Side Dressing Research Articles

Fertilizer nitrogen rate effects on broiler litter–fertilized corn: Grain yield and nutrient composition

AbstractNitrogen (N) plays an important role in corn (Zea mays L.) production, but little is known of optimum fertilizer N rates for corn grain yield and nutrient composition when poultry manure such as broiler litter (BL) (Gallus gallus domesticus) is applied. Typically, farmers consider BL as a soil conditioner and often do not discount the N contribution from the BL application. Field experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 over three diverse environments across Alabama to determine the agronomic optimum nitrogen rate (AONR) for BL–fertilized dryland corn with five side dress fertilizer N rates (0, 84, 140, 196, and 252 kg N ha−1). The study utilized a yield response curve and evaluated the effect of fertilizer N rate on grain nutrient composition. BL (4.48 Mg ha−1 equivalent to 2‐ton acre−1) was applied to the study sites before planting each year. The AONRs for grain yield across these environments varied from 114 to 223 kg N ha−1 (0.013–0.027 kg of fertilizer N per kg of grain yield ha−1). The predicted grain yield at the AONRs ranged from 4.22 to 13.27 Mg ha−1. Grain N concentration increased with increasing fertilizer N rate. However, the weak to nonexistent correlation between fertilizer N and other grain nutrient elements suggests that raising the fertilizer N rate does not necessarily lead to higher nutrient levels in corn grain. Overall, these findings could be useful for developing N management guidelines for corn fields that receive BL in Alabama.

Linking soil adsorption-desorption characteristics with grain zinc concentrations and uptake by teff, wheat and maize in different landscape positions in Ethiopia

AimZinc deficiencies are widespread in many soils, limiting crop growth and contributing to Zn deficiencies in human diets. This study aimed at understanding soil factors influencing grain Zn concentrations and uptake of crops grown in different landscape positions in West Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsOn-farm experiments were conducted in three landscape positions, with five farmers’ fields as replicates in each landscape position, and at three sites. Available Zn from the soil (Mehlich 3, M3, Zn) and applied fertilizer (NET_FERT Zn, estimated based on adsorption/desorption characteristics and applied Zn) were related to the actual grain Zn concentration and uptake of teff, wheat, and maize. Zinc fertilizer treatments tested were Zn applied at planting (basal), basal plus side dressing and a control with no Zn applied.ResultsZn treatments had a significant effect on grain Zn concentration (increase by up to 10%) but the effect on grain yield was variable. Differences in crop Zn concentrations along the landscape positions were observed but not at all sites and crops. Trial results showed that soils with higher soil pH and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) (typical of footslope landscape positions) tended to adsorb more applied Zn (reduce NET_FERT Zn) than soils with lower soil pH and SOC (typical of upslope landscape positions). Zn availability indicators (M3, NET_FERT Zn, clay%) explained 14-52% of the observed variation in grain Zn concentrations, whereas macronutrient indicators (Total N, exchangeable K) together with M3 Zn were better in predicting grain Zn uptake (16 to 32% explained variability). Maize had the lowest grain Zn concentrations but the highest grain Zn uptake due to high yields.ConclusionWe found that the sum of indigenous and fertilizer Zn significantly affects grain Zn loadings of cereals and that the associated soil parameters differ between and within landscape positions. Therefore, knowledge of soil properties and crop characteristics helps to understand where agronomic biofortification can be effective.

Impact of Cover Crops and Nitrogen Management on Soil Bacterial Alpha Diversity

ABSTRACT Corn (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) strategies that account for fertilizer timing and source may differentially affect soil bacterial communities and require further validation when preceded by cover crops (CC). Field studies were conducted (2014–2016) evaluating the effects of daikon radish [Raphanus sativus (L.)], forage oat [Avena sativa (L.)], and no CC combined with multiple N management strategies on soil bacterial alpha diversity metrics. Nitrogen strategies consisted of 179 kg N ha−1 applied pre-plant incorporated (PPI), poultry litter (PL) (61 kg N ha−1) applied PPI plus sidedress (SD) N at V11 (11 leaf collars), starter N (45 kg N ha−1) applied 5 cm beside and below the furrow followed by SD at V4 (4 leaf collars), V11, or 50:50 (split) V4 and V11, and a zero N control. In 1 of 2 years, radish reduced diversity 47–53% during active growth compared to remaining treatments. Inverse relationships regarding diversity of in-row (IR) soils at R1 (silking) and grain yield indicated that increased bacterial diversity did not correspond to increased grain production. Relative to PL and the zero-N control, starter N strategies reduced R1 rhizosphere bacterial diversity, evenness, and richness. Combining organic with soluble N sources may stabilize changes to soil alpha diversity metrics at corn silking.

Manure Application Timing and Incorporation Effects on Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Corn

Manure application influences ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas emissions; however, few studies have quantified the effects of manure application methods and timing on NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) fluxes simultaneously. We evaluated surface-applied liquid manure application with disk incorporation versus injection on NH3, N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes in central Wisconsin corn silage (Zea mays L.) plots during pre-plant (PP) and sidedress (SD) application windows from 2009 to 2011. Manure treatments were PP injection (PP-Inject) and injection at sidedress time (SD-Inject) to growing corn, along with two incorporation times for PP surface application (within 24 h—PP-1-hr; within 3 days—PP-3-day). Mean NH3 emissions were 95% lower for injected treatments compared to surface application in both years, with larger losses for PP-3-day and SD-Surf. While N2O fluxes were generally low, larger increases after manure application were associated with injection and triggered by soil moisture/temperature changes. Mean CO2 and CH4 were unaffected by manure treatments and influenced more by weather. Overall, injection conserved more available soil N while contributing to modest N2O emission, suggesting manure injection may offer greater agri-environmental benefits on the whole over surface application.

Life cycle assessment of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese with product environmental footprint method: A case study implementing improved slurry management strategies

The environmental impact of Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese was quantified using the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) in a Traditional System (TS) and in an Improved Management System (IMS). The TS differs from IMS with respect to slurry management (raw slurry storage vs anaerobic digestion and storage of the liquid fraction of digestate) and application of nutrients to the field (by slurry tanker with a diverter plate vs soil injection at pre-sowing and side dressing).Two additional scenarios were evaluated by considering the possible environmental enhancement achievable by reducing enteric methane production and by using soybean grain produced in Italy as the protein source for animals' diets. The environmental impact was quantified both for 1 kg of fat and protein corrected milk (FPCM) and for the production of 10 g dry matter equivalent of cheese as single score. For the first assessment, the environmental impact results were 124 and 112 μPt kg FPCM−1 for TS and IMS, respectively. In the second case, it was 10.8 μPt and 9.9 μPt 10 g dry matter equivalent−1 of cheese, for TS and IMS, respectively. The specific cost for reducing the GHG emissions in this production chain was equal to 34 € Mg−1 milk produced. Finally, although specific studies should consider the reduction of enteric methane emissions and the use of soybean grain nationally produced as feed source, the scenarios evaluated in this study highlighted some potential for environmental improvements. Even small environmental improvements to the Parmigiano Reggiano PDO cheese supply chain can bring substantial improvements to the sustainability of the food market, because of the widespread demand on the global market of Parmigiano Reggiano and of its chance of attracting consumers who are sensitive to environmental problems.

Nitrogen fertilisation impacts greenhouse gas emissions, carbon footprint, and agronomic responses of beet intercropped with arugula

Although the response of plants to nitrogen (N) in conventional systems has been extensively described in the literature, there is a lack of information available to refine the strategic N fertilisation program required in intercropping systems to match the nutrient supply with crop demands and reduce environmental impacts on greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of N management on the growth, production, quality, greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and carbon footprint of a beet-arugula intercropping system during two growing seasons (winter and summer). The efficiency of N fertilisation in each season was assessed by the supply of 20 N doses, varying the amounts applied at planting and as a side dressing (0–80, 0–120, 0–160, 0–200, 0–240, 20–80, 20–120, 20–160, 20–200, 20–240, 40–80, 40–120, 40–160, 40–200, 40–240, 60–80, 60–120,60–160, 60–200 and 60–240 kg N ha−1). GHG emissions and carbon footprint were calculated and converted to CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq) utilising IPCC methodology. The height, total and marketable productivities of beet plants were 33, 31 and 34% higher in winter than in summer, respectively. Arugula plants achieved the highest performance (height, fresh mass and yield) in summer. Considering the environmental impact on global warming/climate change caused by the use of N fertilisers, total GHG emissions may range from 1723.9 to 3369.8 kg CO2eq ha−1 cycle−1 according to the N dose applied. However, based on the carbon footprint, the application of 60–120 kg N ha−1 at planting and as side dressing was the best N dose, since it reduced the carbon footprint (equivalent to 0.134 g CO2eq kcal−1 vegetables) without compromising crop yield.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE FORM AND METHOD OF GIVING SOLID ORGANIC FERTILIZER TO THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF SWEET CORN (Zea mays saccharata Sturt) IN INCEPTISOLS

This study aims to obtain a combination of organic fertilizers and the method of giving solid organic fertilizer to the growth and yield of sweet corn. The research was conducted from March to May 2019 in Karang Dapo Village, Bingin Kuning District, Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. This study used a Complete Randomized Block Design (RCBD) with one factor and three replications, consisting of 11 combinations namely control, solid organic fertilizer (SOF) dose of 2,5 tons ha-1 by localized placement, 5 tons ha-1 by localized placement, Petroganic 500 kg ha-1 by localized placement, Petroganic 1000 kg ha-1 by localized placement, Petroganic 2000 kg ha-1 by localized placement, SOF 2,5 tons ha-1 by side dressing SOF 5 tons ha-1 by side dressing, Petroganic 500 kg ha-1 by side dressing, Petroganic by 1000 kg ha-1 by side dressing, Petroganic 2000 kg ha-1 by side dressing. There were 11 treatment combinations, each treatment was replicated 3 times, so that 33 experimental units were obtained. The results showed that the distribution of SOF 5 tons ha-1 by localized placement had an effect on stem diameter which gave of 3.25 cm, the number of leaves 13.1 strands, and percentage of cob worth selling 100%. Giving SOF 5 tons ha-1 by localized placement giving yields reached 34.4 tons ha-1. Giving organic fertilizer gives better results than without applying organic fertilizer to all observed variables.Keyword: Solid Organic Fertilizer, Petroganic, Sweet corn, localized placement, side dressing

Response of mungbean to foliar application of nitrogen and micronutrients during reproductive stages

An experiment was conducted at the pot yard of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh during the period from February to May 2017 to investigate the effect of foliar application of nitrogen and micronutrients on crop characters, yield attributes and yield of two mungbean genotypes. The experiment comprised four levels of nutrients foliar application like, i) T1 = Control; ii) T2 = Foliar application of urea at the rate of 1.5% four times from flowering start to pod development stage with an interval of 4 days; iii) T3 = T2 + 0.1% micronutrients (B, Mo, Zn, Mn, Ca, Fe, Cu) four times from flowering start to pod development stage with an interval of 4 days and iv); T4 = T3 + side dressing (soil application) of 1.5% N and 0.1% micronutrients solution four times from flowering start to pod development stage with an interval of 4 days. The genotypes were Binamoog-6 and Binamoog-7. Results revealed that morphological (plant height, branch and leaf number, leaf area plant-1), physiological (total dry mass plant-1, specific leaf weight, chlorophyll), yield attributes (number of pods plant-1, pod length, single pod weight, number of seeds pod-1 and 100-seed weight) and yield increased in foliar nutrients applied plants over control but the increment was greater in T2 and T3 than the T4 treatment. The highest plant height, branch and leaf number, leaf area, total dry mass, pod number, pod length, 100-seed weight and seed yield were recorded in T2 followed by T3 with same statistical rank (in most cases). The lowest morpho-physiological, yield attributes and yield were recorded in T1 (control) plants. Binamoog-7 was superior in most of plant parameters and yield compared to Binamoog-6.

Soil bacterial community composition following cover crops and corn nitrogen management

AbstractUtilizing cover crops (CC) prior to corn (Zea mays L.) creates opportunities to increase plant diversity and influence soil bacterial communities, but data are scarce when CC are combined with corn N fertilizer management. Field studies were conducted in 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 to evaluate corn N strategies following daikon radish [Raphanus sativus (L.)], forage oat [Avena sativa (L.)], or no CC on soil bacterial community composition. Nitrogen strategies consisted of 179 kg N ha–1 applied pre‐plant incorporated as urea, slowly‐available poultry litter (61 kg N ha–1) plus sidedress (SID) N at V11, starter N (45 kg N ha–1) applied 5 cm beside and 5 cm below the furrow (5 × 5) plus SID at V4, V11, or 50:50 (split) V4 and V11, and a zero N control. Each year, soil bacterial community composition was variably influenced by CC and N management. With excessive May–June rainfall, radish and oat CC residues shaped community structure and membership differently regardless of soil sampling zone (between‐row or in‐row), but these residues influenced operational taxonomic units (OTUs) less under deficit May–June rainfall. Soil disturbance associated with coulter‐injection of V4 SID placement influenced bulk soil community structure between‐rows, whereas in 1 of 2 yr, the 5 × 5 N placement appeared to induce an in‐row corn rhizosphere response resulting in OTU membership differences from other N strategies. Including slowly‐available organic N as part of a well‐balanced fertility program may stabilize the impact of inorganic N fertilizer to soil bacterial communities.

English

Field studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of various fertilizer placements on nutrient uptake, growth responses, storage root yield and leaf elemental concentration of Whatley/Loretan sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]. The fertilizer placement treatments comprised broadcast (Br), banded at two different widths (Ba), side dressing (Sd) or applied in various combinations of the above, and an untreated check. Fertilizer rates were 135, 35 and 133 kg.ha-1 each of N, P and K based on soil test. At nine weeks after planting, the fifth fully expanded leaf from the tip of five plants was collected and analyzed for elemental concentration. The plants were harvested 101 days after transplanting and biomass data were collected. Vine yield for all placement treatments was equal to or exceeded that of the full rate broadcast. Yield of US # 1 roots was increased 78 and 72%, respectively, when 2/3 of the fertilizer was banded and tended to increase total storage root yield compared to the same, full or 2/3 the rate broadcast. Leaf N was highest with 1/3 Ba at planting with two side dressings, while leaf P was reduced by all treatments compared to the check. Leaf K was highest with 2/3 the rate Br at planting. Storage root N was lower than foliar N while root K increased with 1/3 Br combined with 1/3 Ba. Root Ca, Mg, Fe and B were not significantly affected by placement. Root Mn was lower than foliar Mn suggesting that sweetpotato distributes more Mn to foliage relative to storage roots. Generally, these results suggest that placement rather than quantity of fertilizer applied enhanced yield and elemental concentration. Key words: Broadcast fertilizer, Ipomoea batatas, banded fertilizer, side-dressing, elemental concentration, storage roots, plant nutrition.

Deep placement of nitrogen fertilizer in autumn improves N utilization by spring tea (Camellia sinensis L.)

AbstractBackgroundThe efficient use of fertilizers depends very much on their proper placement, and the effects of fertilizer placement on the woody perennial plant tea (Camellia sinensis L.) are not clearly understood.MethodsA 15N mini‐plot field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of four common techniques of fertilizer placement techniques. 15N‐labeled urea was applied in October by surface broadcasting, surface broadcasting with 3–5 cm soil incorporation, shallow (3–5 cm), and deep (10–15 cm) side dressing (DSD). The proportion of N derived from 15N‐labeled fertilizer (Ndff%) was estimated in root, and soil samples were collected 15 and 43 days after fertilization (DAA15 and DAA43) and in young shoots collected in the following spring.ResultsMost fertilizer 15N was located in the soil near the placement position at DAA15 and 15N had moved downward but maintained a similar distribution in the soil profile at DAA43. The distribution of fibrous root Ndff% in the soil profile was very similar to that of soil Ndff%. DSD resulted in the highest shoot Ndff%, the estimated amount of 15N in young shoot derived from 15N‐label fertilizer (shoot 15N), and its percentage related to the amount of 15N‐labeled fertilizer input (REFN%). Thus, DSD of urea as basal application in autumn maintained a higher and prolonged N supply in the middle and deep soil layers, thereby improving fertilizer‐N absorption and utilization in the following spring tea. However, direct broadcasting of urea on the soil surface resulted in low N availability in the soil and utilization by tea plants.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that DSD of N fertilization should be recommended for tea planting to increase N use efficiency and reduce environmental losses in forms of runoff and volatilization.

Effect of nitrogen and zinc levels on growth and economics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2019 at Central Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3). The treatments consists of 3 levels of Nitrogen viz. 60, 80 and 100 N/ha and 3 levels of Zinc viz. 10, 20 and 30 kg ZnSo4 as both basal and side dressing, whose effect was observed on Sorghum. There were nine treatments each replicated thrice. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design. The result showed that growth parameters viz. Plant height (130.02 cm), Number of leaves (19.22) were recorded superior with the application of Nitrogen 100kg/ha and Zinc 20kg/ha. The Gross returns (₹ 46024.8/ha), Net returns (₹ 150712/ha), B:C ratio (2.27) were recorded superior with the application of Nitrogen 100 kg/ha and Zinc 20kg/ha.

Comparison of Foliar Spray and Side Dressing of Potassium on Growth, Flowering, Productions of Corms in Gladiolus cv. Yellow Stone

Comparison of Foliar Spray and Side Dressing of Potassium on Growth, Flowering, Productions of Corms in Gladiolus cv. Yellow Stone

Evaluation of nitrogen loss reduction strategies using DRAINMOD-DSSAT in east-central Illinois

Agricultural system modeling has become an effective tool for analyzing and quantifying the effects of varying management practices and environmental conditions on crop production and nutrient export from croplands. The use of such modeling tools provides useful insights in identifying the most effective management practices for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resiliency of agricultural systems. This study focuses on testing and application of an integrated field-scale process-based model, DRAINMOD-DSSAT, for simulating hydrology, nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) loss, and crop growth and yield responses in artificially drained croplands. The tested model was used to evaluate the effects of different N fertilizer application rates and timings in both conventional and controlled drainage conditions on crop yield and NO3-N losses in a poorly drained Drummer-Flanagan soil in east-central Illinois. The model was calibrated and validated for a corn [Zea Mays L.] – soybean [Glycine Max (L.)] rotation using 7 years (1992–1998) of field-measured tile drainage, crop yield, and NO3-N data. The graphical and statistical evaluations indicated very good model performance. Specifically, monthly tile drainage flow was predicted with modeling efficiency (NSE), index of agreement (d), and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.85, 0.96, and 0.69 cm, respectively. Monthly NO3-N losses were predicted with NSE, d, and MAE of 0.82, 0.95, and 1.16 kg N ha−1, respectively. Corn and soybean yields were predicted with an absolute percent error (PE) of 1.84 and 12.07, respectively. The long-term model simulation results indicated that split N application of 50 % during spring-pre plant (S) and 50 % during side-dressing (SD) could increase crop yield and reduce N leaching losses compared to other tested N application methods: spring (S) only, fall-spring split (F-S), and fall-spring-side-dressing (F-S-SD). Further, applying 10 % and 20 % reduced N rates (194 kg N ha−1 and 174 kg N ha−1, respectively) in combination with S-SD split application in controlled drainage (CD) condition could reduce N leaching losses by 30 % and 33 %, respectively compared to the conventional application method. This study explored the effects of N fertilizer management on crop yield and nitrogen losses under two drainage conditions, and underscored the importance of N fertilizer application rates and timings for achieving yield goals while minimizing nitrogen export from drained agricultural fields. The results of the model simulations will be useful for stakeholders and policy makers while making decisions regarding promotion and adoption of best management practices for drained agricultural landscapes.

Agronomic Biofortification of Maize with Zinc Fertilizers Increases Zinc Uptake from Maize Flour by Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells

Abstract Objectives Zinc deficiency is prevalent in many low- and middle-income countries. Maize is an important staple food source in many of these regions, however, it contains low levels of nutritionally important minerals including zinc. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that application of zinc-containing fertilisers would increase both the zinc content of, and amount of zinc available for absorption from, maize flour. Methods Maize was grown in pots in zinc-deficient soils (<1.22 mg/L) at the Bako Agricultural Research Centre, Ethiopia. Zinc (ZnSO4) was applied via several routes: directly to the soil; in the side dressing; as a foliar application; or through seed priming. Zinc content of maize flour samples was measured by ICP-OES. Flour samples were then subjected to simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and zinc uptake by human intestinal Caco-2 cells was measured using ICP-MS. Results Addition of zinc to the soil alone did not increase zinc uptake by Caco-2 cells compared with untreated control maize. In contrast, addition of ZnSO4, to the side dressing (3.6-fold increase), through foliar application (2.9-fold increase), or through seed priming (4.2-fold increase) significantly increased zinc uptake compared with untreated controls and the soil zinc treatment groups (1-way ANOVA and Tukey's test; P < 0.05). Zinc uptake by Caco-2 cells was correlated significantly with the zinc content of the flour (r2 = 0.24; P < 0.02). Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate that several fertilisation methods can be used to increase zinc content of maize flour. This additional zinc is, at least partly, available for absorption by human intestinal epithelial cells. Agronomic biofortification is therefore a promising strategy to combat zinc deficiency in vulnerable populations. Funding Sources This work was funded in part by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Can silicon applied to correct soil acidity in combination with Azospirillum brasilense inoculation improve nitrogen use efficiency in maize?

Alternative management practices are needed to minimize the need for chemical fertilizer use in non-leguminous cropping systems. The use of biological agents that can fix atmospheric N has shown potential to improve nutrient availability in grass crops. This research was developed to investigate if inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense in combination with silicon (Si) can enhance N use efficiency (NUE) in maize. The study was set up in a Rhodic Hapludox under a no-till system, in a completely randomized block design with four replicates. Treatments were tested in a full factorial design and included: i) five side dress N rates (0 to 200 kg ha-1); ii) two liming sources (Ca and Mg silicate and dolomitic limestone); and iii) with and without seed inoculation with A. brasilense. Inoculation with A. brasilense was found to increase grain yield by 15% when N was omitted and up to 10% when N was applied. Inoculation also increased N accumulation in plant tissue. Inoculation and limestone application were found to increase leaf chlorophyll index, number of grains per ear, harvest index, and NUE. Inoculation increased harvest index and NUE by 9.5 and 19.3%, respectively, compared with non-inoculated plots. Silicon application increased leaf chlorophyll index and N-leaf concentration. The combination of Si and inoculation provided greater Si-shoot accumulation. This study showed positive improvements in maize growth production parameters as a result of inoculation, but the potential benefits of Si use were less evident. Further research should be conducted under growing conditions that provide some level of biotic or abiotic stress to study the true potential of Si application.

Iron application improves yield, economic returns and grain-Fe concentration of mungbean.

Malnutrition is among the biggest threats being faced globally, and Pakistan is among the countries having high malnutrition rate. Pulses grown in Pakistan have lower amounts of micronutrients, especially iron (Fe) in grains compared to developed world. Biofortification, -a process of integrating nutrients into food crops-, provides a sustainable and economic way of increasing minerals/micronutrients’ concentration in staple crops. Mungbean fulfills protein needs of large portion of Pakistani population; however, low Fe concentration in grains do not provide sufficient Fe. Therefore, current study was conducted to infer the impact of different Fe levels and application methods on yield, economic returns and grain-Fe concentration of mungbean. Mungbean was sown under four levels of Fe, i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 15 kg Fe ha-1 applied by three methods, i) as basal application (whole at sowing), ii) side dressing (whole at 1st irrigation) and iii) 50% as basal application + 50% side dressing (regarded as split application). Iron levels and application methods significantly influenced the allometry, yield, economic returns and grain-Fe concentration of mungbean. Split application of 15 kg Fe ha-1 had the highest yield, economic returns and grain-Fe concentration compared to the rest of Fe levels and application methods. Moreover, split application of 15 kg Fe ha-1 proved a quick method to improve the grain-Fe concentration and bioavailability, which will ultimately solve the Fe malnutrition problem of mungbean-consuming population in Pakistan. In conclusion, split application of Fe at 15 kg ha-1 seemed a viable technique to enhance yield, economic returns, grain-Fe concentration and bioavailability of mungbean.

Can NBPT urease inhibitor in combination with Azospirillum brasilense inoculation improve wheat development?

This research was developed to investigate the use of Azospirillum brasilense to enhance N use in wheat cropping systems and to assess the potential interactions between inoculation and urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl)thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT). The study was set up under a no-till system in a Rhodic Hapludox. The experimental design was a randomized completely block design with four replicates arranged in a two N source (urea with and without NBPT) × five N rate applied as side dress (0–200 kg ha−1) × two inoculation (with and without A. brasilense) factorial scheme. Inoculation with A. brasilense in combination with application of 100 and 150 kg N ha−1 was found to increase grain yield by 19.6 and 18.8%, respectively. Inoculation also increased biomass N uptake by 66.9% when N was omitted. Inoculation and NBPT application were found to increase NUE by 23.7% compared to inoculation in combination with conventional urea and by 140% compared to NBPT without inoculation. In addition, inoculation increased plant height and NUE by 13.2 and 49%, respectively, compared with non-inoculated plots. Conventional urea and urea with NBPT had a similar effect on nutrient concentration, N uptake, leaf chlorophyll index, biomass weight and wheat grain yield. This study showed positive improvements in wheat production parameters as a result of inoculation, but the potential benefits of NBPT use were less evident. Further research should be conducted under growing conditions that provide increased N volatilization to better study the potential of NBPT application.

Basal Application of Zinc to Improve Mung Bean Yield and Zinc-GrainsBiofortfication

Worldwide, the dietary deficiency of zinc (Zn) is prevailing in almost all arid and semi-arid regions. Zinc deficiency is not only the major constraint of lower yield, but also dietary Zn deficiency in cereals grains may cause increasing malnutrition and chronic health problems in human. Exogenous application of Zn through basal soil nutrition might be a useful option to recover Zn deficiency in mung bean. Therefore, field study was conducted to optimize the optimum level and method of Zn nutrition to enhance crop yield and Zn biofortification of mung bean through basal application. Zinc was applied at 0, 5, 10 and 15 kg/ha as basal application and side dressing, and in combination (50% basal application + 50% side dressing). The results highlighted that Zn nutrition prominently improved the mung bean yield as compared with control (no Zn applied). The maximum grains yield and Zn concentration in grains were obtained where Zn was applied at 15 kg/ha as basal application as compared with all other combinations. Better improvement in grain yield was due to significant increase in more number of pods and grain size owing to welldeveloped root system, improved leaf area index and high chlorophyll contents in mung beans leaves. Amongst all applied Zn nutrition’s the basal application of Zn (15 kg/ha) was a viable option to get higher yield and Zn biofortification of mung bean.

Planting density and nitrogen management effects on productivity, quality and water-use-efficiency of Indian mustard under conservation agriculture based pearl millet –mustard system

A field experiment was carried out during 2016 at the research farm of IARI, New Delhi to study the effect of planting density and nitrogen management protocols on productivity, quality and ware-use-efficiency of Indian mustard under conservation agriculture based pearlmillet – mustard system. The experiment comprised of 3 planting density; normal distance sowing (P1), high density sowing fb alternate row harvesting for fodder at 35 DAS (P2) and high density sowing fb alternate row harvesting for mulch at 35 DAS (P3) in main plots and five treatments of nitrogen management [control (N0), 60 kg N ha-1 as basal (N1), 30 kg N ha-1 as basal + 30 kg N ha-1 as side dressing (N2), 75 kg N ha-1 as basal (N3) and 37.5 kg N ha-1 as basal + 37.5 kg N ha-1 as side dressing (N4)]. Maximum production efficiency (13.54 kg ha-1day-1), net returns (42213 ha-1) and monetary efficiency (338 ha-1day-1) were recorded under P2. Whereas, seed yield (1681 kg ha-1) was founded maximum in P3 treatment. The highest protein yield (326 kg ha-1) and water-use-efficiency (8.26 kg ha-1mm-1) were recorded from treatment P3 and consumptive water use (210.8 mm) and rate of moisture use (1.69 mm day-1) were realized from treatment P2. Among N-management treatments, N4 resulted in the highest seed yield (1893 kg ha-1), production efficiency (15.51kg ha-1day-1), net returns (52371 ha-1) and monetary efficiency (419 ha-1day-1). The same treatment also recorded highest grain protein content (19.70%), protein yield (373 kg ha-1), oil content (38.0%) oil yield (720 kg ha-1), consumptive use of water (211.7 mm) and water-use-efficiency (8.95 kg ha-1mm-1).