Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Residual Effect of Fertility Levels, Biofertilizer and Foliar Nutrition on Yield and Yield Attributes of Summer Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in Wheat-blackgram Cropping System under Subtropical Conditions in Jammu

Background: Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.), commonly known as urdbean, mash, black mapte and other names, is a popular short-season pulse crop farmed throughout India. This crop is extensively sown in conjunction with various cropping systems under residual moisture conditions after wheat harvest as summer crops under irrigated conditions and due to its high protein and carbohydrate content, as well as its short duration crop, it is suitable in summer crop grown between wheat and rice. Methods: Field experiments was carried out during two consecutive summer seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study residual effect of biofertilizer and foliar nutrition on plant height and yield attributes of summer blackgram (Vigna mungo) under different fertility levels at the Research Farm, Division of Agronomy, SKUAST- J, Chatha. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot design with three factors replicated thrice. Result: Maximize residual effect of nutrients on blackgram after raised wheat as a major crop among the fertility levels including biofertilizer and foliar application, recommended dose fertilizer achieved, growth parameters viz, yield attributing characters, number of pods/plants, number of grains /plants, 1000-grains weight, seed yield, stover yield and harvest index as compared to 75% of RDF. However, control recorded lowest values of all growth, yield attributing parameter and yield of blackgram crop. Whereas, soil application of biofertilizer consortium recorded higher plant height and yield attributing characters of blackgram in comparison to seed treatment with biofertilizer consortium applied in wheat as main crop. Among the foliar application of 2% of NPK (19:19:19) higher values of growth character, yield and yield attributing parameters of blackgram were recorded in foliar application of 2% NPK (19:19:19) at flowering stage as compared to tillering and tillering + flowering stages of wheat crop during both the years. Economics of blackgram in terms of net return and B:C ratio was influenced by residual effect of various applied in wheat crop and recorded higher in RDF fertility, soil application of biofertilizer consortium and foliar application of 2% NPK at flowering stage.

Response of NPK, Zinc and Boron Fertilization on Growth, Yield Attributes and Nutrient Uptake by SUMMER GREEN GRAM (Vigna radiate L.) in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, (Uttar Pradesh)

The study pertaining to the present topic under field investigation entitled “Response of N, P, K, Zinc and Boron fertilization on Soil Health, Growth and Yield attributes of Summer Green gram (Vigna radiata L.) in an Inceptisol of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)” for two consecutive years, beginning from summer seasons of the years 2021 and 2022 at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. The excavated soil sample from the experimental site before conducting research operation, mentioned that, the land topography range was nearly level with a 1-3% slope; the soil is of sandy loam texture with neutral to alkaline in reaction. Among eleven treatments, during field experimentation, the conjunctive use of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium (NPK) and different micronutrients (Zinc and Boron) levels, together came with the best results significantly. However, the growth factors including pre-harvest parameters i.e. height of plant (48 cm), number of branches plant-1 (14) and number of pods plant-1 (28.63) opined significantly higher in treatment (T11) registering RDF (recommended dose of fertilizer) (20:40:20 NPK kg ha-1)+ Zinc@6 kg ha-1+ Boron @3 kg ha-1, which in turn influenced in achieving highest mean of the number of grains pod-1 (12.11), protein content (25.12 %) and weight of 100 grains (6.26 gm), which ultimately gave the highest cumulative mean of grain yield (1594.37 kg ha-1), straw yield (2974.88 kg ha-1), biological yield (4569.24 kg ha-1), harvest index (37.04 %), NPK, Zinc and Boron uptake in green gram grain i.e. N 36.28 and 38.18, P 5.46 and 5.73, K 11.84 and 12.47 kg ha-1 while Zn 91.97 and 92.19, B 45.75 and 45.94 g ha-1, respectively during two years and straw which was N 30.77 and 31.44, P 3.92 and 4.36, K 23.43 and 23.99 kg ha-1 while Zn 67.27 and 67.48 and B 63.08 and 63.15 g ha-1, respectively, net returns of 85,511.55 and 86,837.50 (Rs ha-1), wider B:C ratio (1:2.73 and 1:2.77) as compared to rest of treatments.

Growth, yield and economics of hybrid maize (Zeamays L.) as affected by plant density and fertilizer levels

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2021–2022 at the Bagusala Experimental Farm of MSSSoA, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Gajapati, Odisha, to find out the influence of plant density and levels of fertilizer on growth, yield and economics of maize. Split plot design was adopted to conduct the experiment with 3 plant densities as main plot (P1: 76923, P2: 66666 and P3: 55555 plants/ha) and 4 levels of fertilizer as subplots (F1: 75% of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), F2: 100% RDF, F3: 125% RDF and F4: 150% RDF) having total twelve treatment combinations and three replications. The results revealed that there was no significant effect of different plant densities of maize on growth attributes such as plant height, number of leaves/plant and leaf area index (LAI) during peak period. But the treatment P1: 76923 plants/ha, showed significantly higher dry matter accumulation as well as yield compared to remaining plant densities. However, among the levels of fertilizers F4: 150% of RDF resulted significantly higher all the growth and yield parameters. The treatment combination P1F4 (P1: 76923 plans/ha along with F4: 150% of RDF) proved as best treatment combination because of highest net return (Rs. 83032/-) and B:C ratio (1.65).

Yield and economic response of Rabi maize (Zea mays L.) to different mulching and nutrient management

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2019-20 with the objective of evaluating the effect of mulching and nutrient management practices on growth, yield and economics of maize (Zea mays L.) at Balindi Research Complex, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Nadia, West Bengal, India on clay loam soil. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatment (T) combinations such as T1- Live mulch (Trifolium alexandrium)+50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) [120:60:40 kg /ha N, P2O5 and K2O], T2- Live Mulch+75% RDF, T3- Live Mulch+100% RDF, T4- Straw Mulch (rice straw)+ 50 % RDF, T5- Straw Mulch+75% RDF, T6- Straw Mulch+100% RDF, T7- No Mulch+50% RDF ,T8- No Mulch+75% RDF and T9- No Mulch+100 % RDF, replicated thrice. Experimental results revealed that different mulching and nutrient levels exerted significant influence on growth, yield, net return and benefit-cost ratio (B:C). Application of straw mulch+100% RDF (T6) resulted in the highest plant height (164.57 cm), grain yield (5.28 tonnes /ha), stover yield (7.65 tonnes/ha) and B: C (2.16), however, treatment T7 recorded the lowest grain and stover yield. So, the integrated application of straw mulch along with 100% RDF could be recommended for better yield and higher profit of Rabi maize. Integration of organic mulch might be useful for long-term soil health benefits for the nutrient exhaustive maize crop.

Energy and economic efficiency of climate-smart agriculture practices in a rice–wheat cropping system of India

Intensive tillage operations, indiscriminate use of irrigation water, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides and crop biomass burning have made the conventional rice–wheat (RW) system highly energy-intensive and inefficient. In the recent past, portfolios of climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAP) have been promoted as a potential alternative to improve the energy efficiency in conventional RW system. Therefore, to evaluate the energy input–output relation, energy flow and economic efficiency in various combinations of crop management options, a 3-year (2014–2017) on-farm study was conducted at Karnal, India. Various portfolio of management practices; Sc1-Business as usual (BAU) or Conventional tillage (CT) without residue, Sc2-CT with residue, Sc3-Reduce tillage (RT) with residue + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), Sc4-RT/Zero tillage (ZT) with residue + RDF, Sc5-ZT with residue + RDF + GreenSeeker + Tensiometer, Sc6-Sc5 + Nutrient expert were investigated. Present study results revealed that net energy, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were 11–18, 31–51 and 29–53% higher under CSAP (mean of Sc4, Sc5 and Sc6) in RW system than Sc1, respectively. However, renewable and non-renewable energy inputs were 14 and 33% higher in Sc1 compared to CSAP (4028 and 49,547 MJ ha−1), respectively, it showed that BAU practices mostly dependents on non-renewable energy sources whereas CSAP dependents on renewable energy sources. Similarly, the adoption of CSAP improved the biomass yield, net farm income and economic efficiency by 6–9, 18–23 and 42–58%, respectively compared to Sc1. Overall, the adoption of CSAP could be a viable alternative for improving energy use efficiency, farm profitability and eco-efficiency in the RW system.

Influence of Organic Nutrients and Bioinoculants on Growth and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) under Semi-arid Conditions of Rajasthan

Background: Pearl millet is also called as the “Powerhouse of Nutrition” as it consists of most of the important nutrients in good quantity and quality which are required for maintaining healthy life. Indiscriminate use of high analysis chemical fertilizers results in the environment pollution which is detrimental to the sustainability; there is an urgent need for adoption of farming practice which ensures sustainability, good soil, human and environmental health. Method: A field experiment was taken for three consecutive years during kharif season of 2018 to 2020 at Agronomy Research Farm, Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, Rajasthan to study the impact of various sources of organic nutrients and bioinoculants on growth and productivity of pearl millet. The treatments were comprised of chemical fertilizers, organic manures and microbial biofertilizer consortia (consisting of Azotobactor, Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria) commercially branded as Biomix, which were tested in randomized block design with three replications. Result: All the treatments including farmyard manure (FYM) and vermicompost with and without Biomix had significant effect on soil properties, growth andyield parameters and yield of pearl millet. The pooled data clearly showed that recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) recorded significantly higher grain (3494 kg/ha) and stover (8612 kg/ha) yields of pearl millet and found at par with treatments T6: 100% RDN through FYM + Biomix; T7: 75% RDN through FYM + Biomix; T8: 100% RDN through vermicompost + Biomixand T9: 75% RDN through vermicompost + Biomixover rest of the treatments. With respect to economics T6 (100% RDN through FYM + Biomix) recorded highest net returns of Rs. 75602 and B:C ratio (4.14) followed by treatment T7 (75% RDN through FYM + Biomix). Continuous application of organic manures with biofertilizers had also significant improvement on soil OC (0.39%), phosphorus (54 kg/ha), potash (310 kg/ha), Zn (0.92 ppm) and Fe (6.92 ppm) over initial soil status.

Concentration and Uptake of Micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) in Soybean and Wheat under Organic, Biodynamic and Inorganic Nutrient Management in Semi-arid Tropical Conditions of Central India

ABSTRACT In the present investigation, the concentration and uptake of four micronutrients (iron-Fe, zinc-Zn, copper-Cu, and manganese-Mn) in soybean (Glycine max, cv. JS 335) and wheat (Triticum durum, cv. HI 8498) crops under organic, biodynamic, and inorganic nutrient management was studied. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with seven treatments in four replications. The treatments involved different nutrient inputs, namely, organic manure (OM) (T1); biodynamic preparation (BD) (T2); OM+ panchagavya (OM+PG) (T3); OM+BD (T4); OM+PG+BD (T5); control (T6); and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (T7). Cattle dung manure on N equivalent basis to soybean in kharif and cattle dung manure (CDM) + vermicompost (VC) + poultry manure (PM) (1:1:1 on N equivalent basis) to wheat were applied as organic manure, whereas nutrients were supplied in the form of chemical fertilizers in RDF treatment. The results revealed that the micronutrient concentration in soybean seed under organic nutrient management registered an increment of 13–16% in Fe, 16–19% in Zn, 20–23% in Cu, and 19–25% in Mn over the treatment T7 (RDF). Similarly, an increment of 16–19% in Fe, 21–27% in Zn, 20–23% in Cu, and 20–26% in Mn content of wheat grain was also observed over RDF. The micronutrient uptake by soybean-wheat sequence was found higher under organic treatments (Fe:20–29%; Zn:13–22%; Cu:11–19%; and Mn:12–19%) as compared to RDF. The availability of Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn was increased by 30–36%, 32–45%, 5–12%, and 20–36%, respectively, under organic treatments over RDF.

Effect of Cotton Stalks Residues to Check Fertility Level of Soil, Yield and Energetics of Sweet Corn

A field experiment on Impact of incorporation of shredded cotton stalks to influence soil fertility status along with production of succeeding sweet corn was organized at college farm, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad in the midst of rabi 2020-21. The demonstration was proportioned in Randomized Block Design (factorial) and replicated thrice. Treatments contain two residue management viz., Shredded cotton stalks incorporation and no incorporation and five levels of fertility levels viz., control, 75% RDF, 100% RDF, 125% RDF and 150% RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertilizer). Incorporation of cotton stalks did not significantly influenced the grain and fodder yield. Grain and Fodder yield was significantly higher in 125% RDF which was on par with 150% RDF. Incorporation of cotton stalks @ 5 t ha-1 (Residue management) before sowing of the succeeding sweet corn did not influence the energy ratio, energy productivity, productivity day-1. 125% RDF recorded higher energy ratio, energy productivity, while higher productivity day-1 was observed in 150% RDF.

Influence of sewage sludge and saline water irrigation on soil soluble ions and nutrient uptake under Pearl millet-Wheat cropping system in semi-arid region

Salinity is the most common problem in arid and semi-arid regions hindering nutrient accumulation in plants. A field trial (2017-18) was carried out to study the effect of sewage sludge (SS) and saline water irrigation on nutrient uptake under the pearl millet-wheat system and soluble ions in the soil. The experiment consisted of three irrigation levels (canal water, 8 and 10 dS/m ECiw saline water) and five fertilizer treatments i.e., control, sewage sludge (SS)- 5 t/ha, SS (5 t/ha) + 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), SS (5 t/ha) + 75% RDF and 100% RDF where sewage sludge was applied in rabi season only. The results indicated that the saline water irrigation significantly increased the concentrations of soluble ions (Na+, K+, Ca2++Mg2+, HCO3-, SO42- and Cl-) in the soil, and also the increase was non-significant under sewage sludge application. Na+ and Cl- ions were dominated under saline conditions among the soluble ions in the soil. The nutrient (N, P and K) uptake by grain and stover/straw of pearl millet and wheat crops were significantly reduced under saline environment. However, the maximum uptake in both crops was obtained under canal water irrigation (0.35 dS/m). Among fertilizer treatments, the maximum uptake (NPK) in both crops was attained under RDF being at par with SS (5 t/ha) + 75 RDF except K uptake in pearl millet crop, where the highest K uptake was obtained with SS (5 t/ha) + 75 RDF which was remained statistically at par with RDF treatment. The interactive effect was however non-significant. It is concluded that incorporating SS would enhance nutrient uptake in crops under saline conditions besides solving its dumping problem.

Root Dipping, Foliar and Soil Application of Zinc Increase Growth, Yields, and Grain Zinc in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grown in Moderate Zinc Soil of Inceptisol Order

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) fertilization not only increased yield of rice but also serves as an economical source of Zn to fight Zn deficiency problems in humans and cattle. A pot experiment was conducted during 2016 (kharif) to study the response of different methods of Zn application on growth, yield, and zinc concentration of rice. Treatments consisted of T1 – without fertilizers (WF); T2 – recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF); T3 – RDF+soil application of 5.0 kg Zn ha−1 (SA5); T4 – RDF + soil application of 7.5 kg Zn ha−1 (SA7.5); T5 – RDF + soil application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (SA10); T6 – RDF + root dipping in 2% ZnO (RD); T7 – RDF + SA5 + RD; T8 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering and flowering stage (2FA); T9 – RDF + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering, flowering, and milking stage (3FA); T10 – RDF + SA5 + foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 at tillering stage (1FA); T11 – RDF + SA5 + 2FA; and T12 – RDF + SA5 + 3FA. Significantly higher grain and straw yield was obtained in T7 and T6, with a corresponding increase of 17.6 and 30.0% over RDF. Conjoint application of Zn (T7) increased the Zn concentration in grain and straw as compared to RDF, but FA of Zn was more effective than SA. Higher doses of Zn applied increased Zn and manganese (Mn), but decreased the concentration of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) in grain. Application of 10 kg Zn ha−1 (T5) significantly increased (1.78 folds) the DTPA extractable Zn content in postharvest soil over RDF.

Influence of Different Levels and Methods of N P K Fertilizer Application on the Growth and Production of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Arid Region of Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during rabi season of 2019-20 to find out the Influence of different levels and methods of N P K fertilizer application on the growth and production of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Arid Region of Rajasthan. The experiment was laid out with 20 treatment combinations comprising in a split plot design and replicated three times. The treatment consisted of four fertility levels in main plot, viz. F0 - control, F1 - 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), F2 - 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), F3 - 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and five foliar fertilization with soluble N P K in the sub plot viz. S0- control (no spray), S1- one spray (60 DAS), S2- two spray (45 & 60 DAS), S3- three spray (45, 60 & 75 DAS), S4- four spray (45, 60, 75 & 90 DAS). The results revealed that 100% recommended dose of fertilizer resulted in significantly higher growth and yield attributes as well as grain and straw yield over all other fertility levels. Application of 100% RDF recorded significantly maximum gross and net profit (₹ 108568 ha-1 and ₹ 76682 ha-1) with B:C ratio of 2.40 over the other applied treatments. Similarly, three foliar spray of soluble N: P: K recorded maximum growth and yield attributes as well as grain and straw yield of wheat over rest of treatments but remained statistically at par with four foliar spray. The same treatment also recorded significantly higher gross & net returns (₹ 98116 ha-1 and ₹ 67326 ha-1, respectively) with B: C ratio of 2.16 in comparison to rest levels of foliar fertilization except four foliar spray of soluble N: P: K.

Effect of Slag Based Gypsum on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in an Alkaline Soil

A pot culture study was undertaken to study the effect of slag based gypsum as a source of nutrient to the rice crop in an alkaline soil. The treatments included recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control, 450, 600, 750 and 900 kg ha-1 of slag based gypsum (SBG) along with RDF. The treatments were replicated thrice and complete randomized design (CRD) was followed for statistical analysis. The results revealed that application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded significantly higher rice grain (8.85 g pot-1) and straw (9.00 g pot-1) yield when compared with other treatments. Further, application of 750 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher nitrogen (N) (137.68 mg pot-1), phosphorus (P) (48.37 mg pot-1) and potassium (K) (45.38 mg pot-1) uptake by rice grain and also a significantly higher exchangeable calcium (Ca) (12.19 c mol (p+) kg-1) and magnesium (Mg) (12.93 c mol (p+) kg-1) in post-harvest soil. Whereas, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 recorded higher N (75.64 mg pot-1), P (17.95 mg pot-1) and K (49.78 mg pot-1) uptake by rice straw and also higher pH (8.95), electrical conductivity (EC) (1.28 dS m-1), available N (160.53 kg ha-1) and available sulphur (S) (182.50 kg ha-1) in post-harvest soil. Moreover, application of 900 kg SBG ha-1 was also reported to give higher micronutrient uptake and availability in post-harvest soil of our studies.

Effect of nutrient omission on rice yield in a wetland double rice cropping system

Long term crop cultivation affects the soil indigenous nutrient supply which is the basis of sustainable nutrient management. The field experiment was conducted during 2015-2019 to study the effects of nutrient omission on rice yield and soil inherent nutrient supply capacity in a rice -fallow- rice cropping system under wetland condition. The experiment received seven treatments [Control, recommended dose of NPKSZn fertilizer, (-N)PKSZn, N(-P)KSZn, NP(-K)SZn, NPK(-S)Zn and NPKS(-Zn)] in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The highest yield reduction was found with the omission of N in each rice crop illustrating that N was the most deficient nutrient in the soil. After three cropping years, omission of P and K significantly reduced the rice grain yield indicating that although initially the soil could supply these nutrients, they should be added to soil for continuous rice cultivation. However, no significant yield reduction was observed due to Zn omission, while the results of S omission was inconsistent. The contribution of soil to rice yield varied with crop growing seasons and was higher in Aman season (67%) compared to Boro season (43%). The recommended fertilizer dose sustained the rice yield during the study period. However, after five years of rice cropping soil available P and K content reduced from its initial content even in the recommended fertilizer treatment. Therefore, our study suggests that in long term crop cultivation the fertilizer dose should be updated regularly to maintain sustainable yield and soil health.

Effect of Invasive Weed Biochar Mixed with Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Physical and Chemical Properties in Semi-arid Region of India

The application of different forms of organic material is a traditional strategy used to sustain soil fertility by replenishing soil organic matter (SOM) and enhancing nutrient profile for crops. This study focuses on the comparative efficacy of biochar prepared from locally available invasive weed biomass (Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Lantana camara L.) with or without inorganic fertilization on soil properties and nutrient availability in post harvested soils. Results revealed that soil bulk density (BD) was significantly decreased with application of biochar @ 5 t ha-1 and 10 t ha-1 along with 75% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizers) as compared to control while water holding capacity (WHC) significantly increased in the range of 18.40-32.78% as compared to RDF by the application of Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Lantana camara L. biochar @ 2.5 t ha-1, 5.0 t ha-1 and 10.0 t ha-1 along with 75% RDF. It was also observed that Parthenium hysterophorus L. and Lantana camara L. biochar along with 75% RDF addition to soil increased SOC (5.17 g kg-1 to 7.99 g kg-1) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) by 3.36-37.14% as compared with control, depending on the quantity of biochar application. Similar trends were also reported in case of available macro and micro nutrients in the post harvest soil. Therefore, application of invasive weed biochar with inorganic fertilization is considered as promising strategy for improve physical and chemical properties of soils and soil health in semi-arid ecosystem.

Amalgamation of Farmers' Bio-priming Knowledge in Integrated Nutrient Management for Sustainable Management of Red Cabbage Soil Under Middle Gangetic Plains, India.

Biotic stress management through bio-priming is a common practice among the farmers of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. However, this indigenous technology is less explored for the sustainable management of soil resources. Therefore, field-based experiments (2016-17 and 2017-18) were conducted in Varanasi to evaluate the combined effect of seedling bio-priming and fertilization on biochemical properties, microbiological properties, and fertility of red cabbage soil at harvest. Based on the farmers' fertilization practice, the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) of N:P2O5:K2O were applied @ 120:60:60 kg ha-1. Three compatible bio-agents, viz., Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis were applied alone and in combination with 75% RDF. The effect of treatment combinations was also analyzed for carbon (C) mineralization by conducting an incubation experiment for 90 days. Bio-priming treatments recorded a higher richness of soil microflora and soil fertility than control and sole application of chemical fertilizers. Application of 75% RDF + T. harzianum + P. fluorescens resulted in highest urease and cellulase activities and soil organic C. Inclusion of dual-species bacterial consortium (P. fluorescens and B. subtilis) in integrated system resulted in highest dehydrogenase activity and available P. These priming agents also exhibited significantly higher CO2 fluxes and C mineralization in our incubation study. A microbial consortium of T. harzianum and B. subtilis increased the microbial biomass C and available K. Although application of triple-species consortium improved C mineralization in laboratory conditions, the positive effects lowered down in field conditions. As a bottom-up approach, customization of bio-priming technology among farmers will help in attaining the UN-Sustainable Development Goals.

Bio-Priming with Compatible Rhizospheric Microbes Enhances Growth and Micronutrient Uptake of Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is known as the millennium’s functional food, which has a lot of importance in our diet because of the health-promoting ingredients present in it. The current study investigated the synergistic relationship of rhizospheric-competent microbial agents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis) in modulating the performance of red cabbage under the field conditions of Middle Gangetic Plains, India. Growth parameters were studied at three developmental stages, viz., pre-cupping, early head formation, and maturity. Our results suggested that the dual application of T. harzianum + P. fluorescens along with the 75% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) increased the number of leaves (24.6), leaf area (537.2 cm2), root length (19.8 cm), and micronutrient uptake (Fe, Mn, and Cu) by head of the crop, whereas the co-inoculation of P. fluorescens and B. subtilis along with 75% RDF enhanced plant spread (39.0 cm), earliness (95.2 days), and Zn uptake. Maximum plant height (28.7 cm) and chlorophyll (SPAD, 77.3) were recorded in 100% RDF (120:60:60 kg ha−1) and the combination of T. harzianum + B. subtilis along with 75% RDF, respectively. Interestingly, consortium (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) bio-primed plants recorded about 14% higher root length in comparison to plants receiving sole fertilizers. The regression analysis revealed a significant relationship of Fe and Mn uptake with chlorophyll (SPAD) and between Zn uptake and the earliness of the crop. The present study indicated that seedling bio-priming with the dual consortium of efficient bio-agents is a viable strategy to lessen our dependence on chemical fertilizers for improving red cabbage production.

Inclusion of legume and integrated use of organic and inorganic nutrient sources can improve the productivity and qualitative traits of oats straw

Production of high tonnage of nutritive fodder/feed for livestock’s remains a challenge in arid and semi-arid ecologies. Identification of some alternate sources of feed/fodder such as oats straw may provide an option to bridge the gap existed between demand and supply of dry crop residues. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers to boost the food/fodder production leads to losses of nutrients from agro-ecosystem causing global climate variability. Nutrient management tailored with integrated use of organic and inorganic sources may be a viable option to improve forage yield and quality. Therefore, to circumvent the aforesaid challenges, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of different legume diversified cropping systems and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on productivity and quality of oats straw. The findings revealed that inclusion of legume (cowpea) in the rotation and integrated application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients via 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 the productivity and primary fodder quality traits {Crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and total ash yield)} which eventually aids in the fulfillment of qualitative fodder deficit. Further, with inclusion of legume in the rotation and co-application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients significant reduction in fiber fractions such as {neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and hemi-cellulose (HC)} and their associated protein fractions were observed. The cultivation of oats after legume with integrated nutrient management also improved nutritive/energy indices. Overall, cultivation of oats after legume and integrated nutrient management embedded with chemical fertilizers, organic manure and (PGPR) can be a sustainable strategy to improve the productivity and qualitative traits pf oat straw under semi-arid condition of India.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Characters of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Varieties

A field experiment was carried out at Instructional Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal during kharif season of 2019 and 2020, following three times replicated split plot design with 3 soybean varieties (V1: PS 1225; V2: YEZIN 15; V3: PS 24) in main plot and 5 nutrient management options (N1: 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) i.e. N: P2O5: K2O-20:60:40 kg/ha; N2: 75% RDF + 3 t/ha farm yard manure (FYM); N3: 75% RDF+ 1.5 t/ha vermicompost; N4: 75% RDF + 3 t/ha FYM + 25 kg/ha ZnSO4; N5: 75% RDF + 1.5 t/ha vermicompost + 25 kg/ha ZnSO4) in subplot. Results revealed that soybean variety PS 24 grown under application of 75% RDF + 1.5 t/ha vermicompost + 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 recorded highest plant height (73.81 cm at harvest), leaf area index (5.39 at 90 days after sowing i.e. DAS), number of branches/plant (11.40), dry matter accumulation (767.09 g/m2) and crop growth rate (14.02 g/m2/day). Application of 75% RDF+ 1.5 t/ha vermicompost also ensured high growth attributes soybean varieties specially in PS 24. Conversely, Myanmar variety YEZIN 24 grown under 100% RDF did not perform well due to its non-adaptability in West Bengal condition.

Application of Sewage Sludge in a Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) System Influences the Growth, Yield, Quality and Heavy Metals Accumulation of Rice and Wheat in the Northern Gangetic Alluvial Plain.

For a sustainable and profitable agriculture production system, balanced and integrated use of nutrients is a key strategy. In addition, partial replacement of chemical fertilizers with organics ones reduces both environmental concerns and economic costs and provides greater soil health benefits. With this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted to assess the yield and economic benefits of a rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) as influenced by the joint application of sewage sludge (SSL) and fertilizer. The treatments comprised: without fertilizer or SSL; 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF); 100% RDF + 20 Mg ha−1 SSL; 100% RDF + 30 Mg ha−1 SSL; 50% RDF + 20 Mg ha−1 SSL; 60% RDF + 20 Mg ha−1 SSL; 70% RDF + 20 Mg ha−1 SSL; 50% RDF + 30 Mg ha−1 SSL; 60% RDF + 30 Mg ha−1 SSL and 70% RDF + 30 Mg ha−1 SSL. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The result of our study indicate that the highest percent increase in mean plant height i.e., ~14.85 and ~13.90, and grain yield i.e., ~8.10 and ~18.90 for rice and wheat, respectively, were recorded under 100% RDF + 30 Mg SSL ha−1 treatment compared to 100% RDF, while 70% RDF + 20 Mg ha−1 SSL produced a statistically equivalent grain yield of 100% RDF in RWCS. The application of 20 and 30 Mg SSL ha−1 along with recommended or reduced fertilizer dose, significantly increased the heavy metal content in plant and soil systems above that of 100% RDF, but this enhancement was found within permissible limits. Moreover, the reduced use of SSL i.e., 20 Mg SSL ha−1, resulted in lower heavy metal content in grain and soil than did the 30 Mg ha−1 SSL treatment, but significantly higher than in the absolute control or 100% RDF treatment. In summary, the use of 20 Mg ha−1 SSL along with 70% RDF provided a safer, profitable and sustainable option in a rice-wheat cropping system in the middle Ganegatic alluvial plain.

Nodule Parameters, Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Vegetable Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata (L.) Verdcourt] as Influenced by Foliar Application of Macro and Micro-nutrients

Background: Legumes are one of the major sources of dietary proteins for the people of India and is an inevitable component of vegetarians’ diet. Among them cowpea pods and seeds are rich source of protein and accrue delicacy in cuisines. Adequate amounts of fertilizers applied through most effective and economic means can raise productivity and profitability of cowpea cultivation. Hence the present study was formulated with an objective to study the effect of water-soluble macro and micro nutrient fertilizers on nodulation, quality and nutrient uptake of vegetable cowpea. Methods: Field experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram during the period from 12 November 2020 to 31 January 2021. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 13 treatments in 3 replications. The treatments comprised of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as control and RDF + foliar application of NPK 19:19:19 (0.5%) or potassium nitrate (0.5%) alone or in combination with ZnSO4 (0.05 %) and solubor (0.025%). Result: Foliar nutrition of micro and macro nutrients had significant effect on nodulation, quality and nutrient uptake. Foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 resulted in the production of higher number of nodules than KNO3. Among the treatments, RDF (20:30: 10 kg NPK ha-1) + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5% ) + solubor (0.025% ) at 45 DAS resulted in higher number of nodules and nodule fresh weight per plant, however higher number of effective nodules was recorded in RDF + foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 (0.5%) alone at 45 DAS. The highest uptake of N, P and K by the crop was also recorded in RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS. Zinc uptake was the highest in RDF + foliar application of KNO3 (0.5%) 45 and 60 DAS and B uptake was the highest in RDF + foliar application of KNO3 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS. The highest crude protein content was recorded in RDF + foliar nutrition of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + ZnSO4 (0.05%) and solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS fb 19:19:19 (0.5%) at 60 DAS. The treatment, RDF + foliar application of 19:19:19 (0.5%) + solubor (0.025%) at 45 DAS resulted in the highest number of pods and green pod yield per plant in bush type vegetable cowpea.