Sowing Methods Research Articles

Mixed rice husk ash and powder of Piper aduncum fruit as an alternative control of Spodoptera frugiperda in corn plants

The insecticidal activity of Piper aduncum fruit has been reported, and the rice husk ash is well used as an alternative control of the new invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda. This research aimed to determine the effectiveness of a mixture rice husk ash and P. aduncum fruit powder as an alternative control of S. frugiperda on maize. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), including preliminary and follow-up tests. The test used the sowing method on the leaf, consisting of five treatments plus control and five replications. Observation parameters were larval mortality, larval development time, percentage of pupae formed, rate of imago appearing, and sex ratio. In general, a single treatment of P. aduncum fruit powder and rice husk ash can cause the death of S. frugiperda larvae, inhibit the development of larvae that survive after treatment, and reduce the percentage of pupae and imago when compared to controls. It also affects the ratio of males and females of imago appearance. Probit analysis of the mixed treatment of P. aduncum fruit powder and rice husk ash (1:1) showed the LC50 and LC95 values were 2.06 g and 12.93 g, respectively. A mixture of rice husk ash and P. aduncum fruit powder can be used as an alternative to control S. frugiperda with the index combination value at the LC50 and LC95level were 0.58 and 0.65 respectively, which indicates the index combination is a weak synergistic.

Machine vision-based tomato plug tray missed seeding detection and empty cell replanting

The current tomato plug tray sowing methods are plagued by the issue of missed sowing. Consequently, the detection of missed sowing and empty cells replenishment of tomato plug trays after initial sowing is an important prerequisite to realizing precision sowing of plug trays and improving the quality of plug tray seedlings. This study proposed a machine vision-based information perception method for tomato plug trays to detect missed seeds and replenish empty cells. First, based on a YOLOv5x network model, deep learning training was employed to obtain a detection model for identifying tomato seeds in complex backgrounds of plug trays. Thereafter, the location of the tomato seeds was compared with the coordinate value of the edge of the hole, and the missed holes were detected. Based on the missed cells detection results, the empty cell coordinates were converted into replanting coordinates, and the plug tray conveyor and the replanting suction needle are controlled separately considering the replanting row information to replant the missed cavities row by row. Further, the tomato plug tray missed seeding detection and replenishment device was built and tested at a seedling greenhouse. The results indicated an average detection accuracy of 92.84 % with average detection time per tray of 13.475 s. The success rate of replanting on trays was determined to be 91.7 % with 5 %-20 % misses. In addition, the productivity of the tray was approximately 42.4 trays/h. Thus, the proposed method of detecting and replanting misses in tomato trays can be used to improve the performance of tomato seeding. Moreover, it can be used as a reference to improve the precision and efficiency of tomato seeding in plug trays.

Effect of Tillage and Sowing Methods on Wheat Production in the Upper Terraces of the Northern State (Sudan)

The objective of this study was to select the best tillage andsowing methods for large scale production of wheat in the Northern Stateof Sudan. Eight treatments comprising five tillage methods (Discploughing + disc harrowing + leveling; moldboard ploughing + discharrowing + leveling; chisel ploughing + disc harrowing + leveling; lightoffset disc harrowing + leveling; zero tillage as control) and three sowingmethods (manual broadcasting + cultivation; manual broadcasting + lightdisc harrowing; seed drilling on flat land) were compared in a split-plotdesign arrangement for two seasons (2000/ 01 and 2001/ 02). The greatestaverage yields were obtained by using disc plough + disc harrow +leveling (4.0 ton/ha) and chisel plough + disc harrowing + leveling (3.9ton/ha) compared with other tillage methods. Seed drilling as well ascultivation after broadcasting resulted in significantly (P<0.01) higheraverage yields (3.9 ton/ha) than harrowing after broadcasting for the twoseasons

Influence of Hydrogel and Different Sowing Methods on Growth and Yield Aerobic Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The field experiment was conducted during Khairf 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P).To evaluatedo the influence of different level Hydrogel (0, 2, 4 kg/ha.) and methods of sowing( on growth and yield of aerobic rice. Hydrogel was broadcasting in the field before sowing (Flatbed sowing. Ridge sowing, furrow sowing) mixed well in the soil. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and comprised of levels of hydrogel and methods of sowing with ten treatments and each were replicated thrice. The growth attributes which was plant height (96.20 cm), total tillers/m2 (540.27), plant dry weight (1078.70 g/m2), and crop growth rate (65.27 g/m2/day) was significantly increased with increasing the level of Hydrogel (0, 2 to 4 kg/ha.) and maximum was obtained with application of 4 kg Hydrogel with Furrow sowing. The yield attributes was obtained highest effective tillers/m2 (238.33), number of filled grains/panicle (172.83), grain yield (4.81 t/ha), Harvest index (44.35%), gross return (INR 1,76,043/ha), net return (INR 1,31,193/ha.) and benefit cost ratio (2.93).

Yield dependence of new cheakpea varieties on the method of sowing in the Lower Volga region

The results of research in the conditions of the Lower Volga region to study the effect of the sowing method (width of row spacing and the forecrop) on the yield of dry biomass and the seeds of chickpea varieties bred by the Russian Research Design and Technology Institute for Sorghum and Maize (Rossorgo) are presented: Benefis, Sphere and Sokol. Differences in plant height and attachment of the bottom bean were found: the highest of the presented was the variety Sokol - 69.00 and 40.13 cm respectively with a row spacing of 70 cm and the use of spring barley as a forecrop, followed by the variety Benefis - 55.30 and 29.54 cm respectively (row spacing 45 cm, the forecrop - spring barley); and then Sphere - 55.27 and 30.80 cm respectively (row spacing of 70 cm, the forecrop - spring wheat). Benefis showed a significant advantage in the formation of beans and seeds per plant - 55.80 beans and 56.93 seeds at row spacing of 45 cm, the forecrop was spring wheat. The other two varieties have lower rates: Sphere - 49.60 beans and 46.03 seeds at row spacing of 45 cm, the forecrop is grain sorghum; Sokol - 40.53 beans and 38.70 seeds at row spacing of 60 cm, the forecrop is spring wheat. As a result of analysis of 1 ths seeds weight growth, as well as seed yield and protein content, the optimal seeding scheme of chickpea varieties under study was established: the width of the row spacing is 45 cm, the forecrop is spring wheat. Seed yields under this placement scheme amounted to: Benefis - 4.31 t/ha, Sphere - 3.89 t/ha, Sokol - 3.07 t/ha; protein content reached the following values: Benefis - 21.15% a.d.m., Sphere - 20.39% a.d.m, Sokol - 19.32% a.d.m.

Performance analysis of rapeseed-mustard crop under different agro-climatic conditions of Jammu Division of J & K state

Rapeseed-mustard is the second most important edible oilseed crop in India after groundnut. It has to play a significant role in making India self-reliant in oilseed sector. At present contribution of India to the world acreage and production is 19.29% and 11.12% respectively. Productivity of rapeseed mustard in J & K is 6.98 q/ha which is 37.72% of global productivity and 67.85% of national productivity. Keeping in view low productivity of rapeseed mustard crop in J & K state, a study was undertaken with randomly selected 200 rapeseed mustard growers 100 each from subtropical and temperate zone of Jammu division covering Jammu, Samba, Reasi and Doda districts to ascertain the performance of rapeseed mustard crop under farmer field conditions. Multiple linear regression model was applied to work out the factors affecting productivity of rapeseed mustard crop. The results revealed that proper irrigation, spray of insecticide, proper sowing method, thinning, use of basal dose of urea at sowing time and proper weed management significantly affected the productivity of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) with R2 value 0.534. The drivers of productivity of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus) were proper time of sowing and irrigation with R2 value 0.253 while use of phosphorus and irrigation at proper time were found to be significantly affecting the productivity of toria (Brassica rapa) with R2 value 0.757. The factors affecting the productivity of hybrid gobhi sarson were proper weed control and knowledge about different production recommendations with R2 value 0.080.

Precision Nutrient Management through LCC in kharif Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: Nitrogenous fertilizers being very expensive, farmers can’t come up with the money for them in big and it cannot observe in wasteful way. At the identical time, crop should not suffer from the deficiency of nitrogen. Proper time of N utility is important to limit N loss and increases restoration; it’s far commonly determined that farmer tend to apply more nitrogen fertilizer than needed mainly because of its immediately seen effect on plant boom and leaf color. Methods: Field experiment was conducted to study the effect of methods of sowing and nutrient management on productivity of maize during season of 2018 and 2019 on sandy loam soil at Amritsar. The soil was neutral (pH- 7.6) and it was low in Nitrogen (154 kg N/ha) and medium in phosphorus (24 kg P2O5/ha) and high in potassium (328 kg K2O/ha). The experiment consisted three methods of sowing i.e. Zero, Flat and Ridge sowing of maize and five levels of fertilizer i.e., No = control, Nrec = recommendation (125:60:30), NLCC4 (90:60:30), NLCC5 (120:60:30) and NLCC6 (150:60:30) with split N application on basis of LCC, thus making fifteen treatment combinations, which were replicated thrice and was laid out in Split pot design (SPD). Result: Higher grain yield (39.43 q ha-1) was obtained from ridge planting followed by (36.27 q ha-1) in planting method Zero tillage.The result indicated that different schedules of fertilizer expressed significant effect on maize grain yield and quality. It was found that the application of split N on the basis of LCC gave highest yield. The application of nutrient nitrogen used more efficiently by the NLCC4 in maize it may be due to less losses of nitrogen by application through leaf color chart shade 4. The gross return, net return and Benefit: cost ratio indicated that the application of nutrients on basis of LCC5 proved economically more remunerative.

Effect of Planting Patterns and Seeding Rate on Dryland Wheat Yield Formation and Water Use Efficiency on the Loess Plateau, China

Dryland winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production plays an extremely important role in the southeast of the Loess Plateau. Planting patterns have great influence on improving soil water storage and yield, and should be matched with different seeding rates. In order to assess the effect of different sowing methods on the drought resistance and stable yield of dryland wheat, a field experiment was conducted in Wenxi County Dryland Wheat Experimental Base in Shanxi Province, China. In the current study, the effects of three planting techniques (drilling sowing, furrow sowing, and film-mulched sowing) and four seeding rates (150, 225, 300, and 375 kg ha−1) were examined on water storage, dry matter formation, yield, and water use efficiency (WUE). The results showed that furrow sowing (FS) and film-mulched sowing (FM) treatments increased soil water storage in the 0–300 cm soil layer at overwintering and jointing stages. In addition, FS and FM increased soil water consumption in the 0–300 cm soil layer from overwintering to maturity of wheat. Furthermore, FS and FM significantly increased the dry matter accumulation from the overwintering to the mature stage, promoted its accumulation in vegetative organs and translocation to grains after anthesis, viz., increased yield by 6.2% and 7.9%, and WUE by 4.6% and 5.3%, respectively, as compared with those of the drilling sowing (DS) treatments. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that grain yield had a significantly positive correlation with soil water storage at overwintering and jointing. Moreover, grain yield was significantly positively correlated with soil water consumption in the 0–300 cm soil layer from jointing to maturity. Additionally, the seeding rate of 150 kg ha−1 with FS could obtain higher WUE and grain yield. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that the seeding rate of 150 kg ha−1 is used with FS to improve the grain yield and WUE of dryland agricultural systems in China.

Productivity and profitability of Indian mustard under nutrient management and different sowing method in lateritic soil of West Bengal

Aim: This study was carried out to find the optimum fertilizer requirement and best planting method for higher productivity and profitability of Indian mustard. Methodology: A field trial was performed during the rabi season of 2019-20 on a sandy-loam soil at Agricultural Farm, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal. The treatments comprised of three methods of sowing, i.e., transplantation, broadcasting, and line sowing in the main plot and four nutrient managements, i.e., 60:30:30, 70:35:35, 80:40:40, and 90:45:45 (N: P2O5:K2O kg ha-1) in a subplot and replicated thrice in a split-plot design. Growth economics parameters were evaluated. Results: Transplanting method with the nutrient management 90 kg N, 45 kg P2O5, and 45 kg K2O ha-1 was significantly superior in terms of growth attributes, yield parameters, productivity, and profitability over other methods of sowing and nutrient management in lateritic soil of West Bengal. The transplanted mustard crop produced higher yield because it got the longest reproductive period and required nutrient level, i.e., 90 kg N, 45 kg P2O5, and 45 kg K2O ha-1. Interpretation: Finding appropriate method of sowing under different nutrient levels can be done using growth, yield attributes, and yield. Yield and profitability were found maximum under 90 kg N, 45 kg P2O5, and 45 kg K2O ha-1 over other nutrient levels and transplanting method of sowing of Indian mustard was better than broadcasting, and line sowing method in the present experiment under the lateritic soil of West Bengal. Key words: Indian mustard, Laterite soil, Nutrient management

Constraints in Rice Fallow Pulses Production in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh

Rice fallow cultivation constitutes the major portion of pulse production particularly black gram and green gram in Srikakulam district of A.P. Farmers are reaping lower yields of 3.75-5.00 q/ha against 15.0-20.0 q/ha of its potential. Keep this in view an extension study was conducted on the study of constraints and reasons for low productivity in Pulses in Srikakulam District. Ex-post-facto research design was used for the study with a total sample size of 60. Results revealed that the low soil fertility was the major constraint in pulses production (100%), the incidence of yellow vein mosaic virus (93.33), labour scarcity and incidence of low temperatures and fog during the flowering period i.e., the first fort night of January (88.33%), weed infestation particularly vicia, cuscuta. xanthium and Echinochloa (86.67%). Lack of YVMV resistant varieties and suitable varieties (83.33%) and lack of a regulated market (96.67%) were the major technical or situational constraints. Non-adoption of irrigation management (93.33%), non-adoption of seed treatment (91.67%), non -adoption of proper sowing (way of broadcast) method and seed rate (90.00), non-adoption of weed management practices (88.33%), non- adoption of foliar nutrient management in rice fallow pulses (86.67%) were the adoption gaps perceived as constraints. There is a need to conduct more Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) in the farmer fields, more training programmes to the farmers and timely supply of inputs or make available to the farmers prior to the season.

The Border Effects of Dry Matter, Photosynthetic Characteristics, and Yield Components of Wheat under Hole Sowing Condition

Wheat can be cultivated by hole sowing, but its border effect has not yet been studied. Therefore, we carried out a field experiment from 2021 to 2022 at the Doukou Crop Experimental Demonstration Station (108°52′ E, 34°37′ N) of Northwest A&F University in Jingyang County, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province, China. The response of dry matter, photosynthetic characteristics, and yield components of wheat to the border effects under the hole sowing method was studied. The results showed specific border effects on each index of five wheat varieties (XN136, XN175, XN527, XN536, and XN765), among which the border effects of XN175 and XN765 were the most significant, with the highest yield. Subsequent correlation analysis revealed that only grain per spike and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration responded negatively to the border effects, and the rest were positively correlated. Finally, we conducted a random forest model analysis of different indicators of wheat varieties with significant border effects. We found that net photosynthetic rate and aboveground dry matter per plant had the most significant impact and contribution to the border effects. In contrast, grain per spike had the most negligible impact on the border effects. Our results fill a gap in the study of the border effects of wheat under hole sowing cultivation for future researchers.

Evaluation of fennel cultivars for use in breeding for productivity

Relevance. Common fennel is a perennial herbaceous plant, traditionally used as a one- or two-year-old. The culture is cultivated for the production of essential oil, as a medicinal plant and spice. The introduction of highly productive varieties adapted to cultivation conditions can ensure the necessary production volumes of raw materials for the pharmaceutical, food, paint and perfume and cosmetic industries. The creation of new varieties involves the study of the gene pool and the identification of promising genotypes based on valuable traits.Methods. 37 collection and selection varietals of various ecological and geographical origin were studied. The soil is ordinary medium–sized low-humus medium-loamy chernozem. The productivity of the green mass was taken into account in the phase of technical ripeness for greens (35th days from the beginning of spring regrowth of plants) and processing for oil (the beginning of fruit formation). The area of the plot (depending on the stage of the selection process) is 3–10 sq. m. The repetition is 1–4 times. The method of sowing is wide-row. Humidity and temperature conditions were very different during the years of research, which made it possible to give the studied material a comprehensive assessment.Results. In the conditions of the zone of unstable humidification of the Stavropol Territory, the greatest variation among the studied cultivars was revealed by the length of the growing season, height, productive longevity, leafiness of plants, yield of green mass and seeds. 8 cultivars distinguished by a complex of signs and properties were included in the selection study. Using the biotype selection method from the resulting hybrid combination with a subsequent series of improving selections, a new variety of fennel ordinary Bachata was created, introduced since 2015. to the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation.

Effects of Tillage and Sowing Methods on Soil Physical Properties and Corn Plant Characters

In the northeast plains of China, the intensive utilization of agricultural soils has been a persistent issue, and finding ways to utilize soil resources efficiently and sustainably through a scientifically-driven management system has become a crucial challenge for agricultural production. Conservation tillage is a crucial technology for sustainable agriculture. Currently, plow and rotary tillage are the dominant methods used in Mollisols, but there is limited information on the effects of different conservation tillage practices in this region. The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term impact of tillage and sowing methods on soil physical properties and corn plant growth and to examine the relationship between soil physical properties and plant characteristics during various stages of growth. This study consisted of four tillage and sowing methods: plow tillage and precision seeder sowing (PTS), rotary tillage and precision seeder sowing (RTS), no-tillage and no-tillage seeder sowing (NTS), and no-tillage and precise sowing in stubble field (STS) (all four treatments involved total straw return). The results indicated that the soil penetration resistance (SPR) in the 10–40 cm soil layer under the PTS treatment was significantly lower (by 11.9% to 18%) compared to the other treatments (p < 0.05). On average, the soil moisture content in the NTS treatment was 2.7% and 1.4% higher than that of the PTS and RTS treatments. Additionally, soil temperature was 5.6% to 8.6% lower under the STS treatment compared to the other treatments during late corn growth. The RTS treatment also significantly reduced the bulk density of surface soil. High SPR impeded early crop growth but did not impact mid-crop development, while low soil temperature was one of the main factors affecting late corn growth and development as temperatures decreased. Based on the comparisons, we found that the short-term implementation of conservation tillage did not result in a significant decrease in corn yield. We believe that the short-term implementation of NTS tillage sowing practices in Mollisol regions is a feasible option.

The Effect of Tillage Method on the Nutrient Regime of Soil during the Growing of Trifolium pratense

Abstract The article presents the results of studying the influence of tillage methods on the number of bacteria and fungi in the arable soil layer, nutrient indicators, and, consequently, the yield of Trifolium pratense. The purpose of the study is to determine how tillage affects the feeding regime and yield of Trifolium pratense. The research was conducted at the experimental field of the Educational and Scientific Research Center of Lviv National Environmental University. For the study of microorganisms in the arocenosis of meadow clover, soil samples were taken using a cylindrical drill from arable (0–20 cm) and sub-soil (20–40 cm) layers with an average weight of an individual sample of 300 g. For microbiological analysis, average samples from five individual samples were prepared. The isolation of the main agronomically useful groups of microorganisms from the soil was carried out by the method of microbiological sowing of soil extracts on solid nutrient media: for fungi – wort-agar, for bacteria – meat-peptone agar (MPA). The dilution of the soil extract for fungi and bacteria was, respectively, 1 : 1000; 1 : 100000. Microbiological seeding was performed in triplicate. The calculation of the total number of microorganisms in the soil was carried out by Tepper´s method. The yield of crops and the results of laboratory studies were processed by the method of variance analysis. The application of a tiered tillage allowed to increase the yield of Trifolium pratense green mass by 4.5 t·ha−1 (+17.0%) compared to the control (conventional plowing). It is established that tier ploughing with the PYA-4-40 plough promotes uniform distribution of nutrients in the arable soil layer and formation of homogeneous soil fertility. In such a soil environment, much more favorable conditions are created for the development of microflora and more intensive microbiological processes compared to the options of chisel and conventional (control) tillage, and, consequently, the formation of high yields of green Trifolium pratense.

Efficiency and competitive ability of festulolium mixed with alfalfa when grown for feed

The results of yield analysis and biological efficiency of joint cultivation of festulolium and alfalfa with different methods of sowing and nitrogen fertilizers in the forest-steppe zone of Western Siberia are presented. The joint sowing of festulolium with alfalfa at different alternation of rows reduces the yield of green mass by 8.9-15.1% compared to the single-seeded festulolium sowing. Nitrogen application at a dose of 30 kg/ha significantly increased the yield of festulolium mixtures with alfalfa in the variants of inter-row sowing by 21.2% and in the variant of sowing by seed mixture by 20.2% due to the increase of shoots on festulolium plant by 11.1%, and the shoot weight - by 12.5-17.8%. An increase in nitrogen dose to 60 kg/ha significantly increased the yield of festulolium 16.13 t/ha green mass (74.1%) compared with unfertilized background due to an increase in the number of shoots on the plant by 26.6% and an increase in weight per shoot by 30.1%. There was a 21.0-30.2% decrease in the number of shoots of the cereal component in the mixtures and a 76.7-82.1% decrease in the number of shoots of the legume component. At the same time, the shoot mass of festulolium increased by 8.3-42.5%, while that of alfalfa decreased by 54.3-81.5%, indicating its depression. Land equivalent ratio (LER) is higher in the variants with the application of fertilizers. With no nitrogen use, the major share of the factor belongs to festulolium. With the application of small doses of nitrogen, the impact of the legume component increases through increased competitive ratio (CR). At the same time, a positive value of the coefficient of aggressivity (CA) was noted in the cereal component, which characterizes it as the dominant species.

Technology of cultivation of annual Alexandrian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum)

The article discusses the results of research on a new technology we developed for the cultivation of an annual crop of Alexandrian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum), which includes a method of pre-sowing treatment of seeds with different terms and methods of sowing. Recently, along with agrotechnical measures to stabilize crop production, there is a need to cultivate non-traditional crops that are useful for human nutrition and health, and not the least role in this process is played by annual legumes. The short vegetation cycle and the intensive rate of crop formation allow them to be cultivated in repeated crops in places with favorable bio-climatic potential. Annual forage grasses have a variety of uses and purposes. In the zone of sufficient moistening, these are good fallow-grown crops. Annual legumes play an important role in creating a strong fodder base: in the summer, they are the main source of green feed production, they serve for the preparation of hay, haylage, silage, concentrated feed in the form of grass flour, cutting, full-fledged briquettes and pellets; annual legumes can also be used as a concentrated feed in the form of grain. Harvesting grasses in the early phases of the growing season and with multi-crop use with the use of artificial drying makes it possible to obtain a feed that is not inferior in total caloric content to oats and barley, and in protein content is significantly superior to them. Annual grasses are very diverse in terms of their agrobiological characteristics: they are widely used as preliminary crops on indigenous improvement lands and as links in the pasture conveyor. Our research conducted over four years (2017-2020) revealed that pre-sowing treatment of seeds of Alexandrian clover double and triple mixtures of PABA, the krezatsinom and infusion of chicory (against the background of preliminary stratification) provides low-cost, environmentally friendly way of pre-sowing stimulation of seeds of Alexandrian clover with simultaneous northering, adaptation, and selection of the best species for use in a specific region. Sowing clover for seeds is advantageously carried out with a width of 50 cm row spacing and seeding rate of 6 kg/ha. The optimal sowing date is beginning of March and the first week of September.

Energy budgeting and economics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation under different sowing methods in north-western India

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a hunger breaking energy rich crop. We compared tuber growth and size attributes, energy and economic indices of potato cultivation on ridges (single row) and beds (two and three rows) in north-western India. Three rows method significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of stems (∼19.1%) and tubers (∼18.2%), 10-tuber weight (∼6.7%) and tuber yield (∼39.7%) than single row method. Water productivity was significantly higher (∼10.4–23.7%) for two rows than other methods. Total energy input (EI) of 56,985 ± 500 MJ ha−1, 54,522 ± 339 MJ ha−1 and 56,019 ± 458 MJ ha−1 for three, two and single row method produced total output energy of 151.8 ± 3.9, 132.5 ± 4.7 and 108.7 GJ ha−1, respectively. Chemical fertilizers comprised ∼26.6–29.5%, seed ∼21.3–25.3%, electricity ∼18.0–20.1% and water ∼8.7–9.5% of EI. Direct energy comprised 66.3–69.2%, while indirect energy 30.8–33.7% of EI. Specific energy was significantly lower (∼9.2–27.7%), while energy ratio was higher (∼9.9–37.6%) for three rows method. Net energy gain of 50.7 ± 2.7 GJ ha−1, 76.1 ± 5.9 GJ ha−1 and 97.4 ± 4.1 GJ ha−1 was achieved with single, two and three rows methods, respectively. Average net returns for three rows method were higher by ∼19.1 and 61.1%, while net economic benefit by ∼15.9 and 41.1%, respectively over two and single row method.

Knowledge level of farmers about redgram production technologies of UAS Dharwad

The present study was conducted in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka state during 2021-22.To study the knowledge level of farmers about redgram production technologies of UAS Dharwad by employing “Ex-post facto” research design and by using simple random sampling technique in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts constituting a total sample size of 160 farmers. It was depicted that, majority46.25 per cent of red gram growers belonged to medium knowledge level category, whereas, 30.00 per cent and 23.75 per cent of them belonged to low and high-level knowledge category, respectively. Cent per cent redgram growers had knowledge about recommended time of sowing, method of sowing and inter cultivations. Majority of the redgram growers had knowledge about yield (96.88 %), major pests (93.13 %), time of application of FYM (92.50 %), recommended variety (90.62 %), varieties resistant/tolerant to wilt (87.50 %), major diseases (86.25 %), spacing (83.13 %), seed rate for sole crop (78.75 %), soil type (77.50 %) and quantity of FYM (76.25 %). More than half of the redgram growers had knowledge about fertilizer dosage (74.37 %), seed treatment (62.50 %), nipping (57.50 %), inter crops (56.25 %), chemicals to control pest (55.00 %) and seed rate for mixed redgram cultivation (51.25 %).This trend is due to their habitual predisposition to set pattern of redgram cultivation over the years using old practices without any change.Hence, the agriculture department has to conduct training programmes on redgram cultivation, establish demonstration plots in farmer’s field.

Influence of some agrotechnical conditions of hemp cultivation on seed and fiber yield

Relevance. In connection with the widespread introduction of monoecious hemp varieties into the production, it became necessary to study issues related to the effect of seeding rates on productivity and product quality. In particular, it was necessary to study the effect of seeding rates on the yield and quality of seeds, the characteristics of plant growth and development. In addition, it was important for production to establish the effect of the seeding rate on the yield of seeds, stems and fiber, on the technological qualities of the fiber and the sowing qualities of seeds.Methods. A comparative study was carried out in 2000–2015 on the experimental plots of the Chuvash Research Institute of Agriculture. The sown area of each experimental plot was 20 m2, accounting — 18 m2, the repetition of the experiment was four times. Observations of the growth and development of plants were carried out according to the methodology adopted at the Institute of Bast Crops.Results. It has been established that the density of the stem stand increases with an increase in the seeding rate for all sowing methods, both on an unfertilized and fertilized background. On a fertilized background with the same seeding rate and sowing method, the density of plants is higher than on an unfertilized background. The number of seeds, seed weight and fiber weight per plant in the experimental variants studied by us decreased with an increase in the seed sowing rate. A similar pattern was obtained for the weight of 1000 seeds. The largest weight of seeds and fiber from one plant was obtained with a single-row sowing method with a seeding rate of 10 kg per ha, and the smallest — with a continuous sowing method with a seeding rate of 100 kg per ha. The highest seed yield on both fertilized and unfertilized backgrounds was obtained with a wide-row sowing method and a seeding rate of 10–15 kg/ha. The highest fiber yield on both backgrounds was obtained with a continuous sowing method with a seeding rate of 80–100 kg/ha.

Performance of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under different land configurations, irrigation methods and schedules in sandy-loam soil

A field study was carried out during the winter (rabi) season of 2017–18 at the Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, to study the effect of different land configurations, irrigation methods and schedules on growth, yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The results revealed that at maturity stage, plant height, branches/plant and 100-grain weight increased significantly in raised bed over flat-bed method of sowing. Plant dry-matter, pods/plant, grain weight/plant, grain and straw yields and net return and benefit: cost (B : C) ratio did not differ significantly due to land configuration treatment. Sprinkler irrigation resulted significant increase in growth characters (plant height, branches/plant and total plant dry-matter accumulation) and yield attributes (pods/plant, 100-grain weight and grain weight/plant), grain and straw yields and net return and B : C ratio as compared to check basin irrigation. Combination of sprinkler irrigation method and flat-bed sowing resulted in the highest grain yield (1,325 kg/ha). Under check basin irrigation, raised bed provided 7.8% higher grain yield than flat-bed method of sowing (1,083 kg/ha). Two irrigations at vegetative and pod-development stages resulted in significantly higher plant height, branches/plant, total dry-matter accumulation/plant, pods/ plant, grain weight/plant, grain yield and higher net returns and B : C ratio than single irrigation at either stage.