Recommended Dose Of Fertilizer Research Articles

Effect of Nano-Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Summer Hybrid Maize (Zea mays L.) in Gangetic Plains of India

Nano fertilizer contains the nutrients in a concentrated and energy farm which would also pave the way to have a successful harvest without soil application and to reduce the ill effect on soil. In this regard, the present experiment was carried out over two years at BCKV, West Bengal, India in the Gangetic alluvial soil, to assess the impact of nano fertilizer management on growth and yield of summer hybrid maize cv. ‘Kaveri 50’. The treatments comprised different percentage of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with or without nano fertilizer application. Results revealed that application of 50 % RDZn and 100 % N-P-K along with 2 foliar sprays of Nano-Zn @ 4 ml litre-1 at 25 and 50 DAS (T8) recorded better results of growth attributes. The yield attributes like number of cobs plant-1 (1.30), cob length (21.30 cm), cob girth (16.25 cm), number of rows cob-1 (13.97), number of grains cob-1 (317.6), seed index (25.40 g) and single cob weight (128.74 g) also found highest from the same treatment. Higher grain (8.16 t ha-1) and stover yield (12.22 t ha-1) were recorded in T8 treatment and yield variation was 2.21 to 63.86 % over control with highest benefit-cost ratio (2.35). Hence, application of 50 % RDZn and 100 % N-P-K along with 2 foliar sprays of Nano-Zn @ 4 ml litre-1 at 25 and 50 DAS could be more effective in augmenting yield, available nutrient status and economics of summer maize in the Gangetic plains of India.

Impact of Different Fertility Levels and Liquid Biofertilizers on Biological Properties and Nutrient Content of Soil under Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2019 at the Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertility i.e. control, 75, 100 and 125% RDF and four levels of liquid biofertilizers i.e. control, Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design replicated thrice taking wheat var. Raj.-4238 as test crop. The Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:60:40 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5: K2O. The results of the study demonstrated a significant increase in several important soil parameters in the post-harvest wheat fields. This increase was observed as we applied higher levels of fertilizers and liquid biofertilizers, specifically up to the point where we used 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) and a combination of Azotobacter and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB). The application of increased fertility levels and the use of Azotobacter + PSB as liquid biofertilizers led to significant improvements in soil microbial biomass, microbial populations and enzyme activities, enhancing the overall health and fertility of the post-harvest wheat soil. Additionally, significant increases in sulphur and micronutrients (Zn, Cu Fe and Mn) in soil with the application of 100% RDF.

Comparison of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cultivars for productivity and nitrogen-use efficiency under different fertilizer levels in rainfed condition

Response of 9 sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars, viz. 4 hybrids (‘SPH 1820’, ‘SPH 1849’, ‘CSH 25’, ‘CSH 30’) and 5 improved varieties (‘SPV 2433’, ‘SPV 2437’, ‘SPV 2438’, ‘CSV 27’ and ‘CSV 31’), to 3 fertility levels [75, 100 and 125 % recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF)] under rainfed conditions was studied during the rainy (kharif), season of 2018 at Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design, comprising 27 treatment combinations, each replicated thrice. Results revealed that, fertilization with 125% RDF recorded significantly higher plant height (249.42 cm), dry- matter accumulation pea plant (164.43 g) at harvesting, yield-attributing characters, grain and stover yields (4.06 and 11.12 t/ha respectively) and N-use efficiency than 100% RDF and 75% RDF. Among the hybrids, ‘SPH 1849’ gave the highest grain yield (4.85 t/ha) and among the varieties ‘CSV 31’ showed the highest grain yield (4.08 t/ha). Thus, sorghum genotype ‘SPH 1849’ with 125% RDF application (100 kg N + 50 kg P2 O5 + 50 kg K2 O/ha) showed better performance under rainfed condition in southern Rajasthan.

Balanced crop nutrition with mid-season foliar fertilization enhances productivity, profitability and partial factor productivity in rainfed castor (Ricinus communis)

A field experiment was conducted at University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka to study the effect of balanced crop nutrition with mid-season foliar fertilization on productivity, profitability, and partial factor productivity of rainfed castor (Ricinus communis L.) during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019–20. Significantly higher seed yield (1,604 kg/ha) was observed with 30, 30, 15 and 20 kg N, P2 O5 , K2 O and ZnSO4 through soil followed by foliar application of 2% water-soluble 19 : 19 : 19 at 40 days after sowing which gave 11.38 and 54.37% higher yield over 50, 50 and 25, i.e. 125% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 40, 40 and 20 (100% RDF) kg N, P2 O5 , K2 O/ha respectively. Foliar application of 2% 19 : 19 : 19 enhanced partial factor productivity (PFP). Higher gross returns (`75,425/ha), net returns (`46,042/ha) and benefit : cost ratio (2.57) were also higher with 30, 30, 15 and 20 kg N, P2 O5 , K2 O, ZnSO4 /ha through soil, followed by foliar application of 2% water-soluble 19 : 19 : 19 at 40 DAS. Therefore, integration of soil and foliar application of plant nutrient looks to be feasible nutrient-management modules of castor in boosting the crop productivity. Further, this nutrient-management module was validated in 50 farmers’ fields with large plot study (0.4 ha) showed 92.26% hike in yield (746 kg/ha) over farmers’ practice (388 kg/ha).

Maximization of flower yield in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

A study was carried out on a non-spiny hybrid safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) NARI-NH-1 for maximization of flower yield by altering the agronomic practices viz., dates of sowing, fertilizer levels and plant spacings. The study showed that the differences due to sowing dates, fertilizer levels and plant spacings were significant for flower and seed yield in safflower. Delayed sowing beyond first fortnight of October resulted in a decrease in both flower and seed yield. Significantly highest flower yield (199 kg/ha) and seed yield (2014 kg/ha) were recorded with an application of 150% recommended dose (RD) of fertilizers, with flower yield being 26.85% higher and seed yield 28.89% higher than the control. However, if the net returns are considered, there is noadvantage in applying more than 100% RD of fertilizer to the crop. The spacing of 45 cm x 10 cm gave significantly higher flower and seed yield over the recommended spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm. The interaction effects between dates of sowing, spacings and fertilizer levels suggested that sowing of safflower in the first week of October either with a spacing of 45 cm x 10 cm and an application of 100% or 150% RD of fertilizer or with a spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm with an application of 150% RD of fertilizer can be recommended for obtaining maximum flower and seed yield in safflower.

Effect of Vermicompost, Biofertilizers and in Organic Fertilizers on Nutrient Uptake and Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: A Case Study of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

A field trial was conducted during Rabi 2020-21 in randomized block design with three replications and seven treatments comprising individual and combined application of various organic and inorganic nutrient sources at Research Farm, MMU Sadopur (Ambala), Haryana. The experiment was intended to evaluate the effect of vermicompost, biofertilizers and inorganic fertilizers applied in chickpea on nutrient uptake and physico-chemical properties of soil pH (8.24). The highest organic carbon (0.58%), electrical conductivity (0.51 dS m-1), particle density (2.50 g/cm3) and porosity (48.47%) along with maximum available N (126.5 kg ha-1), P (23.2 kg/ha) and K (98.33 kg/ha) were observed in the treatment of T6 i.e., 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. Similarly, the nutrient content (N, P and K) was maximum in seed and stover of chickpea harvested from the plots receiving 3 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB, which was statistically at par with T7 i.e., 2.5 t/ha Vermicompost + Rhizobium + PSB. The highest net return was recorded in plots treated with 50% RDF (Recommended dose of fertilizer) + Rhizobium + PSB and 75% RDF + Rhizobium + PSB with a benefit cost ratio (B: C) of 3.2 and 3.1, respectively. However, the seed yield in integrated nutrient management was comparable to recommended dose of chemical fertilizers

Interventions to Improve Potassium Availability in Light Textured Alfisols Supporting FCV Tobacco

Aim: To investigate the effect of soil inversion in conjugation with combined application of SOP with cheaper potassium supplements like tobacco stalk biochar (TS biochar) and barn wood ash (BWA) on potassium fractions in light textured sandy loam soils supporting FCV tobacco.
 Study Design: Split plot design
 Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-CTRI RS, Jeelugumilli, Andhra Pradesh, India.
 Methodology: A field experiment was conducted with two main plots and seven sub-plots which are replicated thrice. The two main plots are consisting of soil inversion practices i.e., (i) soil inversion with MB plough (ii) without soil inversion and seven sub plot treatments viz., one without potassium, two sulphate of potash treatments at the rate of 100 % and 75 % of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), two TS Biochar treatments along with SOP and two BWA treatments along with SOP at the rate of 100 % and 75 % RDK each. Soil Samples were collected at 60 DAP to study various potassium fractions in the soil.
 Results: Results indicated that mean water-soluble potassium has been increased from 17.90 mg kg-1 in without soil inversion to 27.61 mg kg-1 in with soil inversion respectively and among the potassium input management practices highest mean water-soluble potassium of 26.60 mg kg-1 was observed in S4 [100% K through SOP + Tobacco Stalk Biochar (1:1)] treated plots which is on par with S2 [100% K through SOP]. An increase in soil mean exchangeable potassium from 40.07 mg kg-1 without soil inversion to 58.79 mg kg-1 with soil inversion was observed and among the potassium input management practices the highest available potassium was observed in S4 [100% K through SOP + Tobacco Stalk Biochar (1:1)] treated plots with a mean value of 60.14 mg kg-1 which was on par with S6 [100% K through SOP + Barn wood ash (1:1)].
 Conclusion: Both soil inversion and potassium input management has improved the water soluble, exhangeable K in soil while no much influence on non-exchangeable and total K were observed.

Response of Fertility Levels and Liquid Biofertilizers on Soil Chemical Properties and Nutrient Uptake under Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop

A field experiment was conducted during rabi 2019-20 at Instructional Farm of Agronomy, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur to examine the effect of fertility levels and liquid biofertilizers on soil chemical properties and nutrient uptake by wheat. The treatments comprised of four levels of fertility (i.e. control, 75, 100 and 125% RDF) and four levels of liquid biofertilizers (i.e. no inoculation, Azotobacter, PSB and Azotobacter + PSB). Experiment was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replication taking wheat var Raj 4238 as test crop. The recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) was 100:60:40 kg ha-1 of N:P2O5:K2O. The results revealed that significant increase in available primary nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in post harvest soil of wheat and also significantly increase in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) uptake by wheat with increasing levels of fertility and liquid biofertilizers up to the 100% RDF and Azotobacter + PSB respectively.

Influence of tillage and nutrient management strategies on rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity, nutrient uptake and soil properties

A field experiment was conducted during 2019 to study the effect of tillage and nutrient management strategies on rice productivity, nutrient uptake and soil properties in Eastern Indo Gangetic Plains (EIGP) of India. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. Nine treatment combinations comprising of three tillage methods in the main plots viz., Conventional tillage, Zero tillage and Zero tillage + Residue management and three nutrient management practices viz., recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), SSNM based on Nutrient expert and 60 % RDN + green seeker guided N application (GSGN) + 100% RDP + 100% RDK in the subplot. The results of the study revealed that residue management with zero tillage practice resulted in 14.03 % and 9.27 % higher grain and straw yield than conventional tillage respectively. Zero tillage with residue management increased nutrient uptake to the maximum of 86.71 kg N, 24.62 kg P and 99.99 kg K/ha as compared to conventional tillage. Among nutrient management, SSNM based on Nutrient expert exhibited the highest grain (4.5 t/ha ) and straw yields (6.4 t/ha ), while 60 % RDN+ GSGN + 100% RDP + 100% RDK showed at par of these values. Adoption of SSNM based on Nutrient expert resulted in maximum N, P and K uptake. Different tillage and nutrient management regimes did not affect the soil properties significantly. Thus, zero tillage and residue management with SSNM based on Nutrient expert is a viable management practice for improving productivity under DSR in EIGP of India.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Economics of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Long term study on different crops indicated that application of balanced NPK fertilizer couldn’t meet higher yield due to poor physical properties and micronutrient deficiencies. Keeping in view to the above concept a experiment entitled “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Yield of Rabi Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)” was conducted at post graduate experimental farm of M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi during the rabi season, 2022. The experimental soil was sandy loam with low in available nitrogen and medium in phosphorus and potassium. The experimental design was randomized block design, which consists of 10 numbers of treatments as different combinations of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and farmyard manure (FYM), each treatment replicated thrice. The treatments are T­1: Control, T2: 50% RDF, T3: 75%RDF, T4: 100%RDF, T5: 50%RDF+5t FYM ha-1, T6: 50% RDF + 10t FYM ha-1, T7: 75% RDF + 5t FYM ha-1, T8: 75%RDF+10t FYM ha-1, T9: 100%RDF + 5t FYM ha-1, T10: 100%RDF + 10t FYM ha-1. Among all the treatments significantly highest growth, yield attributes and nutrient uptake were recorded from the treatment 100% RDF + 10t FYM ha-1(T10). Application of 100% RDF + 10t FYM ha-1 recorded highest sorghum grain yield (2416 kg ha-1) and gross return (₹85108/- ha-1). However, maximum net return (₹48010/- ha-1) was recorded from 100%RDF + 5t FYM ha-1 but B:C ratio (1.49) from 75%RDF.

Effects of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizer on Growth and Yield Performance of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) c.v. Japanese White

A Field experiment was carried out during Kharif season of 2018 at the research farm in Udai Pratap (Autonomous) College; Varanasi (U.P.), India. The site was adjoining to the Department of Horticulture of the college. The experiment consisted of Six treatments comprising of combinations of recommended doses of organic and inorganic manures (FYM, Vermicompost and poultry manures). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RBD) with six treatment combinations (T0– Control, T1 -Conventional practices- recommended FYM + fertilizer + PPI with chemicals, T2 -100% RDF through Vermicompost T3 (100% RDF through FYM), T4 -50% RDF through Vermicompost +50% RDF through poultry manure and T5 -50% RDF through FYM + 50% RDF through poultry manure. The applications of 50% RDF through Vermicompost at 7.5 ton/ha + 50% RDF through poultry manures at 5 ton/ha (T4) resulted in maximum value of growth and yield attributes viz. maximum growth (leaf length), yield parameters (root length, root weight, root diameter, root yield/ plot) and root yield q/ha. It is revealed from the data obtained that the significantly maximum root yield/ha of radish was recorded with the application of 50% RDF(Recommended dose of Fertilizer) through Vermicompost + 50% RDF through poultry manures (PPI-Pre plant Incorporation with organic methods) (T4) along with maximum net return of and maximum benefit cost ratio.

Using industrial wastes for rice-wheat cropping and food-energy-carbon-water-economic nexus to the sustainable food system

This experiment aimed to develop a long-term sustainable food-energy-water-carbon-economic nexus module by converting industrial wastes (IWs) to compost. In the methodology, a split-plot design was employed to apply a different recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) levels, and carbon decomposing microbes (CDMs) converted IWs compost in the rice-wheat cropping. Four RDF levels were used in the main-plot, and nine combinations of CDMs + IWs were used in the sub-plot and replicated thrice. The result indicated that in the interaction impact of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK)100% +zinc (Zn)5kg + iron (Fe)5kg × IW1+CDM1 produced 80.2% more grain yield, 68.1 and 176.2% more net energy output and energy balance. There was higher water productivity and lower WFP than those for NPK0 × IW3+CDM3. Further, the main-plot NPK100% +Zn5kg + Fe5kg was observed sequentially at a maximum of US$ 126 and 2149/ha carbon societal and credit value. Meanwhile, the IW1+CDM1 noted a higher US$ 124 and 2094/ha of carbon societal and credit values, respectively in the sub-plot. The first two components from principal component analysis (PCA) of various energy indices and carbon dynamics explained 81 and 14% of the variability, respectively. The hypothesis of the experiment was that the use of IWs combined with inorganic fertilizers and CDMs for rice-wheat cropping; may help to increase crop productivity, carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration, soil organic carbon (SOC) pools, and reduce carbon footprints (CFs), water footprint (WFP), energy, and fertilizer load to feed the ever-growing population.

Effect of nutrient management on growth and yield of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Field experiments were conducted on sesame in vertisols of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh during kharif seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11 to determine its efficient nutrient management. Results revealed that application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) as 60 kg N + 40 kg P2O5 + 30 kg K2O/ha superimposed with sprayings of 2% Diammonium phosphate (DAP) twice at flowering and capsule formation stages was the best nutrient management for sesame resulting in high seed yields and monetary advantages, which was comparable to 100% RDF + sprayings of 2% urea twice at flowering and capsule formation stages as well as 100% RDF + spraying of 2% DAP once at flowering stage. This nutrient management proved to be more remunerative also.

Influence of 36 years of integrated nutrient management on soil carbon sequestration, environmental footprint and agronomic productivity of wheat under rice-wheat cropping system

A long-term field experiment was conducted to study the effects of different combinations of integrated nutrient management (INM) on carbon sequestration and wheat yield in a rice-wheat cropping system. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments that were replicated three times. The organic manures used in the study included farmyard manure (FYM), wheat straw (WS), and green manure (GM) with Sesbania aculeata. The results of the experiment revealed that the application of 50% of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with 50% nitrogen (N) through FYM during rice cultivation, and RDF during wheat cultivation, led to a significant increase in soil organic carbon (SOC). Specifically, the SOC content was enhanced by 46.4% (18.29 Mg ha-1) compared to RDF in rice and wheat, resulting in a C sequestration rate of 0.22 Mg ha-1 year-1. These increases were higher in treatments that combined organic and inorganic inputs. Additionally, the application of 50% RDF and substituting 50% of the nitrogen with FYM during wheat cultivation resulted in a 24.7% increase in grain yield compared to RDF in rice and wheat. The INM treatments, showed significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher agronomic efficiency (AE) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), partial factor productivity (PFP) of N, P and K, and carbon pool index (CPI) compared to the application of inorganic fertilizers at the recommended dose. Moreover, the INM treatments also exhibited lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity. Application of neither chemical fertilizers nor organic manure (T1) resulted in maximum GHG emission intensity (328.1 kg CO2 eq Mg−1 yield). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the combined use of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures significantly increased crop yield and soil organic carbon sequestration while reducing GHG emissions in a rice-wheat cropping system in the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP) of India.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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