Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Halophilic microbial formulations for improving crop productivity and soil health under saline Vertisols of Gujarat

A study was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018 and 2019 at research farm of ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Bharuch, Gujarat to find out the effect of various halophilic microbial formulations in combination of organic manure and chemical fertilizers on winter (rabi) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under saline Vertisols. Experiment was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) comprised of 5 treatments, viz. T1 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 100% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers); T2 , Un-inoculated + Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF; T3 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-Azo inoculation; T4 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Halo-PSB inoculation; and T5 , Vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF + Mix of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB inoculation, replicated thrice. Results showed that application of different halophilic microbial formulations like Halo-Azo (Azotobacter sp. and Bacillus sp.) and Halo-PSB (consortia of Eneterobacter and Brevibacterium sp.) with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha + 75% RDF (recommended dose of fertilizers), provided at par yield with full dose (120 : 60 : 00; N : P : K kg/ha) of fertilizers, thus able to reduce 25% chemical fertilizer dose. Halo-Azo formulation performed better for improving crop yield as compared to Halo-PSB formulation. Combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF performed the best and provided significantly higher grain yield (2.75 t/ha) as compared to other treatments. Single and combined application of Halo-Azo and Halo-PSB with vermicompost @2.5 t/ha and 75% RDF also improved soil health parameters and significant results, i.e. declined EC (2.46 dS/m) and pH (7.33), improved organic carbon (0.69%) and nutrient availability (available N: 299.8 kg/ha and P: 28.7 kg/ha) were obtained. Results showed that integration of halophilic microbial formulations with organics and chemical fertilizers was able to improve wheat yield up to 15% than conventional farming under saline Vertisols of Gujarat.

Growth and yield of late sown winter baby corn (Zea mays) as influenced by NPK levels

A pot experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2020–21 at research farm of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus (Banaras Hindu University), Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of NPK on growth and yield attributes of late sown winter baby corn (Zea mays L.). Treatment consisted of 7 levels of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. NPK, viz. control; 20% RDF; 40% RDF; 60% RDF; 80% RDF; 100% RDF; and 120% RDF in completely randomized design, replicated thrice. Each increment in NPK levels, significantly enhanced the growth and yield parameters of baby corn, viz. plant height, leaf area/plant, number of leaves/plant, chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b, dry weight/plant, first cob harvest and total harvest period, baby cobs/plant, baby corn length and girth, baby cob and baby corn weight, baby cob:baby corn ratio, baby cob, corn and fodder yield (g/plant) up to the highest level than other treatments. The results suggest that late sown winter baby corn can be applied with 150– 75–50 kg NPK/ha for higher yields.

Productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa) influenced by customized fertilizers under rice-wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on silty loam soil during 2016–17 and 2017–18 to study the productivity and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa L.) influenced by customized fertilizers in rice-wheat cropping system. The experiment comprised of 6 nutrient management practices, viz. T1, control; T2, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3, Soil test-based recommendation (STR); T4, Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer; T5, TCL customized fertilizer and T6, Farmer’s practice. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 4 replications. Results revealed that soil test-based recommendation showed significantly higher grain yield (4.88 t/ha), straw yield (7.53 t/ha) of rice, maximum number of effective tillers (438.6/m2), higher length of panicle (25.05 cm), maximum number of grains/panicles (135.10) and test weight (23.81g) over farmer’s practice and RDF, while it was at par with TCL customized fertilizer and Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer. The higher buildup of organic soil carbon (0.43%) and available N (174.11 kg/ha), P (18.98 kg/ha), S (14.88 ppm), DTPA-Zn (0.65 ppm) and B (0.55 ppm) in was maintained or slightly increased in soil test-based recommendation and customized fertilizers applied plots. While higher availability of K (259.80 kg/ha) was found in RDF. The higher net returns (32.58 × 103 `/ha) per rupee investment and B:C ratio (0.82) was also recorded in Soil test-based recommendation followed by Indo-Gulf customized fertilizer and TCL customized fertilizer.

Integrated Nutrient Management in Muskmelon: A Comprehensive Field Study

The present study aims to describe the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on Madhumita variety of muskmelon cultivation in terms of plant growth, fruit yield, and quality. The experiment has been carried out in the crop field located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This case study involved seven different treatments (T1 to T7), each with varying nutrient application regimes. Certain observational data, such as vine length, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, days to 50% flowering, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit width, fruit weight, and fruit yield, were recorded for three replications over the course of the experiment. The results of statistical analysis revealed significant differences, with specific treatments demonstrating T6, which included Vermicompost at 5 tons/ha, 75% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), and 1% NOVEL prime organic liquid nutrient, consistently outperformed the other treatments groups. The findings highlight the utility of integrated nutrient management. It helps in understanding and optimizing the application of nutrients to boost crop productivity and promote sustainability.

Effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient management on productivity, profitability and soil health in rainfed baby corn (Zea mays)–horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh, to work out the effect of sowing schedule and integrated nutrient-management systems on the pro ductivity and profitability of baby corn (Zea mays L.)–horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (L.) Verdc.] cropping sys tem. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 4 treatments of sowing schedule (1st week of July, 2nd week of July and 3rd week of July and 4th week of July) in main plots and 4 levels of fertility (Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 125% of RDF, RDF + 5 t FYM, 125% of RDF + 5 t FYM) with 3 replications. The horse gram was taken as utera crop sown just before harvesting of baby corn of each sowing schedule by using common starter dose (20-50-20 kg N-P-K/ha). Baby cob, baby corn, green fodder of baby corn plants, horse gram yield and economics were higher in sowing of first schedule (1st week of July) which showed parity with second (2nd week of July) and third (3rd week of July) sowing schedule but significantly superior to the fourth sowing schedule, i.e. 4th week of July. Further, application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM significantly increased the baby cob, baby corn, green fodder, horse gram yield over 100% RDF and125% RDF, but was at par with that obtained with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM. Combined effect of sowing of the first schedule of baby corn and horse gram and application of 125% RDF + 5 t FYM resulted in significantly higher baby corn-equivalent yield in terms of system productivity (2.8 t/ha) which was comparable to sowing of the second schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the third schedule with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.3 t/ha), sowing of the first schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.7 t/ha), sowing of the second schedule with 100% RDF + 5 t FYM (2.5 t/ha) and sowing of the first schedule with 125% RDF (2.5 t/ha). Hence sowing of baby corn on the first schedule (1st week of July) with 125% RDF + 5 t FYM fol lowed by horse gram revealed the maximum system productivity in terms of baby corn-equivalent yield (2.8 t/ha) and net profit ( 173,000/ha). As regards to nutrient management in baby corn and horse gram system, the maxi mum nutrient uptake (205.7 kg N, 35.5 kg P and 222.8 kg K/ha) and soil fertility status after final harvesting of cropping system (256.19 kg N, 9.1 kg P2 O5 and 281.00 kg K2 O/ha) were registered under 125% RDF + 5 t FYM.

Nutrient management for enhancing productivity of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) based intercropping system under rainfed condition

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Bihar, to study the effect of nutrient management for enhancing productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]-based intercropping systems. Pigeonpea + turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) intercropping system, recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (2.00 t/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (4.79 t/ha), fruiting efficiency (18.8%), water-use efficiency (6.1 kg grain/ha/mm), production efficiency (18.0 kg/ha/day) and net re turns ( 106.32 ×10/ha) than pigeonpea + maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping and sole pigeonpea. However, pigeonpea + turmeric recorded lower benefit: cost (B: C) ratio than sole pigeonpea. Significantly higher B: C ratio was recorded under pigeonpea + sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) (2.32) and pigeonpea + urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] (2.31) intercropping systems than pigeonpea + maize, pigeonpea + turmeric and sole pigeonpea. Pigeonpea + maize recorded significantly lower NPK uptake by pigeonpea than sole pigeonpea and the other in tercropping systems. Pigeonpea + mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] and pigeonpea + urdbean recorded significantly higher number and dry weight of nodules /plant than pigeonpea + maize. Application of 125% recom mended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher number of branches and pods/plant, pigeonpea equivalent yield (3.39 t/ha), land-equivalent ratio (1.87), production efficiency (12.8 kg/ha/day), net returns ( 80.83 ×103/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.17) and NPK uptake by pigeonpea than RDF and 75% RDF. Pigeonpea equivalent  yield in pigeonpea + urdbean, pigeonpea + mungbean and pigeonpea + sesame intercropping sys tems, increased significantly with the increasing levels of fertilizer up to RDF, and further increase in fertilizer level did not show significant effect on pigeonpea-equivalent yield. However, it increased significantly up to 125% RDF in pigeonpea + maize and pigeonpea + turmeric intercropping systems. Pigeonpea + urdbean and pigeonpea + mungbean increased organic carbon, available N, P, K content of the soil than the other intercropping systems and initial soil value.

Effect of nutrition management and irrigation methods and schedule on productivity, economics and water-use efficiency in soybean (Glycine max) chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping sequence in alluvial soil

A field experiment was conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Morena, Madhya Pradesh, to study the ef fect of nutrition management, and methods and scheduling of irrigation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence. An irrigation at 0.6 irrigation water:cumulative pan evaporation (IW:CPE) ratio resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes, seed yield, economic benefits and water pro ductivity of soybean compared with 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Similarly, an irrigation at 0.4 IW:CPE ratio significantly in fluenced the yield-attributing characters, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratios, whereas height and number of branches increased with in creasing IW:CPE ratio. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of both the crops. The irrigation at 0.6 IW:CPE ratio showed 51.3% and 39.0% higher seed of soybean over 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratio, whereas 0.4 IW:CPE of irrigation yielded 14.5% and 32.5% higher seed of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Mean response of sprinkler irriga tion was recorded 8.3% in soybean and 11.7% in chickpea higher seed yield over check basin irrigation. Likewise, increases in growth and yield attributes, seed yield, water productivity and protein production of soybean and chickpea were noticed with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared with other nutrition treatments. Addition of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha also achieved higher system productivity, net profit and production and economic efficacy. After harvesting of the second crop of chickpea, maximum availability of N, P, K and S was recorded under 0.4 IW:CPE ratio, sprinkler irrigation and application of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared to other treatments.

Effect of variable irrigation supply based diversification of Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system on productivity, profitability, soil fertility and water expense efficiency

A field experiment was conducted during 2011–12 and 2012–13 at Morena, Madhya Pradesh, to study the ef fect of nutrition management, and methods and scheduling of irrigation on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence. An irrigation at 0.6 irrigation water:cumulative pan evaporation (IW:CPE) ratio resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes, seed yield, economic benefits and water pro ductivity of soybean compared with 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Similarly, an irrigation at 0.4 IW:CPE ratio significantly in fluenced the yield-attributing characters, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratios, whereas height and number of branches increased with in creasing IW:CPE ratio. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes, seed and straw yields, economic benefits and water productivity of both the crops. The irrigation at 0.6 IW:CPE ratio showed 51.3% and 39.0% higher seed of soybean over 0.4 and 0.8 IW:CPE ratio, whereas 0.4 IW:CPE of irrigation yielded 14.5% and 32.5% higher seed of chickpea compared with 0.6 and 0.8 IW:CPE. Mean response of sprinkler irriga tion was recorded 8.3% in soybean and 11.7% in chickpea higher seed yield over check basin irrigation. Likewise, increases in growth and yield attributes, seed yield, water productivity and protein production of soybean and chickpea were noticed with application of 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared with other nutrition treatments. Addition of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha also achieved higher system productivity, net profit and production and economic efficacy. After harvesting of the second crop of chickpea, maximum availability of N, P, K and S was recorded under 0.4 IW:CPE ratio, sprinkler irrigation and application of 75% RDF + 2.5 t FYM/ha compared to other treatments.

Synergistic Benefits of Combined Application of Manures and Chemical Fertilizers: Enhancing Growth and Yield of Rice and Wheat

The incorporation of compost and manure with chemical fertilizer has become a key concern to sustain soil fertility. Because the nutrients are continuously depleting from the soil and consequently creating a risk to preserving soil health. Aims: This study assesses the response of different doses of cowdung (CD), municipal solid waste compost (MSWC), oil cake (OC), and poultry manure (PM), incorporated with fertilizers on the growth, yield and protein content of BRRI dhan49 rice and BARI Gom-24. Study Design:  RCBD with 8 treatments and 3 replications. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment and nutrient analysis were carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. Wheat was grown during the rabi season from October 2018 to March 2019. Again, rice was cultivated during kharif II season from August 2019 to December 2019 on the same field. Then the laboratory analysis was performed till June 2020. Methodology: Eight treatments i.e., T0 Control (no fertilizer), T1 Recommended Fertilizer Dose, T2 (CD + NPK), T3 (MSWC + NPK), T4 (OC + NPK), T5 (PM + N), T6 (MSWC + N), T7: (CD + OC) were accommodated. Data on the growth parameters including grain and straw yields were documented after the harvest of the fully matured crop simultaneously determining the nitrogen (N) and protein content. Results: Adoption of various combinations of compost and manures with fertilizer accorded an increase in yield contributing characters as well as the N and protein content. Integrating MSWC @ 10 t ha-1+N projected the highest grain yield (7.11 t ha-1 in rice; 4.84 t ha-1 in wheat) and straw yield (8.8 t ha-1 in rice; 5.55 t ha-1 in wheat). It also promisingly secured the highest protein content compared to all other treatments. Conclusion: The appliance of MSWC @ 10 t ha-1 with the recommended dose of N may be endorsed for rice and wheat cultivation in the AEZ-9 region and retaining the physicochemical properties of Old Brahmaputra Floodplain soils.

Productivity and Profitability of Fodder oat (Avena sativa L.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management: A Review

Fodder oats (Avena sativa L.) is a valuable feed resource for livestock, providing high-quality forage rich in nutrients essential for animal health and productivity. This review summarizes the key components and benefits of integrated nutrient management in fodder oats cultivation. Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, and green manure enhance soil quality while inorganic fertilizers provide essential macro and micronutrients necessary for robust crop growth and yield.Various researchers found that higher green and dry fodder yields were obtained with the application of Farmyard Manure @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (329.76- 518.32 q ha-1) and 75% RDF along with 2 t Poultry manure ha-1 (77.57- 91.31 q ha-1 ). While 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)+Zn + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)+residual farm yard manure (R-FYM) and 100%RDF + Zn + R-FYM significantly increased fodder quality traits- Crude protein (9.44-10.10%), ether extract (4.5-5%), total ash yield (33.8-34.6%), ADF and NDF. Uptake of N, K, P, S and Mn by oat crop was highest at 75% NPK+2.5t Vermicompost +10kg Mn+20kg S ha-1. Higher net returns per ha were obtained by integrated nutrient management treatment of FYM @ 5 t/ha + 50 percent of the recommended dose of fertilizers and the application of 75% RDF (60:40 NP) kg ha-1 along with 2 t poultry manure ha-1. Thus Integrated nutrient sources increased the yield and quality of fodder oat besides enhancing profitability.

LIQUID MANURE AS A POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE NUTRIENT SOLUTION FOR ORGANIC STRAWBERRY PRODUCTION

The experiment was conducted at Horticultural Farm, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, during the period of November 2023 to February 2024. The single-factor experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to study organic strawberry production. The experiment consisted of five treatments, namely: T1: Recommended Fertilizer Dose (RFD); T2: Vermi Tea (VT); T3: SAU-MLM; T4: SAU-NLM; and T5: SAU-PLM. Treatments were applied to plants four times every 10 days, starting 7 days after plant transplantation. The effects on vegetative growth, yield attributes, and fruit quality (Brix%) were investigated, and they showed significant variation. The results showed that RFD (T1) and SAU-PLM (T5) treatments more prominently enhanced vegetative growth SPAD value and yield attributes; maximum flower number (19.3), fruit number (17.0), diameter of fruit (41.5 mm), fruit weight (39.1 g), leaf area (153.0 sq. cm), Brix value (8.6) recorded in T5 treatment, and similar yield per plant are found in T1 (632.3 g) and T5 (636.3 g). Hence, it can be affirmed that SAU-PLM constitutes a potent liquid fertilizer capable of enhancing the growth and yield of strawberry plants.

Effect of Lime Application for Neutralizing Fertilizer Acidity on Growth and Yield of Maize in Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya during Kharif 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of lime application for neutralizing fertilizer acidity on growth and yield of maize in Alfisols. There were eight treatments that include 500 kg lime (T3) and 250 kg granular dolomite (T4) + FYM and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF and FYM + 100 and 50% fertilizer acidity neutralization with lime (T5 and T6) and granular dolomite (T7 and T8), absolute control (T1) and FYM + 100 % RDF (T2). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that application of lime @ equivalent to 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with 100% RDF and FYM (T5) recorded significantly higher plant height (221.56 cm), number of leaves (13.01 plant-1), leaf area (6389 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (168.74 g plant-1) which was on par with T8, T6, T7 and T4. Similarly, significantly higher yield parameters like cob length (21.98 cm), cob girth (20.01 cm), number of rows cob-1 (16.86), number of kernels row-1 (36.98) and test weight (35.98 g) were recorded in T5 when compared to T2, T3 and T1. Kernel and stover yield (81.57 and 90.67 q ha-1, respectively) was observed to be significantly higher in T5 treatment which was on par with T6 which clearly indicated that 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with lime along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and FYM is necessary for obtaining higher growth and yield of maize.

Rice-based Climate Resilient Farming Practices Influencing the Soil Physical Parameters, Carbon Dynamics and System Productivity in Inceptisols under Coastal Agro-ecosystem

A field experiment was carried out to assess the influence of different rice establishment technique {System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Conventional method of transplanting (CMT)}, rice-based cropping sequence {rice-groundnut-fallow (RGF) and rice-toria-greengram (RTG)}, mulching practices {No mulching (WoM) and Crop residue mulch (CRM)} and nutrient management practices{100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 75% RDF + 25% N through FYM (INM)} on the different physical properties of the soil under changing climate at the Central Research Station, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar in the East and South Eastern Coastal Plain Zone of Odisha, India. The field experiment was conducted in split-plot design replicated thrice. Considerable build-up of SOC by 5.2%, 10.3% and 13.9% was observed under RTG, CRM and INM over RGF, WoM and RDF, respectively. Both CRM and INM registered higher proportion of water stable micro (14.8 %and 15.7 %) and macro-aggregates (5.2 % and 9.2 %), respectively over WoM and RDF. The CRM and INM remarkably elevated the macro-aggregate carbon by 13.9 % and 15.7 %, respectively over the initial contents (10.2 g kg-1). Additionally, the RGF and CRM recorded significantly higher REY of 9.2 t ha-1 and 9 t ha-1 over RTG and WoM treatments, respectively. Thus, SRI system along with mulching rice straw in toria and toria biomass to green gram and INM practices has been identified as the most suitable climate resilient farming practice in the coastal agro-ecosystem of Odisha, India because of its significant impact in soil physical properties including carbon storage, and thus synergizing effects for favourable soil ecosystem functioning.

Study on the Effect of Trichoderma viride on Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms in Paddy Cultivation with the Combination of Chemical Fertilizer on soil Fertility Parameters

Trichoderma viride, biological control with Trichoderma viride is an eco-friendly and has potential approach for managing plant diseases. It also aids in phosphate solubilization. Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms are ubiquitous, whose number varies from soil to soil. The present work on, ‘Effect of Trichoderma viride on Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganism in Paddy cultivation” was conducted under lower gangetic alluvial region from 2016-2017(December to May) at Agricultural Experimental Station of Calcutta University, Baruipur, 24 Parganas (South), West Bengal. The Rice variety “Satabdi (IET-4786)” from the department of Genetics and Plant Breeding was sown and recommended fertilizer dose of 80:40:40 kg per hectare. The experiment was carried out with six treatments replicated four times. Out of the six treatments, T3 which received T.V and P.S showed highest Carbon, Phosphorus and Potassium content and T6 showed highest Nitrogen content in the soil

Physiological and Biochemical Basis of Variation in Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under CA-based Crop Establishment Methods and Nutrient Management in R-W Cropping System

Background: Crop establishment methods and nutrient management practices treatments were continuously practiced in the same plots since 2011-12 as a part of long-term experiment. A field study was conducted during 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 i.e. during 9th and 10th year of study to investigate the effects of CE methods and nutrient management on growth, physiological, biochemical, yield attributes and yield of rice crop. Methods: Field experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, laid out in split plot design replicated thrice with four crop establishment (CE) methods viz., CT (puddled transplanted) rice-CT wheat (CE1),CTDSR rice-CT wheat (CE2), CTDSR- ZT wheat (rice residue retention) (CE3), ZT rice-ZT wheat (residue retention in rice and wheat) (CE4) in main plots and three nutrient management (NM) practices viz., FP (164 kg N, 50 kg P2O5, 32 kg K2O and 4 kg Zn ha-1) (N1), RFD (150 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, 60 kg K2O and 5 kg Zn ha-1) (N2) and SSNM- RWCM recommendation (N3). The rice variety used was ‘Sarju-52’ in the present study. Result: The recorded data revealed that ZT rice–ZT wheat (CE4) recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers hill-1, leaf area, RWC, total chlorophyll content and protein content as compared to other CE methods. Among NM practices, SSNM-RWCM (N3) recorded significantly higher plant height, tillers hill-1, leaf area and protein content, whereas, RWC and total chlorophyll content did not differ significantly over farmer’s practice and recommended fertilizer dose. Improved growth and physio-chemical attributes in ZT rice-ZT wheat (CE4) and SSNM-RWCM (N3) resulted in significantly higher panicles hill-1, fertility percentage and number of filled grains panicle-1 over other CE methods and NM practices. Panicle length, spikelets panicle-1 and test weight showed non-significant differences. Grain yield, straw yield and biological yield were significantly higher in ZT rice-ZT wheat (CE4) among CE methods and SSNM-RWCM (N3) among NM practices. The harvest index showed non-significant differences for CE methods and NM practices both.

Studies on the Effect of Biofortification through Micronutrients Fortified Organics on the Soil Properties, Yield and Quality of Brinjal in Coastal Soil

Numerous multi-micronutrient fertilizers (MMF) have been developed during recent years to address the micronutrient deficiencies in crops but still micronutrient deficiency occurs in both soil and human beings. Biofortification is one of the techniques, which deliver the targeted element in edible part of the plants to overcome the malnutrition and hidden-hunger in burgeoning population. Based on the fact, the present field study was undertaken to study the effect of biofortification through micronutrients fortified organics on the performance of brinjal in coastal soil. The various treatments evaluated were T1 – Control (100% NPK/RDF alone), T2 – RDF + FYM @ 12.5 t ha-1, T3 – RDF + Vermicompost (VC) @ 12.5 t ha-1, T4 – RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 @ 25kg ha-1 + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 SA (soil application), T5 – RDF + VC + ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 + FeSO4 @ 25 kg ha-1 SA, T6 – RDF + FYM + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA (foliar application), T7 – RDF + VC + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA, T8 - RDF + Zn + Fe Fortified FYM (MNFFYM)@ 6.25 t ha-1, T9-RDF + Zn + Fe Fortified VC (MNFVC) @ 6.25 t ha-1, T10 - RDF + MNFFYM @ 6.25 t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA and T11 - RDF + MNFVC @ 6.25t ha-1 + ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% FA. The treatments were studied under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and using Annamalai brinjal as test crop. Among that treatments, combined application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + micronutrients fortified vermicompost (MNFVC) @ 6.25 t ha-1 through soil application along with foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 0.5% + FeSO4 @ 0.5% at pre flowering stage (PFS) and at flowering stage (FS) recorded the highest growth, yield characters, yield and quality of brinjal. This treatment also recorded the significant higher nutrients availability and nutrients uptake by brinjal in coastal soil.

A Greener Approach to Spinach Farming: Drip Nutrigation with Biogas Slurry Digestate

To achieve higher crop yields and maintain environmental conservation, it is imperative to adopt novel agricultural methods that improve both the quantity and quality of produce. The following study focused on investigating the effectiveness of integrated use of biogas slurry and inorganic nutrigation on spinach growth and nutrient uptake through drip irrigation. A field experiment was conducted using a split-plot design; spinach was cultivated with seven different treatments: biogas slurry nutrigation (BSN) (T1), integrated inorganic + organic nutrigation: 40% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + BSN (T2), 60% RDF + BSN (T3), 80% RDF + BSN (T4), 100% RDF (T5), slurry broadcasting (SB) (T6), and control (T7). The results showed that spinach grown with (T4) 80% RDF + BSN exhibited optimum plant height and leaf count compared to spinach under other treatments and was at par with T5 100% RDF for crop parameters. T5 treated plants demonstrated the longest roots, followed by T4 treated plants. The highest recorded yield of 5.72 tons ha−1 was achieved in treatment T5 with 100% RDF, followed closely by T4 with 80% RDF + BSN at 5.52 tons ha−1 and T3 with 60% RDF + BSN at 5.36 tons ha−1. These three treatments exhibited comparable yields, showcasing the effectiveness of incorporating biogas slurry nutrigation in conjunction with inorganic fertilizer for achieving high spinach yields. In terms of macronutrient content in spinach leaves, significant differences were found for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) contents. Incorporating biogas slurry into the soil modified microbial enzyme activities, specifically dehydrogenase and phosphatase. Normally, alkaline phosphatase shows greater activity than acidic phosphatase, but the addition of biogas slurry equalized the enzymatic activity of both, establishing a harmonized enzymatic profile. Our results suggest that fertilizing spinach with integrated biogas slurry nutrigation (if properly filtered) + inorganic nutrigation through drip nutrigation is a viable strategy for improving the morphological parameters and productivity of spinach while also contributing to environmental preservation and a reduction in production costs.

Can gypsum and organic amendments achieve sustainability, productivity and maintain soil health under soybean-mustard cropping in sodic soils of western India

Soil salinity is a major environment stress impairing crop production and accelerating soil degradation. Use of soil amendments are practical solutions for altering soil quality to enhance crop productivity in these soils. Hence, we systematically evaluated the impact of soil amendments practices on crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency, soil properties, soil quality index, economics and energetics on soybean-mustard cropping system in sodic Vertisol. In this study, eight treatments comprising of various combinations of soil amendments such as gypsum (@2.5 t ha−1), farmyard manure (FYM@10 t ha−1), crop residue (CR@1.5 t ha−1 of soybean residue during rabi and 3 t ha−1 of mustard residue during kharif season) with recommended fertilizer doses (RNPK) was evaluated in randomized block design with three replications for four consecutive years in soybean-mustard cropping sequences (2016–2019). Results demonstrated that application of gypsum with CR and FYM recorded a significant drop in exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) (45–48 %), and bulk density (BD) (3–6 %) than that of control. Organic amendment in conjunction with gypsum and chemical fertilizer significantly improved soil chemical, physical and biological properties than that under control and inorganic fertilizer alone treatments. Based on principal component analysis and correlation matrix, minimum data set identified ESP, pH, BD, organic carbon, available nutrients, biomass carbon, calcium content, dehydrogenase as the most important properties controlling soil quality. Integration of RNPK+Gypsum+CR and RNPK+Gypsum+FYM are found superior leading to higher crop yield in soybean (1.23 and 1.21 Mg ha−1 respectively), mustard (1.43 and 1.39 Mg ha−1 respectively), better nutrient recovery efficiency (77 and 53 % respectively), improved soil quality index (0.90 and 0.93 respectively), and higher economic return (benefit: cost ratio-2.88 and 2.1 respectively).Therefore, this study findings highlighted the conjunctive use of gypsum with organic amendments is effective in reclaiming salt stress, improving soil health and crop productivity under oilseed cropping sequence in degraded soils of semi-arid tropics.

The Integrated Effect of Organic Manure, Biofertilizer and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Properties, Yield and Quality in Sugarcane Plant-ratoon System under Calcareous Soil of Indo-gangetic Plains of India

A field experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar, to devise nutrient management strategies aimed at sustaining soil health, quality and sugarcane production within the sugarcane plant-ratoon system. The experiment evaluated the efficacy of various fertilizers on the solubility of applied inorganic fertilizer during the spring season in calcareous soil. Results from the combined data analysis showed significant variations in the number of millable cane (NMC), cane yield, and sugar yield due to the integrated application of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with bio-fertilizers in both the plant and ratoon crops. Treatments combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers demonstrated a noteworthy increase in NMC, cane yield, and sugar yield compared to the control group. The treatment that received 75% NPK of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) along with Acetobacter, PSB, and Bio-compost at a rate of 7.5 t ha-1 exhibited the highest NMC (103.0 × 103 ha-1), cane yield (85.8 t ha-1), and sugar yield (11.21 t ha-1). Furthermore, the residual effect of the treatment combining organic and inorganic fertilizers with bio-fertilizers showed a pronounced impact on NMC (92.4 × 103 ha-1), yield (79.6 t ha-1), and sugar yield (9.36 t ha-1) in the ratoon crop under treatment T9. Bio-compost notably enhanced the overall performance of sugarcane. Nutrient uptake by both plant and ratoon followed a similar trend as cane yield. Application of RDF alongside various bio-fertilizers significantly enhanced sugarcane productivity compared to the control group. Notably, the efficacy of bio-fertilizers was more pronounced when used in conjunction with inorganic treatments. Treatment with organic inputs through bio-compost resulted in reduced pH and increased electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and available nutrients (N,P, and K) in post-harvest soil. Enzymatic activities including glycosidase, urease, acid phosphatase, and dehydrogenase were also recorded.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Timely Sown Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A comprehensive study examining the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on the growth and yield of wheat was carried out during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at the Student's Instructional Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The experimental design was a Randomized Block Design, with each treatment replicated three times across eight different treatments: Control (T1), 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) (120:60:40 NPK kg/ha) (T2), RDF + Azotobacter (T3), RDF + Azotobacter + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 2.0 tons/ha + Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) @ 6.0 kg/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T4), RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 tons/ha (T5), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Trichoderma @ 5.0 kg/ha (T6), RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Azotobacter (T7), and RDF + FYM @ 2.0 tons/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.0 ton/ha + Azotobacter + PSB @ 6.0 kg/ha + Zinc @ 5.0 kg/ha + Sulphur @ 25 kg/ha (T8). The soil type was sandy loam with a pH of 8.13. The wheat variety Shekhar (K-1006) was planted on November 30, 2020, with a seed rate of 100 kg/ha and row spacing of 20 cm. The results indicated that the T8 treatment, which combined RDF, FYM, Vermicompost, Azotobacter, PSB, Zinc, and Sulphur, significantly improved plant growth characteristics such as height, fresh weight, dry weight, and number of tillers per plant, as well as yield-contributing factors including spike length, number of grains per spike, and test weight, compared to all other treatments. Specifically, the T8 treatment produced the highest grain yield, straw yield, and biological yield, recording 52.77, 67.55, and 120.32 quintals per hectare, respectively, which was significantly higher than the yields in treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, and comparable to those in treatments T5, T6, and T7. Moreover, the T8 treatment achieved the highest gross income (Rs. 143,076.00), net income (Rs. 86,300.00), and benefit-cost ratio (2.52) when compared to all other treatments.