the maximum and significantly higher plant height (168.21 cm), branches/plant (3.12), nodule count (23.75), nodule dry weight (35.87 g/plant), pods/plant (61.90), seeds/pod (3.78), grain yield (2350 kg/ha), net returns (`52,889/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (3.02) were recorded with application of 125% RDF (25 kg N + 50 kg P + 25 kg K + 25 kg S + 6.25 kg Zn/ha) with 7.32, 10.64, 13.54, 11.40, 15.81, 12,17, 26.82, 32.18 and 16.60% increase over 75% RDF. Application of 125% RDF recorded the maximum nutrient content (N : P : K : S 3.30 : 0.54 : 1.18 : 0.40% in seed and 1.69 : 0.48 : 1.51 : 0.31% in straw) and uptake (N : P : K : S 77.57 : 12.59 : 27.68 : 9.42 kg/ha in seed and 58.14 : 16.35 : 51.99 : 10.67 kg/ha in straw) over the other treatments. Among foliar applications, NPK (19 : 19 : 19) @ 0.5% at pre-flowering and pod- initiation stage resulted in the maximum and significantly higher plant height (167.76 cm), branches/plant (3.14), nodule count (23.77), nodule dry weight (36.36 g/plant), pods/plant (63.43), seeds/pod (3.89), grain yield (2,250 kg/ha), net returns (`50,835/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.06) over rest of treatments with 9.69, 12.95, 8.69, 10.06, 23.38, 18.24, 12.84, 17.19 and 15.47% increase over the control; however, it recorded at par results with NPK (17 : 44 : 0) @ 0.5% at pre-flowering and pod-initiation stage. Similarly, higher NKS uptake in seed and straw was observed under foliar application of NPK (19 : 19 : 19) @ 0.5% and P uptake under NPK (17 : 44 : 0) @ 0.5% than the other treatments.

Influence of fertilizer levels and wild oat (Avena ludoviciana) management on growth, yield and economics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivation

The present study was carried out at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during the winter (rabi) season of 2015–16 and 2016–17, to investigate influence of fertilizer levels and different treatments of wild oat (Avena ludoviciana Durieu.) management on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). There were 24 treatments and 3 replications with fertilizer (Levels-03) and wild oat (management -08) treatments as main and subplot treatments in split-plot design. Results of the 2 year study showed, higher grain yield (44.7 q/ha), straw yield (66.7 q/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.80) in recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) when compared 120% RDF (40.22 q/ha, 61.24 q/ha and 1.58 respectively). Weed-free (55.3 q/ha, 79.1 q/ha and 2.03) and pinoxaden @ 50 g/ha (54.8 q/ha, 78.6 q/ha and 2.18) being at par with each other resulted in higher grain and straw yields, whereas weedy check exhibited the least values. Clodinafop @ 60 g/ha recorded significantly higher grain, straw yield and benefit: cost (B:C) ratio than with sulfosulfuron @ 25 g/ha though it was significantly lower than the pinoxaden @ 50g/ha. Pendimethalin @ 1.5 kg/ha and metribuzin @ 175 g/ha ensued statistically similar grain, straw yield and B : C ratio, followed by weedy check. The results also indicated that, fertilizers given in larger dosages only served to increase the weed population rather than wheat output. In the higher dosage of fertilizer, weeds becomes resistant to normal dosage of herbicides. Recommended dose of fertilizer along with suitable herbicide application or manual weeding could result in higher yield of wheat.

Effect of enriched composts and establishment methods on crop growth and nutrient concentration of rice (Oryza sativa) in trans-Gangetic plains of India

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to study the effect of crop-establishment methods and enriched organic nutrient sources on growth and productivity of ‘Pusa Basmati 1509’ rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in splitplot design with 3 replications. The treatments comprised 2 main plot treatments, viz. aerobic rice (AR) and conventional transplanted (CT) rice, and 5 subplot treatments, viz. control (no fertilizer), 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)–100% mineral fertilization), 50% P through P enriched compost + 50% P through diammonium phosphate (DAP), 50% N through N-enriched compost + 50% N through urea and DAP and 100% organic (through N-enriched compost and P-enriched compost). The transplanted rice gave significantly higher grain yield (4.3 and 4.5 t/ha), straw yield (7.2 and 7.5 t/ha), plant height (97.8 and 99.1 cm), number of tillers (369.4 and 375.1), macro (1.4 and 1.3%-N, 0.14 and 0.15% -P, 0.27 and 0.28% K) and micro-nutrient concentration (70.5 and 76.8 ppm-Fe 22.2 and 22.9 ppm-Mn 24.1 and 24.7 ppm-Zn 10.1 and 10.5 ppm-Cu) in grain compared to aerobic rice. Enriched N compost having 50% N through N-enriched compost + 50% N through urea and DAP resulted in significantly higher grain yield (4.85 and 5.13 t/ha) than the other treatments except enriched P compost including 50% P through P-enriched compost + 50% P through DAP and these 2 treatments were at par in both the years. The 100% RDF resulted in more grain yield than 100% organic treatment, though differences were nonsignificant in both the years. Treatment of 50% N through N-enriched compost + 50% N through urea and DAP also resulted in taller plants, more tillers/m2 , higher macro and micro-nutrient concentration in grain than the other treatments. Hence, conventional transplanting of rice along with integrated application of enriched compost and inorganic fertilizer may be recommended to farmers for getting higher growth, productivity and better nutritional security.

Effect of Cell Free Microbial Bio-Stimulant on Growth, Yield and the Microbial Activity of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Grown in Vertisol

A field experiment was conducted to find out the effect of a cell-free microbial biostimulant on growth, yield, and the microbial activity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) grown in a field during the rabi season (December–April) of 2021–22 at the Instructional Cum Research Farm, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Pant-3 variety of tomato was used for the experiment, which was spaced in 45×60 cm. The experiment consists of seven treatments, viz., six levels of cell-free microbial bio-stimulant (control, 0.125 L ha-1, 0.25 L ha-1, 0.50 L ha-1, 0.63 L ha-1, 1.25 L ha-1, and 2.50 L ha-1), in combination with 100% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), and was laid out in a randomised block design (RBD) with three replications. Data regarding the height of the plant, numbers of fruits (plant-1), yield (kg ha-1), dehydrogenase, and microbial activity were observed. The experimental result revealed that the application of a cell-free microbial bio-stimulant with a combination of 100% RDF was found to have a significant impact on the microbial population and dehydrogenase activity of soil, but that plant height, fruit number, and yield were not significantly affected. According to the performance of the crop and analysis of rhizosphere soil, it can be concluded that the cell-free microbial bio-stimulant @ 2.50 L ha-1 with soil application along with 100% RDF (120:80:80 kg ha-1 N:P:K) increases the soil microbial population, i.e., bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi, and also improves the quality of the soil.

The growth and yield performances of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) as influenced by the use of cow dung and chemical fertilizers

To investigate the effect of cow dung and chemical fertilizers on the growth and yield performances of mungbean (BARI Mung 6), an experiment was carried out in the research field of the Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, during the kharif season of 2020. The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications comprising seven manure-fertilizer treatments. The results showed that the different levels of cow dung and fertilizers significantly influenced mungbean growth parameters and seed yield. The highest plant height (48.2 cm), number of leaves plant-1 (10.3), number of branches plant-1 (3.9), maximum number of pods plant-1 (19.3), seeds pod-1 (10.4), 1000-seed weight (43.4g), and the highest seed yield (1.42 t ha-1) were obtained from the application of 80% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) plus 20% cow dung. It is concluded that applying 20% cow dung (1.2 t ha-1) coupled with 80% of the recommended amount of fertilizers together produced superior results for the growth and yield of mungbean compared to applying fertilizer or cow dung alone. J. Bangladesh Acad. Sci. 47(1); 61-68: June 2023

Response of Iron and Boron on Growth, Yield and Quality of Safflower Crop (Carthamus tinctorius L.) in Kalyan Karnataka

The present experiment was carried at Agricultural Research Station, Hagari, Ballari, Karnataka to evaluate the response of iron and boron on growth, yield and quality of safflower during two consecutive years 2020-21. The experiment consisted of seven treatments, includes T1: Absolute control, T2: RDF (40:40:12.5 kg NPK +30 kg Sulphur +15 kg ZnSO4ha-1), T3: RDF + 15 kg FeSO4ha-1, T4: RDF + 1.0 kg Boron ha-1, T5: RDF + 15 kg FeSO4ha-1+ 1.0 kg Boron ha-1, T6: RDF + 20 kg FeSO4ha-1, T7: RDF + 1.5 kg Boron ha-1 and T8: RDF + 20 kg FeSO4ha-1 +1.5 kg Boron ha-1 which replicated thrice in randomized complete block design. The results of the experiment revealed that the combined application of iron and boron i.e. 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with 20 kg iron per ha and 1.5 kg boron per ha (T8) recorded significantly maximum plant height (117.0 cm), number of leaves per plant (94.3), number of primary branches per plant (14.1), number of secondary branches per plant (21.3), total dry matter production (2878 kg), number of capsules per plant (36.9), seed weight per head (0.94), thousand seed weight (68.5 g), and seed yield (15.96 q ). Further, the quality parameters such as protein (15.5 %) and oil content (28.8 %) were significantly enhanced in same treatment.

Influence of integrated nutrient management on physiological parameters of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

During the rabi season of 2021, a field experiment was conducted in the North Western plains of Uttarakhand at Crop Research Centre, School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun to examine the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on lentil growth, yield, and economics (Lens culinaris Medik.). The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with seven treatments i.e. T1 (Control, 100% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizers), T2 (75 % NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) + 25 % FYM (Farm Yard Manure), T3 (50 % NPK + 50 % FYM), T4 (75 % NPK + 25 % Azotobacter), T5 (50 % NPK + 50 % Azotobacter), T6 (75 % NPK + 25 % (Vermicompost + Azotobacter)) & T7 (50 % NPK+ 50 % (Vermicompost + Azotobacter)). The treatments T7 with the combination of 50 per cent NPK and 50 per cent vermicompost plus Azotobacter showed maximum LAI (Leaf Area Index) (0.25), NAR (Net Assimilation Rate) (0.0020), chlorophyll content (3.05), dry matter (4.44 g), and protein content (26.99 %) in contrast to other six treatments.

Long-Term Organic Amendment Application Improves Soil Fertility Status, Nutrient Accumulation and Crop Productivity Under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

ABSTRACT The major issue in modern agriculture is long-term sustainability. Nutrient management by integrating organic manures and inorganic fertilizers may play a vital role in improving and sustaining crop productivity. A long-term field experiment (since 1984) comprising 11 treatments with different combinations of inorganic and organic fertilizers such as farm yard manure (FYM), wheat cut straw (WCS) and Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) as green manure (GM) was conducted to evaluate their effects on crop yield, nutrient accumulation and soil fertility status under a rice – wheat cropping system. The maximum grain yield of wheat was recorded in T6, i.e. 50% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + 50% nitrogen through FYM in rice and 100% RDF in wheat (4291 kg ha−1) as compared to chemically fertilized plots T5, i.e. 100% RDF in both rice and wheat (3441 kg ha−1). The application of organic manures in combination with chemical fertilizers reduced soil pH and bulk density from 7.40 to 7.23 and 1.49 to 1.37 g cm−3, respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC), available soil nutrients and nutrient accumulation by crop were higher in integrated nutrient management-treated plots as compared to control. A positive and significant correlation was observed between SOC and available soil nitrogen (r = 0.987), phosphorus (r = 0.913) and potassium (r = 0.921). The results clearly suggest that integrated use of chemical fertilizers and organic manures on a long-term basis improves soil fertility and crop productivity with the potential to enhance soil sustainability

Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Sahibganj District, Jharkhand, India

An evaluation of physico-chemical properties of 27 soil samples from 3 different blocks ie., Sahibganj, Borio and Taljhari of Sahibganj district (Jharkhand) in different depths (0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm) was carried out during of 2022-2023. The present investigation was objectified as determination of soil Physico-chemical properties to analyse the soil fertility status with finding out the deficiency and toxicity of different soil nutrients. Soil samples were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques and statistical analysis. The treatments in them study were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The bulk density of the soils varied from 1.13 to 1.53 Mg m-3, while the particle density ranged from 2.24 to 2.69 Mg m-3. The percentage of pore space was between 36.88 and 49.55% and water holding capacity was between 31.11 and 44.71%. Soil pH varied from 6.28 to 7.90 which was neutral to slightly saline with soil EC ranged 0.02-0.64 dS m-1 that would significantly affect crop production. In the case of the organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content of research area was found to be low to medium while the range of Potassium was sufficient ranging from 176.34 to 271.77 kg ha1. In these areas recommended fertilizer doses should be applied as per soil test crop response to prevent yield losses due to deficiency of nutrients.

Effect of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Root Yield of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.)

Beetroot cultivation is benefited from the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers such as compost or manure improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient availability, and promote microbial activity. Inorganic fertilizers provide precise nutrient ratios and are readily available for immediate plant uptake. Combining organic and inorganic fertilizers ensures a balanced nutrient supply, promoting healthy growth, improved yield, and nutrient-rich beetroot production. The present investigation was carried out at Horticultural Research Farm (HRF), Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Rabi-2022 with a view to identify the best treatment combination that performed in the Prayagraj region. The treatments comprised of T1 (Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)), T2 (75% (RDF) +25% (FYM)), T3 (75% (RDF) +25% (Vermicompost)), T4 (75% (RDF) +25% (Poultry Manure)), T5 (50% (RDF) + 50% (FYM)), T6 (50%(RDF) +50% (Vermicompost)), T7 (50%(RDF) +50% (Poultry Manure)), T8 (25% (RDF) + 75% (FYM)), T9 (25% (RDF) +75% (Vermicompost)), T10 (25% (RDF) +75% (Poultry Manure)), T11 (75% (RDF) + 12.5% (Poultry Manure) + 12.5% (Vermicompost)), T12 (50% (RDF) +25% (FYM) +25 % (Poultry Manure)) and T13 (25% (RDF)+ 50% (FYM)+ 25% (Vermicompost)). From the above experimental finding it is concluded that the treatment T11 (75% (RDF) + 12.5% (Poultry Manure) + 12.5% (Vermicompost)) was found to be best in the terms of growth and yield among different treatment combinations of Beet root.

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.

Effect of Different Levels of Controlled Release Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Var Kashi Lalima under Prayagraj Agro-climatic Condition

About 40-70% of conventional fertilizer is wasted due to leaching causing environmental issues. Controlled release fertilizers provide a promising solution as they gradually release nutrients to match the crop's nutrient requirements, improving nutrient uptake efficiency and reducing nutrient losses. The Experiment was carried out During March To June 2021-22, using a randomized block design with three replications and eight treatments, including a control using the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). The statistical analysis of the variance showed that the use of CRF had a significant effect on the growth, yield, and quality of red okra. Among the different levels of CRF used, treatment T7 (11g CRF/plant) performed the best in terms of growth parameters such as plant height and number of leaves. Treatment T2 (7g CRF/plant) was found to perform the best in terms of earliness parameters. Treatment T5 (9g CRF/plant) had the highest yield with 14.30 t/ha. Treatment T6 (10g CRF/plant) was found to be the best for quality parameters. The highest benefit-cost ratio was recorded in treatment T5 (9g CRF/plant) which is 4.7. From the present investigation, it is concluded that, CRF can be used efficiently for higher crop production.

Study of Different Sources of Organic Manures in Comparison with RDF on Growth and Yield of Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek

The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the different sources of organic manures in comparison with recommended dose fertilizer (RDF) on greengram at South farm, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore, India. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice during kharif and rabi seasons of 2022. The field study comprised of nine treatments, two organic treatments with sole organic manures at 100% on N equivalent basis (vermicompost, farmyard manure) another three treatments consisted of 25%, 50% and 75% combination of each manure. These two organic manures (vermicompost, farmyard manure) were combined with 50% RDF through inorganic fertilizers (12.5:25:12.5 of N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1) as a combination of organic and inorganic treatments and one sole 100% inorganic treatment through inorganic fertilizer (25:50:25 of N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1). A control treatment was maintained in the layout to compare the performance of all the treatments. The results showed that among the different combinations of organic and inorganic treatments, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through inorganic (25:50:25 of N, P2O5 and K2O kg ha-1) (T7) fertilizer significantly enhanced the growth and yield of greengram which was closely followed by vermicompost 100% on N equivalent basis.