Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Performance of heat resilient maize hybrids to different levels of fertilizers in Tungabhadra Project command area

The high temperature and heat stress are the main factors that limit the optimum yield of maize in tropical countries. Improvement in the agronomic practices is need of the hour to overcome heat stress in maize hence the experiment was conducted to study the response of heat resilient maize hybrids to different fertilizer levels on nutrient uptake, dry matter production and yield. It was laid out in split plot design and replicated thrice. Main plot includes genotypes (viz., RCRMH-2, RCRMH-3, RCRMH-11 and Cargill 900M Gold) and sub plots with three fertilizer levels (viz., 75 % Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), 100 % RDF and 125 % RDF. The 100 % RDF was 187.5:75:37.5 kg NPK ha-1). Results revealed that significantly higher grain yield was recorded by genotype, RCRMH-3 (5841 kg / ha) and RCRMH-2 (5627 kg / ha) and suitable for summer seasons as compared to RCRMH-11 (5139 kg / ha) and Cargill 900M Gold (4695 kg / ha). Among the fertilizer levels, increase in fertilizer levels from 75 (4922 kg / ha) to 100 % (5365 kg / ha) increased the grain yield significantly and further increase to 125 % RDF (5689 kg / ha), there is no significant differences among the treatments. These treatments also showed similar effects with respect to growth and yield parameters contributing for the higher yield and monetary benefits.

Performance of Integrated Nutrient Management on growth, yield and quality of strawberry cultivar winter drawn in Baksa district, Assam, India

The present demonstration was conducted under Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baksa during 2018, 2019 and 2020 to identify a integrated plant nutrient supply through balanced fertilization of organic, inorganic and biofertilisers in strawberry cv. Winter Down and potential effect on growth and yield attributing parameters were investigated. Results revealed that Strawberry cultivar winter dawn showed superior performance on growth parameters like plant height (23.78 cm), number of leaves (26.71nos), numbers of runners (5.98 nos) and length of runners (67.25 cm) per plant in Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF)as compared to other treatments whereas control showed the minimum growth in all parameters. The plot treated with Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF also showed early flowering (47.79 days) with more number of flowers (46.23nos.) and early fruiting with more numbers of fruit per plant (36.62nos.) in strawberry cv. winter dawn as comparison to other treatments. The Individual fruit weight (35.67g) found larger in plot treated with Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF that varies significantly from plot treated with 100% RDF(34.57g), 50% FYM + 50% RDF (33.76g) and 50% Vermicompost + 50% RDF (33.87g) and control (13.59g). The highest yield per plant (538.29g) was obtained from Azotobacter + PSB + vermicompost + 50% RDF treated plot whereas (528.18g), (527.17g), (527.28g), (528.19g) and (241.19g) were achieved from 100% RDF, RDFwith N in two split dose as basal and before the onset of flowering, 50% FYM + 50% RDF and 50% Vermicompost + 50% RDF and control respectively and varies significantly among them. The Azotobacter + PSB + Vermicompost + 50% RDF treated plot found better combination of nutrient management practices in straw berry cultivation both in quality and yield point of view

Effect of Humic acid on the Growth Attributes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop in sandy loam soil of Gwalior region of Madhya Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2019-2020 to study the Effect of humic acid on the growth and yield attributes of wheat crop in sandy loam soil of Gwalior region of Madhya Pradesh, on Crop Research Centre, School of Agriculture (SoAg.), ITM University Gwalior M.P., India. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block design (F-RBD) replicated three times with three levels of Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), i.e. (RDF @ 0, 50 and 100 %) and two levels of Humic Acid (HA) (HA @ 500 ppm and 1250 ppm) thereby making eight treatment combinations with 24 plots. Treatments were; T1- Absolute control, T2 -RDF @ 100 %, T3-RDF @ 0 % +HA1 @ 500 ppm, T4-RDF @ 0 % + HA2 @ 1250 ppm, T5-RDF @ 50 % +HA1 @ 500 ppm, T6-RDF @ 50 % +HA2 @ 1250 ppm, T7-RDF @ 100 % +HA1 @ 500 ppm and T8-RDF @ 100 % + HA2 @ 1250 ppm. Among the different levels of Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF) and humic acid were recorded the highest values for all parameters viz; plant population m-2, plant height (cm), numbers of tillers per m-2, numbers of leaves per culm-2, root length (cm), dry weight (g) and fresh weight (g) of the plant under the treatments T8- RDF @ 100 % + HA2 @ 1250 ppm concentration. The means value for all parameters are; plant population m-2 (16.86 and 16.00 at 30 and 60 DAS), plant height (10.03, 58.05 and 76.08 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAS), numbers of tillers per m-2 (5.88 and 7.02 at 30 and 60 DAS), numbers of leaves per culm-2 (3.90, 4.94 and 3.59 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS), Root length -7.01, 9.00, 11.06 and 12.03 cm, Dry weight of plant-1 0.39, 5.31 and 37.54 g and Fresh weight of plant-1 4.01, 40.01 and 350.71 g in 30, 60 90 DAS and harvest stage.

Floor management of banana orchard using banana biomat mulch and leguminous cover crop for sustainable production

The experiment was carried out at ICAR-AICRP on Fruits, Mohanpur centre of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia, West Bengal in Randomized Block Design with 6 treatments viz., T₁: Banana Biomat Mulch (BBM) @ 30 kg fresh/m2 + Leguminous Cover Crops (LCC) @ 3g seeds/m2 + 0% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), T₂: T₁ + 25% RDF, T₃: T₁ + 50% RDF, T₄: T1 + 75% RDF, T₅: T₁ + 100% RDF and T₆: Control – conventional practices (no BBM & LCC) with 100% RDF. Treatments were imposed thrice a year on orchard floor of banana cv. Martaman. Observations were recorded on suppression of weed growth, weed control efficiency, soil moisture conservation, status of organic carbon content, bunch weight, finger weight, TSS and B: C ratio. The results of the investigation revealed that application of BBM+LCC with 75 or 100% of RDF (T4 & T5) significantly suppressed weed growth in orchard floors (176.01 g fresh weeds/ m2) and increased weed control efficiency (87.85%) and soil moisture conservation (20.01% to 20.34% vegetative growth & 22.64% to 23.64% during reproductive growth), soil organic carbon content (0.81%) and higher bunch weight, finger weight, TSS and B: C ratio (19.43 kg, 118.31 g, 21.26 °Brix and 3.11, respectively), as compared with conventional practice (T6 : control) and rest of the treatments T1, T2 & T3 (BBM + LCC and RDF @ 0-50%).

EFFECT OF HUMIC ACID ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF OKRA

A field experiment was conducted at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal with an aim to study the effect of HA on okra plants along with different doses of FYM and recommended fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. There were sixteen treatments comprising of organic sources with various levels of humic acid. The results revealed that the treatment T15 (FYM plus 100% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) along with 0.2% HA) showed superiority in most of the parameters plant height at first flowering and final harvest, number of branches plant-1 at first flowering and final harvest, fruit length, fruit girth, number of fruits plant-1and yield plant-1. It is apparent that the lower dose of HA is favorable in inducing the growth and development in okra.

Diversity of Beneficial Bacteria in Tamhini Ghat Region of Western Ghats, M.S., India

The present study investigates that the isolation of beneficial bacteria from a soil sample collected from the Tamhini Ghat region of the Western Ghats. In October 2022, 15 soil samples were collected from Tamhini Ghat. Five different beneficial bacteria were isolated from these collected soil samples and characterized morphologically. The beneficial bacteria like Azotobacter spp., Bacillus spp., Azospirillum spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Frateuria spp. Isolation of these bacteria was carried out on a specific medium and observed after three days of the incubation period at 28±2 0 C temperature. These isolated bacteria were purified on slants prepared by using a specific medium and stored at 4 0 C for further study and observed under a microscope by performing a Gram staining test. These beneficial bacteria can be used for biofertilizer formulation in future studies. All over India, farmers are using chemical fertilizers, which directly impact beneficial soil microbe that leads to decreased soil health. For improving soil health, it is the need of the hour to integrate the use of chemical fertilizers along with biofertilizers as per the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) given by the agricultural universities for the specific crops.

EVALUATING THE INFLUENCE OF VARIED SYNTHETIC FERTILIZER CONCENTRATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH VERMICOMPOST AND FYM ON THE GROWTH, YIELD, AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF BLACK GRAM (Vigna mungo) CULTIVATION IN THE DEHRADUN REGION OF UTTARAKHAND

– To explore the effects of vermicompost, farmyard manure (FYM), and synthetic fertilizers on the growth, yield, and economics of black gram cultivation, a field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019-20 at the Research Block of Uttaranchal University in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The experimental layout followed an incomplete randomized block design featuring ten treatments and three replications. The findings highlighted that among all the treatments, Treatment T10, which consisted of 75% Vermicompost, 50% FYM, and 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), emerged as the most favourable option from the farmer’s perspective. It exhibited notable improvements in various parameters, including plant height (58.67 cm), straw yield (80 q/ha), the number of pods per plant (69), and grain yield (15.023 quintals per hectare) at harvest. Furthermore, Treatment T10 also yielded a commendable net return of 88,215.65 Rs per hectare, which is economically advantageous for farmers. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% Vermicompost, 50% FYM, and 50% RDF significantly enhances the growth, yield, and overall economic viability of black gram cultivation, especially in the agroclimatic conditions of Dehradun

Growth Performances of BRRI dhan55 under Integrated Nutrient Management

Integrated nutrient management is vital for the development and growth of rice (Oryza sativa L.), but they are rarely used nowadays due to the widespread use of inorganic fertilizers. So, the current research was executed to determine the effect of organic amendments on different growth parameters of BRRI dhan55. A field investigation was managed at the Plant Pathology field lab, Sylhet Agricultural University, from November 2018 to April 2019. Different combinations of organic amendments (T1= Recommended Fertilizer Dose, RFD which includes TSP 100g 10 m-2, MoP 100g 10 m-2, Gypsum 50g 10 m-2, Zinc 15g 10 m-2, T2= RFD with vermicompost 2kg 10 m-2, T3= RFD with vermicompost 4 kg 10 m-2, T4= RFD with cowdung 2 kg 10 m-2, T5= RFD with cowdung 4 kg 10 m-2, and T6= RFD with Biochar 4 kg 10 m-2) were used in a RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) with three replications. The existing results showed that RFD with biochar treatments showed better performance in terms of the initial weight of grain (50.70 g), clean grain weight (48.55 g), and number of non-effective grains per panicle (27.67) and tiller per hill (12.07). T2 (RFD with vermicompost 2 kg 10 m-2) treatments demonstrated better results in parameters such as weight of grain from a single panicle (4.04 g), single panicle grain weight (3.90 g), panicle length (24.77 cm), and grain per panicle (153.00). Biomass (34.56 g) and above-ground length parameters (90.00 cm) performed better with the T4 treatment (RFD with 2 kg 10 m-2 of cowdung). T6 treatments were showed the highest grain yield (10.71 t ha-1) followed by T3 treatments. Therefore, the present results recommended that organic amendments could be a better supplement than inorganic amendments for the growth performance of BRRI dhan55.

Impacts of NPK consortia biofertilizer and mineral fertilizer on growth and yield of two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids in Rajasthan-India

Inoculation of important microbial strains in a modern intensive crop production is a critical step for the improvement of hybrid crop production. This study evaluated the impact of NPK consortia biofertilizer (NPK CB) and mineral fertilizer on growth and yield of two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids at Mewar University research farm, India. The research was conducted during 2020/2021 Kharif cultivation season. The split-plot design was adopted in three replications, each consisting of six treatments combinations; (T1 = control, T2 = 50% Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF), T3 = 100% RDF, T4 = NPK CB, T5 = 50% RDF + NPK CB and T6 = 100% RDF + NPK CB) and two maize hybrids (i.e., N.K-30 and N.K-30 plus). The result obtained revealed that the growth attributes, and yield attributes increased due to the combined application of NPK CB and mineral fertilizers. But there is no significant difference (p>0.05) observed between the studied hybrids, except for the 1000 kernels weight. Although the highest grain yield (1987.39 kg ha-1) obtained from the application of T6 (100%RDF + NPK CB) was comparable with the grain yield (1957.64 kg ha-1) obtained from the application of T3 (100% RDF). However, inoculation with NPK CB had superior effects on growth and yield attributes over the sole application of mineral fertilizers below the RDF. Hence, NPK CB could be a potent fertilizer input for hybrids maize production while reducing the level of chemical fertilizers below the RDF.

Effect of sowing window, planting geometry and nutrient-management on yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard in Vertisols of south-eastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2017–18, 2018–19 and 2019–20 at Agricultural Research Station, Agricuture University, Kota, India, to find out suitable nutrient-management levels, planting geometry and sowing window for Indian mustard Brassica juncea (L.). The treatments comprised sowing window, viz. 10 October, 20 October and 30 October, in main plots; planting geometry, viz. 30 cm × 10 cm and 45 cm × 10 cm and nutrient-management levels, viz. 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) N80 + P40 + K30 + S40 + Zn5 kg/ha), 125% RDF and 150% RDF, in subplots were laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications. Application of 125% RDF N100 + P50 + K37.5 + S50 + Zn6.25 kg/ha had significance influence on plant height (215.39 cm), dry matter/plant (54.83 g), primary and secondary branches/plant (5.99 and 14.17), siliquae/plant (184.89), seeds/ siliqua (15.59), 1,000-seed weight (5.01 g), seed yield (2.67 t/ha), oil content (38.42%) and oil yield (1011.72 kg/ ha), protein content (21.10%), net returns (`87,570/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (3.06), total nutrient uptake by crop NPKS (108.44, 27.39, 164.22 and 14.77 kg/ha, respectively) and available nutrients in soil NPKS (299.0,49.8,467.5 and 10.3 kg/ha, respectively) and zinc (1.36 mg/kg) over 100% RDF and at par with 150% RDF. The crop-sowing period extended from 10 to 30 October were found optimum and had non-significant effect on yield attributes, seed yield and economics, However, significant improvement in dry-matter/plant (58.63 g), primary and secondary branches/plant (6.09 and 14.50), siliquae/plant (202.66), seeds/siliqua (15.64), 1,000-seed weight (5.18 g), seed yield (2.62 t/ha and benefit : cost ratio (3.05), protein content (21.06 %), available nutrients in soil and total nutrient uptake by crop were observed at planting geometry of 45 cm × 10 cm over 30 cm × 10 cm. Thus, extent of sowing window from 10 to 30 October, planted at 45 cm × 10 cm crop geometry and fertilized with 125% RDF (N100 + P50 +K37.5 + S50 + Zn6.25 kg/ha) proved beneficial for obtaining high seed yield and net returns of Indian mustard in Vertisols of south-eastern Rajasthan.

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

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

Effect of nutrient management and plant density on productivity of QPM hybrids of maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted during the rany season of 2014 and 2015 at the Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, Rajasthan to study the effect of nutrient-management approaches on the performance of quality protein maize hybrids at varying plant densities. The results showed that ‘HQPM 1’ produced significantly higher yield attributes and yield over Pratap QPM hybrid– 1. Significantly higher yield parameters of QPM hybrids were observed in normal density (60 cm × 20 cm) over high density (50 cm × 20 cm) however, the yield was significantly higher with high density than the normal density. Nutrient application through soil-test-crop response (STCR) approach resulted in significantly higher yield parameters and yield over site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and green seeker approaches during both the years. Thus, growing of ‘HQPM 1’ with 1,00,000 plants/ha and STCR approach followed by SSNM approach may be adopted for higher yield.

Nutrients Release in Soils Amended with Different Organic Sources and Industrial by–products: A Laboratory Incubation Study

The incubation experiment was carried out to evaluate the best organic sources Such as farm yard manure (FYM), municipal solid waste compost and industrial by – products such as bagasse ash, rice husk and inorganic fertilizers on nutrient release pattern in sandy loam soils of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India. The outcomes showed that pH of the soil was reduced by incubation with organic sources. The application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + FYM@ 25t ha-1(T5) outperformed other treatments among organic sources by recording the lowest pH of 7.0 at 90 Days (DAI). The EC of the soil was reduced by the FYM application. Similarly the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of the incubation mixture were significantly increased over the control.

Effect of Soil Application of Stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid Based Granules on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

ABSTRACT Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Rwanda. Present study was aimed assessed the effect of stabilized ortho silicic acid (OSA) based granules on growth and yield of rice. Field experiments were conducted at Rwagitima, Gatsibo district in the Eastern province of Rwanda during two wet seasons in 2019, the first season was between February and May and the second one was from September to December. Two levels of recommended fertilizer doses (RDF; i.e., 200 kg ha−1 NPK as a basal fertilizer and 100 kg ha−1 urea as a top dressing fertilizer) were applied solely and along with different doses (10, 15 and 20 kg ha−1) of OSA based granules. The treatments were: T1 (100% RDF), T2 (75% RDF), T3 (T1 +10 kgha−1 OSA), T4 (T1 +15 kgha−1 OSA), T5 (T1 +20 kgha−1 OSA), T6 (T2 +10 kgha−1OSA), T7 (T2 +15 kgha−1 OSA) and T8 (T2 +20 kgha−1 OSA). Experiments were laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that the application of 100% RDF +20 kg ha−1 of OSA granules increased plant height (99.80 cm), tiller number (361) and root length (15.7 cm). Furthermore, yield increments of 28.4% and 19.9% for the first and second seasons, respectively, were obtained in treatments where 100% RDF +20 kgha−1 of OSA granules were applied. The rice yield in the treatment 75% RDF +20 kg/ha Silixol OSA granules was higher than that recorded with 100% RDF only. This indicates that use of Silixol OSA granules can result in 25% saving of fertilizer (NPK and urea) without compromising the yield. Conclusively, Silixol OSA granules offers good potential for yield increment of rice in Rwanda and, can minimize fertilizer use by 25%.

Application of Slag Based Gypsum in Rice Crop and Its Effect on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Availability in Acidic, Neutral and Alkaline Soils

ABSTRACT Gypsum as a nutrient source has been used in agriculture for many years. Slag-based gypsum (SBG) is a synthetic gypsum prepared from by-product of steel industry. A pot culture experiment was conducted to know the effect of SBG on growth, yield and nutrient availability of rice in three different soils (acidic, neutral and alkaline soil) under controlled condition of greenhouse. The experiment consisted of five various (300, 450, 600, 750 and 900 kg ha−1) levels of SBG along with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (100: 50: 50 as N: P2O5: K2O kg ha−1) and one RDF and Absolute control) with three replications using complete randomized design (CRD). The results indicated that the growth parameters viz. plant height, number of tillers and soil plant analysis development (SPAD) and yield attributes (panicle length, number of panicles and test weight) of the rice crop were mostly enhanced with the application of 750 kg SBG ha−1. Application of SBG recorded strong positive correlation between the nutrient uptake and total yield of rice. pH and Electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil increased linearly with the application of graded levels of SBG and recorded higher with the application of 900 kg SBG ha−1 in all three soils. Among the three soils, acidic soil was found to perform better in terms of growth parameters, yield attributes and yield of rice with application of SBG. Further long-term trial may be necessary to study its effect in different soils under field condition.

Effect of municipal solid waste compost and NPK fertilizer on growth, yield and protein content of rice (cv. BRRI dhan49)

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) on growth, yield and protein content as well as to know the effect of combined application of MSWC and NPK fertilizers in rice (cv. BRRI dhan49). There were six treatments including- T0 = Control (No fertilizer or no MSWC); T1= 100% Recommended Doses of Fertilizers (RDF) NPK; T2 = (MSWC @ 5 t ha-1+ 75% RDF); T3= (MSWC @ 7. 5t ha-1+ 50% RDF); T4= (MSWC @ 10 t ha-1 + 25% RDF); T5 = (MSWC @ 10 t ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Our results showed that the integrated application of MSWC and different RDF% had a significant impact on various plant growth and yield parameters including plant height, panicle length, number of effective tillers per hill, number of filled grains per panicle, 1000-grain weight (g), and grain and straw yield of rice. In case of T2 treatment, highest grain yield (5.70 t ha-1), straw yield (7.71 t ha-1) and protein content (5.875%) were obtained. Thus, the result indicated that combined application of MSWC with NPK performed better than the single application of either MSWC or NPK fertilizer.

Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Water Productivity of Greenhouse-Grown Cucumber

Low water productivity has caused the wastage of water in agricultural production. Water productivity can be increased by using drip irrigation for vegetables on raised beds in greenhouses. For this purpose, a greenhouse study was conducted on sandy loam soil at the Experimental Research Station of the Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. The experiment was designed in randomized complete block design having ten treatments using three irrigation levels [100%, 80%, 60% of actual evapotranspiration (ETc)] and three recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) levels [100%, 80%, 60%]. Furrow irrigation with 100% of RDF was used as a control treatment. Data of crop and water productivity were recorded; the results showed that treatment T5 (W80%ETc F80%RDF) under deficit irrigation and fertigation recorded the highest mean fresh fruit yield of 66.71 t/ha while the full irrigation treatments T1 (W100% ETc F100% RDF) and T2 (W100%ETc F80%RDF) recorded the lowest mean fresh fruit yield of 12.9 t/ha and 13.9 t/ha, respectively, as against 9.6 t/ha for the control plot. Also, T5 recorded the highest water productivity of 14.47 kg/m3 while full irrigation treatments (T1 and T2) recorded the lowest water productivity of 2.52 kg/m3 and 2.73kg/m3, respectively, as against 1.37 kg/m3 for the control plot. A deficit irrigation level of 80% of ETc with a fertilizer level of 80% of RDF was found most suitable for sandy loam soil to improve crop growth, yield and water productivity for greenhouse-grown cucumber under the drip irrigation system. The results also suggest that a 20% deficit irrigation and fertilizer approach may be a good strategy for increasing water productivity when full irrigation is not possible due to limited water supplies.

Effect of Nutrient Management Options on Production and Profitability of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Acid Soil of Arunachal Pradesh

The present study was designed for the standardization of soil nutrient management in increasing the production and profitability of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in acid soils of Arunachal Pradesh. A field experiment was carried out in randomized block design with three replications during the rabi season (October–January 2018–2021). The treatment consisted of two French bean cultivars (selection-9 and changlabi local) and 10 nutrient levels [control, vermicompost (Vc), vermicompost+lime (Vc+lime), 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer), 50% RDF+lime, 50% RDF+Vc, 75% RDF, 75% RDF+lime, 75% RDF+Vc, 100% RDF]. The doses of vermicompost, lime and RDF were 2.5 t ha-1, 400 kg ha-1 and 50-50-50 NPK kg ha-1. The results observed among the soil nutrient management, treatment 75% RDF+Vc recorded minimum values of 50% days to flowering (41.7 DOS) and maximum values of pod length (14.8 cm), the number of pod plant-1 (7.17) and yield (4,654 kg ha-1). This treatment also recorded maximum gross and production efficiency. The B:C ratio of 75% RDF+Vc and 75% RDF+lime treatment was recorded above 1.50, irrespective of the cultivar. Between the cultivar, selection-9 obtained higher values of yield attributes, yield, gross return, production efficiency and B:C ratio than changlabi local. Thus, based on French bean crop yield and yield attributes, 75% RDF along with Vc @ 2.5 t ha-1 was superior, irrespective of cultivar and between the cultivars, selection-9 was superior.

Productivity, quality, and land use efficiency of cereal-legume forages under monocropping and intercropping systems with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources

Production of nutritious fodder for livestock remains a challenge especially in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Cereal–legume intercropping with integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources could be a viable option for achieving higher fodder tonnage in aforesaid ecologies. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the impact of cereal-legume intercropping and integrated nutrient management on productivity, forage quality, and land use efficiency (LUE). The experiment was conducted in a split plot design where four planting ratios as monocropped maize (SM), monocropped cowpea (SC), maize intercropped with cowpea in 1:1 (1M:1C), and 2:1 (2M:1C) row ratio were allotted in the main plot and five nutrient management practices as absolute control (NM0), 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + Zn (NM1), 125%RDF + Zn (NM2), (75%RDF + Zn + farm yard manure (FYM) + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (NM3) and 100%RDF + Zn + FYM (NM4) were allotted in subplot. Monocropped maize fertilized with 75%RDF + Zn + PGPR + FYM and 100%RDF + Zn + FYM produced significantly maximum dry matter yield (DMY) (138.3 and 135.7 q ha−1, respectively) which statistically at par with maize intercropped with cowpea in 2M:1C ratio under 75%RDF + Zn + PGPR + FYM (127.6 q ha−1). Maize and cowpea intercropped in 1M:1C ratio fertilized with 75%RDF + Zn + PGPR + FYM or 100%RDF + Zn + FYM gave highest crude protein, ether extract, and ash yield, digestibility and energy, and lowest fiber fractions. The intercropped treatments showed higher LUE with 8–12% yield advantage over monocropping. Therefore, intercropping of maize and cowpea in 1M:1C ratio with application of 75%RDF + Zn + PGPR + FYM or 100%RDF + Zn + FYM could be recommended to enhance the productivity, forage quality, and LUE in semiarid conditions of North-Western India.

Pemberian Pupuk NPK (21-21-21) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Dan Hasil Jagung (Zea mays L)

Fertilization is one of the mainfactors determining the success of corn cultivation in addition tosuperior varieties. The use of fertilizers must be made to be effective and efficient, so as to increaseproduction optimally while increasing farmers' income and not polluting the environment. This studyaims to determine the effect of NPK fertilizer (21-21-21) on the growth and yield of maize. The studywas carried out in Watugede Village, Puncu District, Kediri Regency, from October 2020-March2021. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RAK) 7 treatments with 4 replications, namely basedon a combination of NPK fertilizer (21-21-21), comparison of recommended fertilizer doses , withoutfertilizer. The results showed that the dose of NPK (21-21-21) 200 + Urea 200 + ZA 100 kg/ha had asignificant effect on maize plant growth and biomass weight. The production of jugung was significantat this dose in the results of wet log weight and dry shelled yields. It is necessary to carry out a similarstudy but in locations that have different agroecology because corn is widely cultivated in Indonesia,so that production is high with lower fertilizer inputs.