Red Sandy Loam Soil Research Articles

Performance of Cowpea [Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp] Under Organic Production System in Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya to study the performance of cowpea under organic production system in red sandy loam soil. The results revealed that application of 100% N equivalent compost + recommended FYM (10 t/ha) + beejamrutha (seed treatment) + jeevamrutha (500 liter/ha) recorded significantly higher grain yield during all the years of experimentation (2056, 1987, 2108 and 2365 kg/ha, respectively) and also in their pooled data (grain yield 2129 kg/ha). This increased yield was attributed to more availability of nitrogen (289.5 kg/ha), phosphorus (40.5 kg/ha) and potassium (182.3 kg/ha) in the soil compared to other treatments. The benefit: cost ratio was higher with application of 100% N equivalent compost + jeevamrutha + beejamrutha (2.81). Soil chemical properties, viz. soil pH, organic carbon content and electric conductivity, were not influenced significantly by application of organic manures. However, there was an improvement in the soil chemical properties (289.5, 40.5 and 182.3 N, P2O5 and K2O kg/ha, respectively) compared to initial soil data (229, 19.2 and 135 NPK kg/ha).

Effect of biochar on soil physical and hydrological properties, and on growth, yield, quality of rabi groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in red sandy loam soils of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted in red sandy loamsoils of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh to study the effect of biochar on soil physical and hydrological properties, and on growth and yield of rabi groundnut (variety K-6) during 2018-19. Biochar application to soil had significant influence on soil bulk density, porosity and maximum water holding capacity, non-significant influence on final infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Significantly low bulk densities (1.40 mg/m3 and 1.39 mg/m3) and high total porosities (47.17% and 47.55%) of soil at sowing stage were recorded in treatments which received biochar @ 6 t //ha (T5 & T8) and these treatments were on par with treatments which received biochar @ 4 t /ha(T4 and T7) and @ 2 t //ha (T3 and T6). However, T5 and T8 were significantly lower in bulk densities and higher in total porosities when compared to T1 (control) and T2 (100% RDF). Highest bulk density of 1.58 Mg /m3 and lowest total porosity ofsoil (40.38%) was noticed in T1 (control). Soil penetration resistance and soil temperature followed the trend of bulk density. In general, soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance and soil temperature increased fromsowing to harvesting stage of groundnut crop, but the percent pore space decreased. Biochar addition to soil impacted the maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) by recording increased water retention with increased rate of biochar addition from control to 2 t /ha upto 6 t /ha. Biochar addition @ 6 t /ha (T5 & T8) significantly increased MWHC of soil when compared to control (T1) and 100% RDF (T2). A slight but non-significant decrease in final infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity was noticed by biochar addition. Groundnut crop growth in the form of leaf area index at pod development stage was highest (3.16) in T5 (biochar 6 t /ha + 100% RDF) which was on par with T4 (biochar 4 t/ha + 100% RDF) and both T5 & T4 were significantly higher than T6, T7, T8, T2 and T1. In general, the dry matter accumulation increased from peg penetration to harvest. Highest dry matter accumulation of 2950.90 kg /ha and 6427.54 kg /ha, respectively at peg penetration and pod development stage was observed in T5 (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t /ha) which was on par with T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 4 t /ha), T3 (100% RDF + biochar @ 2 t /ha),T8 (75% RDF + biochar @ 6 t /ha) treatments. Groundnut pod yield was highest (4020 kg /ha) in T5 treatment (100% RDF + biochar @ 6 t /ha), which was on par with T4 (100% RDF + biochar @ 4 t /ha) and T8 (75% RDF + biochar @ 6 t /ha). From these observations, it could be concluded that application of biochar at either @ 4 t/ha + 100 % RDF or @ 6 t /ha + 75% RDF, resulted in better soil physical environment and also increased availability of nutrients which resulted in higher plant growth, dry matter production and pod yield in groundnut.

Influence of Pesticides on Azospirillum sp. Population and Its Nitrogen Fixation in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Soils

Aim: To study the impact of selected pesticides on Azospirillum sp. population and its nitrification in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) soils. 
 Study Design: Black clay and red sandy loam soils with known pesticide history were collected from groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivated fields and were investigated to elucidate the impact of pesticides on Azospirillum sp. population and its nitrification in both the soils.
 Place and Duration of Study: The soil samples were collected from groundnut cultivated fields of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh (A.P) and the study was carried out for 3 months.
 Methodology: Ten gram portions of each soil sample were placed in (25 × 150 mm) test tubes and treated with different concentrations of pesticides, (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 µg g-1 soil) which were equivalent - 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 kg ha-1. Soil samples without pesticides served as controls. The soils with and without pesticides were incubated at room temperature (28 ± 4°C) in the laboratory and moisture content was maintained at 60% water holding capacity (WHC) throughout the experimental period. After 7 and 14 days of incubation, triplicate soil samples were used to estimate the population size of Azospirillum sp. using the MPN method. Five ml aliquots of semi – solid malate medium were added to five MPN tubes and inoculated with 0.5 ml of a soil suspension from 10-1 to 10-5 soil dilutions, and incubated at 37°C.
 Results: The population of Azospirillum sp. in both soils increased when pesticides were applied @ 2.5 - 5.0 kg ha-1 and incongruity, when the pesticides concentration increased from 7.5 - 10.0 kg ha-1, the Azospirillum sp. population gradually decreased in both soils.
 Conclusion: The present study aimed at determining the influence of selected pesticides such as oxydemeton methyl, emamectin benzoate, dithane Z-78 and benomyl on the population of Azospirillum sp. and nitrogen fixation in black clay soil and red sandy loam soils in groundnut cultivated fields of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Insecticides and fungicides applied up to 5.0 kg ha-1, enhanced the population of Azospirillum sp. and its nitrogen fixation also increased significantly after 7 and 14 days of incubation in both soils. However, the population of Azospirillum sp., decreased with increasing period of soil incubation in both treated and untreated soils.

Influence of triazole pesticides on tillage soil microbial populations and metabolic changes

Pesticides are generally applied to agricultural soil to control crop diseases, with the critical goal of preventing yield loss and optimizing economic returns. However, the excessive utilization of pesticides in agriculture is a severe environmental and human health problem. In the present study, effect of triazole based fungicide, propiconazole on soil physicochemical properties, stimulatory impact of propiconazole residue on soil microbial communities and soil enzyme activities (phosphatise and urease) in contaminated red sandy loam and deep black soils of paddy (Oryza sativa L.) fields at different concentrations were evaluated. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis showed high levels of propiconazole residues of 434 and 426 ng g−1 in red sandy loam and deep black soils, respectively. A total of 27 bacterial and 18 fungal strains were isolated from propiconazole-contaminated soils, identified by molecular markers and had their sequences deposited in the GenBank. We observed a pronounced increase in soil microbial growth, and urease and phosphatase activities at lower propiconazole concentrations up to 2 weeks post-treatment. On the contrary, the microbial growth and urease and phosphatase activities were relentlessly reduced at higher propiconazole concentrations and a long incubation period after 2 to 4 weeks of post-treatment. Overall, it was concluded that the concentration-dependency and incubation period of propiconazole would enhance the growth and activity of soil microbes and enzymes respectively and the higher application will be detrimental to the soil health.

Growth and yield of Cowpea [Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp] as influenced by jeevamrutha and panchagavya application

A field experiment was carried out during kharif 2015 at organic farming block of Research Institute on Organic Farming, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru to study the influence of different levels of jeevamrutha and panchagavya on growth, yield attributes and yield of cowpea in red sandy loam soil. The results revealed that application of jeevamrutha at 1000L ha-1 and panchagavya at 7.5% significantly influenced growth parameters like plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area and leaf area index. Interaction effect of jeevamrutha and panchagavya was significant in enhancing the grain yield of cowpea besides improvement in yield attributes like number of pods per plant, length of pods, pod weight, number of seeds per pod, seed weight per plant and 100 seed weight. Nodule characteristics – total and effective number of nodules as well fresh and dry weight of nodules was also significantly influenced by jeevamrutha and panchagavya application at different levels and also due to their interaction. Liquid organic formulations – jeevamrutha and panchagavya are effective in producing higher grain yield in cowpea.

The effect of foliar application of Moringa leaf extract on biomass, grain yield of wheat and applied nutrient efficiency

ABSTRACTMoringa leaf extracts (MLE) from two varieties of Moringa oleifera Lam. were applied to leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in two glasshouse experiments. MLE was extracted from the leaves of using three different solvents (hexane, butanol; ethyl-acetate). The extracts were applied as foliar sprays at different growth stages of wheat (T. aestivum L.) grown on two soil types with either adequate or low phosphorus (P) nutrient additions at Albany, Western Australia. Sprays were applied at the 4–5 leaf (tillering) and the 7-leaf (Boot) stage either as a single spray or a combination of sprays at tillering and boot stage. The application of MLE either at tillering or boot stage increased the dry weight of shoots (biomass) and grain yield of wheat. A foliar spray of MLE applied at tillering increased biomass at the boot stage by ∼37% and grain yield increased by ∼34% compared to nil MLE spray. A single spray of MLE increased grain yield by ∼30% when applied at boot stage. A single application at tillering gave a better yield response than a single spray at the 7-leaf or boot or than a double spray applied at tillering and boot stage. A 50% dilution of the extractant concentration gave the same grain yield response as the original concentration applied at tillering stage. The hexane extracts gave the significantly higher grain yield responses. Plant tissue and grain analysis showed no significant difference in protein and nutrient concentration of wheat grain from plants sprayed with and without MLE. A MLE spray at boot also increased grain yield by 44% on the red sandy-loam soil where P application was at sub-optimum levels, ∼80% of P requirement for maximum yield. The partial factor productivity (PFP) index indicated that the P and potassium (K) use improved where MLE was applied as a foliar spray. For example, the PFP of P and K for grain yield increased by about 30%, where MLE was sprayed to foliage. The results of this study indicate that MLE extracted can potentially be a viable option to increase wheat grain yield and fertilizer efficiency use, particularly P and K, in Mediterranean wheat production system.

Carbon sequestration potential in coconut-based cropping systems

A field experiment was carried out in a coconut garden having red sandy loam soil at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, Kerala during May-July 2015 to study the effect of cropping system on above and below ground carbon sequestration in a 50-year-old plantation intercropped with seven-year-old fruit crops. Among the different cropping systems, coconut (Cocos nucifera) + jamun (Syzygium cumini) system sequestered the highest above ground carbon (60.93 t/ha) followed by coconut + mango (Mangifera indica) system with 56.45 C t/ha, coconut + garcinia (Garcinia indica) sequestered 53.02 C t/ha, whereas, coconut alone had sequestered 51.14 C t/ha. The below ground soil carbon stock in the rhizosphere of 0–60 cm depth was the highest in coconut + mango (82.47 t/ha) system followed by coconut + jamun (79.13 t/ha), coconut + garcinia (78.69 t/ha) and it was the lowest in coconut monocrop (47.06 C t/ha). The total carbon sequestration by coconut + jamun (140.06 t/ha) followed by coconut + mango systems (138.91 t/ha), coconut + garcinia (131.72 t/ha), whereas it was only 98.2 C t/ha under coconut monocrop.

Soil microbial population and yield of rainfed maize as affected by farmyard manure and biodigester liquid manure

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif (June-October) season 2010, under rainfed condition on red sandy loam soil to study the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) and biodigester liquid manure (BDLM) on soil microbial activity and yield of rainfed maize (Zea mays L.). A total of 13 treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatment combinations comprised of different levels of FYM (7.5, 10 and 12.5 t/ha) and BDLM-equivalent N (BDLME: 75, 100, 125 and 150 kg N/ha) compared with control [FYM 7.5 t ha-1 + recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDF): 100:50:25 kg N:P:K/ha]. Application of FYM (12.5 t/ha) + BDLME (150 kg N/ha) recorded a significantly higher microbial population in soil after crop harvest total bacteria 50.5×106 CFU/g, fungi 26.0×104 CFU/g, and actinomycetes 23.8×103 CFU/g), grain yield and straw yield compared to the rest of the treatments. Application of FYM (7.5 t/ha) + BDLME (75 kg N/ha) resulted in the lowest values for these parameters.

Physiological Parameters, Leaf Nitrogen Content and Grain Yield of Finger Millet as Affected by Different Sources of Organic Manures under INM in Comparison with RDF

Finger millet was grown under three year old Melia azedarach in red sandy loam soil with different management options viz., application of farm yard manure (FYM) @ 10 t ha-1, 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (40:20:20 NPK kg ha-1) alone, and in conjunction with 75% RD N with 25% N through FYM, Vermicompost, Poultry manure; also with biofertilizers @ 5 kg ha-1Azospirillum and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) along with finger millet alone as sole cropping with 100% RDF. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. The physiological parameters such as LAI, CGR, NAR and SPAD values (leaf nitrogen content) were recorded at critical growth stages of the crop along with grain yield of finger millet. Higher physiological parameters and grain yield of rice was recorded with the INM practice followed by recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) treatment. Among the organic treatments, higher grain yield of finger millet was recorded with sole crop on par with 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure (2405 kg ha-1) and 100% RDF (2393 kg ha-1). The lowest grain (1583 kg ha-1) was found with control FYM @ 10 t ha-1 i.e., farmers practice. Similar trend was observed for all the physiological parameters recorded and harvest index of the rice crop. From the present investigation, it can be inferred that, among nutrient management practices tested, 75% RD N + 25% N poultry manure and 100% RDF in agri-silviculture system was better for realizing higher grain yield and physiological parameters apart from sustaining better soil nutrient status on sandy loam soils of Southern Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.

Osmotolerant Cytokinin Producing Microbes Enhance Tomato Growth in Deficit Irrigation Conditions

The authors have reported the evaluation of two osmotolerant rhizospheric microbial strains for their abilities to promote tomato growth and alleviate deficit irrigation stress effects at 100, 50 and 25 % water holding capacity (WHC) of a red sandy loam soil in pot culture conditions. It was observed that osmotolerant microbial inoculation significantly enhanced the stomatal conductivity, rates of transpiration, photosynthesis and the relative water contents of tomato plants across stress levels. A similar trend was also observed with respect to the biomass production and marketable fruit yields at harvest. Plants inoculated with Actinobacterium, Citrococcus zhacaiensis recorded 24 and 9 % higher yields, while Bacillus amyloliquefaciens inoculated plants recorded 42.0 and 12.7 % higher yield at 50 and 25 % WHC, respectively, as compared to uninoculated controls.

Effect of sugarcane monocropping on soil physical and chemical properties in texturally varied soils

The present study was formulated to study the effect of sugarcane monocropping on soil physical and chemical properties of different textural classess of popular sugarcane growing areas of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Results revealed that soil physical properties under monocropping were negatively influenced with increasing frequency of ratooning in all the textural classes. However more influence was observed under clay loam soils compared to sandy loams. The data on soil fertility status in different ratoons indicated that the available macro nutrient status and soil organic carbon content was higher in all the surface soils compared to subsurface soils and it was the highest in clay loam soils followed by red loam and sandy loams soils. With in different textural classes, clay loam soils exhibited the highest micronutrient status followed by red loams and sandy loam soils.

Response of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) to irrigation scheduling based on climatological approach and N fertigation levels

A field experiment was conducted on sesame during summer season of 2010-11 and 2011-12 on red sandy loam soil of Northern Telangana zone of Telangana, India to find out the combined effect of irrigation and N levels through fertigation on growth, yield attributes, yield and quality of sesame with Swetha til variety. The treatments consisted 15 possible combinations of 5 levels of irrigation as main plot and 2 levels of N in sub-plot in split-plot design. The results revealed that drip irrigation scheduled at 100% Epan and application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through fertigation to sesame recorded significantly higher number of effective branches/plant, length of capsule, number of capsules/plant, number of seeds/capsule, seed and stover yields, Harvest index (HI), 1000-seed weight, oil content, oil yield and NPK uptake compared to surface irrigation scheduled at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio and 0% N application applied through fertigation. Maximum WUE was also recorded with 100% Epan irrigation and application of 50% RDN. Interaction effect was found significant with plant height, LAI, dry matter production, seed yield/plant; seed, stover and oil yield, HI and total NPK uptake.

Influence of tebuconazole and copper hydroxide on phosphatase and urease activities in red sandy loam and black clay soils.

The efficacy of two selected fungicides i.e., tebuconazole and coppoer hydroxide, was conducted experiments in laboratory and copper hydroxide on the two specific enzymes phosphatase and urease were determined in two different soil samples (red sandy loam and black clay soils) of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) from cultivated fields of Anantapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh. The activities of the selected soil enzymes were determined by incubating the selected fungicides-treated (1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha−1) and -untreated groundnut soil samples at 10 day intervals. By determining the effective concentration, the rate of selected enzyme activity was estimated by adding the suitable substrate at 10, 20, 30 and 40 days of soil incubation. Both the enzyme activities were increased up to 5.0 kg ha−1 level of fungicide in both soil samples significantly at 10 days of soil incubation and further enhanced up to 20 days of incubation. The activity of the phosphatase and urease decreased progressively at 30 and 40 days of incubation. From overall studies, higher concentrations (7.5 and 10.0 kg ha−1) of both tebuconazole and copper hydroxide were toxic to phosphatase and urease activities, respectively, in both soil samples.

Effect of manganese nutrition on growth, yield, manganese uptake and quality of Sesame

A field experiment was conducted in RBD with sesame variety (CO 1) in red sandy loam soil (Typic Ustropept) during 2014 - 2015 at the farmer's holding in Erode district. The soil was deficient in available N, S and Mn and sufficient in all other major and micronutrients. The treatments included control (T, - recommended NPKS), graded levels of Mn (0,1.5,3.0 and 4.5 kg ha1) applied to soil as MnSO4 (T2 - T4) and MnCl2 (T5 - T7) and recommended dose of NPK + 5 kg ha1 MnSO4 (Tg). In all treatments 100% recommended dose of NPK viz., 35: 23: 23 kg ha1 for irrigated sesame was uniformly applied. Sulphur (40 kg ha1) as gypsum was applied uniformly to all treatment plots, except in Tg. Mn applied at 3 kg ha1 as MnSO4registered the highest dry matter production of 181, 1070, 3090 and 3832 kg ha1 at vegetative, flowering, milking and harvesting stages, respectively with a mean increase of 52% over the control. The Mn uptake showed increasing trend up to physiological maturity of the crop. Mn application at 3 kg ha1 as MnSO4registered uptake with 14.9, 81.4,97.4 and 218.1 g ha1. Higher seed and stalk yields (740 kg ha1 and 2973 kg ha1), higher oil content and oil yield (49.17% and 369 kg ha1) were obtained on application of Mn at 3 kg ha1 as MnSO4. Higher soil available Mn was recorded on applying 4.5 kg ha1 Mn as MnCl2 after harvest with 2.24 mg kg1. The above results indicated that application of Mn at 3.0 kg ha1 in the form of MnSO4i.e., 10 kg ha1 of MnSO4 can be considered as optimum Mn dose for growth and development of sesame in a Mn and S deficient sandy loam soil

Phytotoxicity of herbicides on Cynodon dactylon

Field experiment was conducted to manage the sedge and broad leaf weeds in lawn during November to December 2013 to February to March 2014. Experimental plot was red sandy loam soil with pH 6.50.The experimental plot consisted of bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon which was established through turfing. The experimental plot was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) having 17 treatments with three replications. Herbicide treatments include 2, 4-D sodium salt 80 WP at (2, 3 and 4g/lit of water), 2, 4-D dimethyl amine salt 58% EC at (5, 7.5 and 10 ml/lit of water), carfentrozone ethyl 40 DF at (0.25, 0.5 and 1 g/lit of water), fluroxypyr meptyl 48% EC at (1.5, 3 and 6 ml/lit of water) and chlorimuron methyl + metasulfuron methyl at (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/lit of water). Hand weeding was done at every 20 days interval at 20 days after application of herbicides and also maintained one unweeded control in during November to December and February to March. The phytotoxic symptoms were observed only fluroxypyr meptyl 48% EC applied at 6 ml/lit of water at 3, 7, 10, 15 and 25 days after application of herbicides (DAAH) but it recovered at later stages. However, the other herbicides did not cause any phytotoxic effect on C. dactylon.

Assessing the Nutrient Uptake and Fixing Up Appropriate Dose of INM for Bambusa vulgaris (S) Seedlings

An investigation was undertaken with Bambusa vulgaris (S.) as the test tree species to standardize ideal Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) techniques for assessing nutrient uptake and fixing appropriate dose of INM for growth of tissue cultured seedlings, so as to obtain the best quality seedling within a shortest nursery period. A nursery experiment was conducted by raising tissue culture B. vulgaris seedlings in polybags of size 25 cm x 15 cm filled with non-calcareous, red sandy loam soil (Typic Ustropept), sand and FYM with two levels of urea (500 and 1000 mg seedling-1), two levels of single super phosphate (1000 and 1500 mg seedling-1), two levels of muriate of potash (250 and 500 mg seedling-1) and micronutrient mixture (5g) along with Azospirillum (5g) seedling-1, phosphobacteria (5g) seedling-1 and VAM (10g) seedling-1.The results revealed that INM treatments were found to improve the N, P and K content of B. vulgaris seedlings. The significant increase in the total N, P and K uptake was noticed due to the incorporation of Urea, Single super phosphate and Muriate of potash (500: 1000: 250 mg) along with VAM (10g), Azospirillum (5g), phosphobacteria (5g) and micronutrient mixture (5g) seedling-1(T9) over the control at 120 DAP. The total N, P and K uptake was increased by 5.00, 1.89 and 3.19 mg seedling-1, more than the control by the same treatment. The available nutrient status was positively influenced by INM treatments compared to the application of organic, inorganic and biofertilizer alone and the control. Application of urea, single super phosphate and muriate of potash (1000: 1500: 500 mg seedling-1) along with VAM (10g), Azospirillum (5g), phosphobacteria (5g) and micronutrient mixture (5g) seedling-1(T10) recorded more available of N, P and K due to application of higher dose of fertilizers.

Evaluation ofJeevamrutaas a Bio-resource for Nutrient Management in Aerobic Rice

In the wake of optimization in use of on-farm resources in crop cultivation a field experiment was conducted during summer season on a red sandy loam soil under irrigated conditions to evaluate the jeevamruta (organic liquid formulation consisting cattle excretions, jaggery, pulse flour and soil in water) for nutrient management in aerobic rice. The study involved jeevamruta, vermicompost and biofertilizer along with chemical fertilizers, on growth and yield of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.), soil properties and economics. Application of 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) along with jeevamruta (based on crop N requirement) and vermicompost being at par with RDF+vermicompost, RDF+jeevamruta and RDF+jeevamruta+biofertilizers (Azospirillum brasilense) gave significantly higher grain yield (5.27 t ha−1) compared to other treatments. Jeevamruta could perform well in integration with chemical fertilizers (as addition) rather than when tried to substitute 50% or 100% recommended dose of nitrogen through it. Integrated nutrient management (INM) involving application of 100% RDF+jeevamruta (2000 L ha−1) with or without biofertilizers gave higher benefit: cost ratio compared to other treatments. The study advocates that jeevamruta is an efficient bio-resource and could be a component of INM for aerobic rice.

Impact of Drip Fertigation on Water Use Efficiency and Economics of Aerobic Rice

Field experiment was conducted on red sandy loam soils, during Kharif 2013 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bangalore to find out the effect of drip fertigation with combination of water soluble fertilizers and normal fertilizers or alone on water productivity and economics of aerobic rice during kharif 2013. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) comprising of 3 replications and 10 treatments. Results show that water use efficiency and economics differed significantly among the treatments. Consistently use of high water potency (91.01 kg/ha.cm-1) was noted when the crop was drip fertigated with 100% recommended dose of fertilizers. High net income (Rs.58104 ha-1) was, however, observed for fertigation with 100% RDF in which 50% applied as basal dose and 50% top dress through water soluble fertilizers.

Effect of calcium and boron on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed yield in Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted in red sandy loam (Alfisol)soil, deficient in calcium (Ca) and boron (B) with sunflower hybrid DRSH-1 as test crop to study the influence of Ca and B application on sunflower drymatter yield, seed yield,Ca and Bnutrient uptake and interaction. Sunflower drymatter yield varied from 1742.7 to 2522.9 kg/ha. Higher seed yield (882.5 kg/ha) was recorded in Ca30B3 however, it was at par with Ca30B2 treatment. The Ca x B interaction significantly influenced Ca and B uptake by the sunflower plant. Ca x B interaction effects were also found significant in soil available Ca and B. Application of calcium at 30 kg/ha and boron at 2 kg/ha resulted in high sunflower seed yield in Ca and B deficient red sandy loam soils.

Emergence of improved varieties of maize (Zea mays L.) as affected by different soil types and planting depths in Chitwan, Nepal

Improved open pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) varieties exhibit different emergence reaction as a result of either inferior seed quality or affected by agronomic practices of maize planting. To address problem of low emergence percentage of maize varieties, an experiment was laid out in factorial design under two types of soil (red clay and sandy loam), three level of depth of sowing (7, 14 and 21 cm) for Rampur Composite, Manakamana-1 and Arun-2 maize varieties in Rampur, Chitwan for representing main season (May-August). The result of the experiment revealed that emergence count was highly significant for soil types and depth of sowing among the maize varieties tested. Manakamana-1 expressed lowest percentage (20 and 29%) followed by Arun-2 (22 and 33%) and Rampur Composite (24 and 39%) of emergence under red clay and sandy loam soils, respectively. Likewise, emergence count at 10 days after sowing was recorded highly significant for depth of showing indicating that irrespective of varieties higher the planting depth lower the emergence count.. There was a positive relation between depth of planting and length of mesocotyle resulting loss of seed vigor which furnished low emergence of the maize varieties. It is suggested that depth of sowing affect emergence percentage which consequently have effects on plant population maintenance. Hence, it was concluded that sowing below 7cm deep is not feasible for the tested varieties under red clay and sandy loam soils. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajn.v1i0.7539 Agronomy Journal of Nepal (Agron JN) Vol. 1: 2010 pp.23-27