Split-plot Research Articles

Produção e qualidade da couve folha hidropônica sob estresse salino e concentrações de KNO3

ABSTRACT Potassium is a nutrient with the potential to increase plant tolerance to salt stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production and quality of kale subjected to salt stress and potassium concentrations in a protected environment. The experimental design was in split plots, with plots composed of five nutrient solutions (control treatment, S1 - standard nutrient solution prepared in low-salinity water, 0.5 dS m-1 (500 mg L-1 of KNO3), and four nutrient solutions prepared in brackish waters (3.5 dS m-1) containing four concentrations of KNO3 (S2 - 500 mg L-1, S3 - 625 mg L-1, S4 - 750 mg L-1, S5 - 1,000 mg L-1), and subplots represented by two leaf kale cultivars (Manteiga and Manteiga da Geórgia). Leaf production variables and post-harvest physical and chemical qualities were evaluated. The saline nutrient solution with the addition of NaCl (S2) reduced production but did not reduce the post-harvest quality of kale. The extra addition of KNO3 at 25% (S3) was efficient in reducing the deleterious effects of salt stress on the variables leaf length, leaf area, leaf production, and number of bunches. The cv. Manteiga da Geórgia was more tolerant to salt stress than the cv. Manteiga.

Influence of biofertilizers on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and physiological modulations for water and fertilizers managing

Biofertilizers constitute a safe way to alleviate the impacts of water shortage and the overload of chemical fertilizers. This work focuses on the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on potato's agro-physiological response, beneath the reduction of water, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilizers. Five microbioal treatments (C: Control, AMF: Mycorhizae, B1: Bacillus halotolerans, B2: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and B1B2: B.halotolerans+ B.amyloliquefaciens) were tested in arrangement with two nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK) rates (F1: Entire rate, F ½: Half rate) and three irrigation levels (100 % of crop water requirement: 100 % ETc; 75 % ETc; 50 % ETc) in a two year factorial split plot design. We studied vegetative growth, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll fluorescence, water status, osmoticums, N, P, K and enzymatic antioxidants accumulation. Data obtained in 2019–2022 showed that AMF and B1B2 biofertilizers were beneficial to improve Root/Shoot, Dry Underground Part/Aerial Part, leaf area (LA), water saturation deficit (WSD), chlorophyll index (SPAD) and tuber yield under 75 % ETc. The photosynthetic promoter effect of biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, compared to 50 % ETc was observed in the following trend B1B2>AMF>B1. The efficacy of B1B2 and AMF were coupled to high catalase (CAT) activity. Potatoes treated with B1B2 were found to be efficient for 75 % ETc in terms of proline accumulation. The AMF was more effective in terms of soluble sugars (SS) accumulation and control of osmotic potential (Ψs). Taking together, the B1B2 and AMF could be regarded as efficient biofertilizers under 75 % ETc, alleviating the impacts of water stress and the problem of excessive fertilization in potatoes.

Evaluation of New Rice Varieties under Delayed Transplanting on Yield Parameters and Nutrient Uptake in North Coastal Zone, India

A field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil at the college farm of Agricultural College, Naira, Srikakulam to study the yield and yield attributes of old aged seedlings as influenced by different varieties in a split-plot design, comprised of three age of seedlings (30, 45 and 60 days old) assigned to main Plots and eight varieties (V1: MTU-7029, V2: BPT-5204, V3: MTU-1061, V4: MTU-1121, V5:MTU-1223, V6:MTU-1224, V7:MTU-1262 and V8:RGL-2537) were assigned to sub plots. Among the three age of seedlings for transplanting, planting of 30 days seedlings proved superior by recording higher growth parameters and yield structure, yield and economic returns compared to planting of 45 days and 60 days old seedlings. Among the varieties tested, the higher grain yield, straw yield and economic returns was noticed with MTU-1223 (V5) followed by RGL-2537 (V8) and MTU-1224 (V6). The differences in N uptake among the varieties may be attributed to genetic factors, as different rice varieties can have varying abilities to absorb and utilize nitrogen from the soil.

EFFECTS OF SOWING DATE AND LOCATIONS ON THE SELECTED WHEAT CULTIVARS QUALITY PERFORMANCE

The current study was aimed assessing the effects of cultivars, sowing date and locations on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) quality parameters grain protein concentration (GP), Gluten Index GI, falling number (FN), Water absorption capacity (WAC %), Pasting temperature (PT), and loaf volume (LV) of five bread wheat cultivars viz. Alla, Hassad, Charmo, Maaroof, and Adana as control, two sowing dates (Nov 15th, Dec 15th) at each location under rainfed environment. Grain samples were obtained from previous field experiments were conducted at two locations of Sulaimani Governate in Iraq-Kurdistan-region, Qlyasan and Halabja, during growing seasons 2018-2019. The experiments were conducted using RCBD within split plot arrangement with three replicates. Result for companied analysis, showed that cultivars sowing date, locations, the interactions CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL were high significantly affects to all quality traits except GP for location, LV for SL and GP for CS interaction, which were non-significant. The results confirmed that sowing wheat lately is an accept option for maximizing GP, GI, PT, and LV, while, optimum sowing was increasing FN and WA traits, regardless of cultivar or location. Wheat grown at Qlyasan appeared to have more GP content, FN, WA, PT, and LV, while Halabja location to have stronger gluten quality (GI). The di-interactions viz. CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL played a significant important role in changing or modifying the values of the quality traits.

Assessing the growth, yield, and biochemical composition of greenhouse cherry tomatoes with special emphasis on the progressive growth report

The growth of plants hinges on a complex interplay of biochemical and physiological activities across various growth stages. These intricate processes dynamically adapt to different environmental conditions, shaping both plant development and productivity. This study explores the impact of greenhouse climate on the growth, yield, and biochemistry of winter-grown cherry tomatoes ‘Cheramy F1’. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) under split plot arrangements (3 Rows) with three replications (3 plants from each row) was adopted. The data were collected on various dates during the period extending from December to March of two consecutive growing seasons in 2022 and 2023, and presented as averages. An analysis of variance was applied to statistically analyze the collected data at a confidence level of p < 0.05. The climatic conditions in the greenhouse were calculated as temperature ranging from a minimum of 10.5 °C to the maximum of 41.3 °C by an average of 21.2 °C during the vegetative stage and from 8.2 °C to 32.3 °C by an average of 20.9 °C during the fruit-bearing stage, with an average CO2 concentration fluctuated within the range of 385.61 ppm to 510.30 ppm and an average light intensity of 94.62 to 240.45 W/m². This study assessed various growth parameters such as plant height, leaf growth, stem diameter, leaf spacing, leaf count, leaf area, and inflorescence count per plant, and suggested the optimum range of greenhouse conditions for each stage. The key results of this study revealed the Progressive Growth Report (PGR), predicting daily potential growth rates of plants: plant height, 2.86 to 3.81 cm/day; growth rate of mature older leaf: 0.003988 m2/day; middle younger leaf: 0.008733 m2/day; top nascent leaf: 0.010722 m2/day; three to five leaves per week; and one inflorescence per week. In our accidental observation, we noticed unusual plant growth and yield responses because of the various growing postures and positions that the plants adopted in the greenhouse. An exceedingly significant difference among the inflorescences was found in view of their growth, productivity and biochemical composition. A non-significant interaction was found between the fruit keeping quality (shelf days), fruit height, fruit diameter, and inflorescence number. The present study results highlight the possible responses of greenhouse-grown cherry tomatoes to different ranges of temperature, light intensity, and CO2 concentrations, offering valuable insights for optimizing greenhouse cherry tomatoes cultivation.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Methane Emissions from Rice Production Systems in Southern India

The impact of climate change on methane (CH4) emissions from rice production systems in the Coimbatore region (Tamil Nadu, India) was studied by leveraging field experiments across two main treatments and four sub-treatments in a split-plot design. Utilizing the closed-chamber method for gas collection and gas chromatography analysis, this study identified significant differences in CH4 emissions between conventional cultivation methods and the system of rice intensification (henceforth SRI). Over two growing seasons, conventional cultivation methods reported higher CH4 emissions (range: from 36.9 to 59.3 kg CH4 ha−1 season−1) compared with SRI (range: from 2.2 to 12.8 kg CH4 ha−1 season−1). Experimental data were subsequently used to guide parametrization and validation of the DeNitrification–DeComposition (DNDC) model. The validation of the model showed good agreement between the measured and modeled data, as denoted by the statistical tests performed, which included CRM (0.09), D-index (0.99), RMSE (7.16), EF (0.96), and R2 (0.92). The validated model was then used to develop future CH4 emissions projections under various shared socio-economic pathways (henceforth SSPs) for the mid- (2021–2050) and late (2051–2080) century. The analysis revealed a potential increase in CH4 emissions for the simulated scenarios, which was dependent on specific soil and irrigation management practices. Conventional cultivation produced the highest CH4 emissions, but it was shown that they could be reduced if the current practice was replaced by minimal flooding or through irrigation with alternating wetting and drying cycles. Emissions were predicted to rise until SSP 370, with a marginal increase in SSP 585 thereafter. The findings of this work underscored an urgency to develop climate-smart location-specific mitigation strategies focused on simultaneously improving current water and nutrient management practices. The use of methanotrophs to reduce CH4 production from rice systems should be considered in future work. This research also highlighted the critical interaction that exists between agricultural practices and climate change, and emphasized the need to implement adaptive crop management strategies that can sustain productivity and mitigate the environmental impacts of rice-based systems in southern India.

Nitrogen use efficiency for seed and oil yield in some Moroccan rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties under contrasting nitrogen supply

In the actual context of climate change and increasing oil and nitrogen prices, oil crops varieties with high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) will be highly appreciated. As no studies on NUE in spring rapeseed have been carried out in Mediterranean area, including Morocco, this work aimed to assess responses of six rapeseed varieties to six nitrogen levels (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 Kg N/ha) and their NUE for grain and oil yields. The experiment was conducted according to a split-plot design with three replications, during two cropping seasons. Results showed that increasing nitrogen rate from 0 to 120 kg N/ha led to a significant increase in seed, oil and dry matter yields up to 85.3, 72.35 and 97.9%, respectively. NUE, NUpE (nitrogen uptake efficiency) and NUtE (nitrogen utilization efficiency) decreased by increasing nitrogen application. Regarding oil content, it was negatively affected by nitrogen fertilization, declining from 40.78% for control to 37.77% for 150 kg N/ha. Likewise, nitrogen use and nitrogen utilization efficiency for oil production (ONUE & ONUtE) were negatively affected by nitrogen application. The genotypic variation was statistically significant for all investigated traits. The variety hybrid ‘Trapper’ was the most interesting for ONUE, NUE, seed yield and dry matter. However, for oil yield it was comparable to ‘Moufida’ and ‘Alia’ which showed the highest values for harvest index, branching, pods number per plant, oil content and ONUE. These varieties grown under 120 kg N/ha treatment can be recommended for Morocco.

Effect of summer legume residue incorporation and fertilizer regimes on rice growth, yield, and nutrient uptake

In a field trial at the College Farm, NAU, Navsari (Gujarat), evaluated four main plot treatments (T1: Green gram, T2: Cowpea, T3: Dhaincha, and T4: Fallow), which were grown during the summer with three replications following a randomized block design (RCBD). Green gram and cowpea were incorporated into the soil after harvest, but dhaincha was incorporated at 50% flowering. During Kharif, each main plot was split into six smaller plots with different treatments: W1 was 100% RDF, W2 was 75% RDF, W3 was 50% RDF, W4 was 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM, W5 was 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM, and W6 was no fertilizer. The results of all 24 treatment combinations were repeated three times in a split-plot design. The analysis showed significant growth, yield attributes, grain yield, and straw yield of rice in dhaincha-incorporated plots (T3), fb greengram (T1), and cowpea (T2) plots using 100% RDF, while fallow (T4) with no fertilizer application recorded significantly lower values. SPAD meter readings of rice were higher in W4 (75% RDF + 25% N from FYM), which was at par with W1 in dhaincha-incorporated plots (75% RDF + 25% N from FYM) (W4). However, applying no fertilizer (W6) resulted in lower values. The total uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus in rice was highest when it was grown in dhaincha incorporated (T3), followed by green gram (T1), cowpea (T2) incorporated plots with the usage of 100% RDF (W1) and 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM (W4), and lower values were recorded in fallow + no fertilizer treatment (T4W6). Our study revealed that incorporating summer legumes before planting rice significantly increased plant height, tillers, grain and straw yield, and total uptake. With dhaincha, inclusion has shown a greater advantage.

Impact of Different Plant Spacing Arrangements on the Profitability and Productivity of Blackgram Cultivars [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper

Evaluation of blackgram cultivars (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) under various plant spacings was the title of a field study carried out at the Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, Badnapur. The experimental field had good drainage and was leveled. The soil was clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, very high in accessible potassium and alkaline in reactivity. The blackgram crop was able to develop and mature normally due to the moderate environmental conditions. Twelve treatment combinations were possible with the three different kinds and four different spacings used in the Factorial Split plot Design layout of the experiment. Each experimental unit included three repetitions, measuring 5.4 m × 5.0 m in the gross plot and 4.5 m x 4.6 m in the net plot. On July 14, 2015, three varieties-BDU-1, TAU-1 and AKU-15 were sown. The dibbling method was used to sow the seeds, with four distinct spacings of 30 cm x 10 cm, 30 cm x 20 cm, and 45 cm x 10 cm. The RDF was used prior to seeding. Plant preservation measures and cultural practices were implemented in accordance with recommendations. A number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, pod weight per plant, seed yield per plant, test weight (1000 seed weight g), harvest index, gross monetary returns (Rs ha-1), net monetary returns (Rs ha-1), and Benefit: Cost (B: C) ratio are among the characteristics and economics that indicate that BDU-1 (V1) produced a significantly higher yield among the different blackgram varieties. Variety x spacing interaction effects were shown to be non-significant.

Interactive effect of nutrient and weed management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.) for enhancing the productivity in Eastern India

A field experiment comprising three nutrient and six weed management practices was conducted in strip plot design with three replications during 2019 and 2020 at Odisha University of Agriculture &amp; Technology (OUAT), Bhubaneswar, India to assess the effect of the treatments on weed dynamics, productivity and nutrient uptake by crop and weed. Averaged over both years, among nutrient management practices, the soil test based dose (STD: 100-40-40 N-P2O5-K2O kg ha-1) + green manuring (GM) of dhaincha recorded the minimum weed density of 45.3 and 64.2 number m-2 and weed biomass of 19.2 and 37.6 g m-2 at 30 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), respectively and the minimum N, P and K uptake of 6.4, 2.0 and 6.8 kg ha-1 by weed and the maximum N, P and K uptake of 113.6, 23.2 and 122.6 kg ha-1 by the crop, respectively. Among weed management practices, bensulfuronmethyl + pretilachlor (PE) fb HW on 35 DAT produced the minimum weed density of 25.15 and 20.66 number m-2, the minimum weed biomass of 7.70 and 8.08 g m-2 at 30 and 60 DAT, respectively and the minimum N, P and K uptake of 2.4, 0.5 and 2.6 kg ha-1 by weed and the maximum N, P and K of 117.9, 25.3 and 263.7 kg ha-1 by crop, respectively. Among nutrient management practices, the STD + GM proved to be the best with the maximum grain yield of 5562 kg ha-1. whereas the application of bensulfuronmethyl + pretilachlor (PE) fb HW on 35 DAT excelled over other weed management practices with the maximum grain yield of 5907 kg ha-1 registering 17.71 and 47.64% higher grain yield compared to the STD and the weedy check, respectively.

Partial substitution of phosphorus fertilizer with iron-modified biochar improves root morphology and yield of peanut under film mulching

IntroductionPeanut production is being increasingly threatened by water stress with the context of global climate change. Film mulching have been reported to alleviate the adverse impact of drought on peanut. Lower phosphorus use efficiency is another key factor limiting peanut yield. Application of iron-modified and phosphorus-loaded biochar (BIP) has been validated to enhance phosphorus utilization efficiency in crops. However, whether combined effect of film mulching and BIP could increase water use efficiency and enhance peanut production through regulating soil properties and root morphologies needs further investigation.MethodsA two-year (2021-2022) pot experiment using a split-plot design was conducted to investigate the effects of phosphorus fertilizer substitution using BIP on soil properties, root morphology, pod yield, and water use of peanut under film mulching. The main plots were two mulching methods, including no mulching (M0) and film mulching (M1). The subplots were four combined applications of phosphorus fertilizer with BIP, including conventional phosphorus fertilizer rates (PCR) without BIP, P1C0; 3/4 PCR with 7.5 t ha-1 BIP, P2C1; 3/4 PCR with 15 t ha-1 BIP, P2C2; 2/3 PCR with 7.5 t ha-1 BIP, P3C1; 2/3 PCR with 15 t ha-1 BIP, P3C2.Results and discussionThe results indicated that regardless of biochar amendments, compared with M0, M1 increased soil organic matter and root morphology of peanut at different growth stages in both years. In addition, M1 increased peanut yield and water use efficiency (WUE) by 18.8% and 51.6%, respectively, but decreased water consumption by 25.0%, compared to M0 (two-year average). Irrespective of film mulching, P2C1 increased length, surface area, and volume of peanut root at seedling by 16.7%, 17.7%, and 18.6%, at flowering by 6.6%, 19.9%, and 29.5%, at pod setting by 22.9%, 33.8%, and 37.3%, and at pod filling by 48.3%, 9.5%, and 38.2%, respectively (two-year average), increased soil pH and organic matter content during peanut growing season, and increased soil CEC at harvest. In general, the M1P2C1 treatment obtained the optimal root morphology, soil chemical properties, WUE, and peanut yield, which increased peanut yield by 33.2% compared to M0P1C0. In conclusion, the combination of film mulching with 7.5 t ha-1 BIP (M1P2C1) effectively improved soil chemical properties, enhanced root morphology of peanut, and ultimately increased peanut yield and WUE.

Screening Tomato Genotypes for B–Recovery and Acquisition Potential in Calcareous Soils

ABSTRACT Screening a suitable genotype is important for nutrient recovery and its acquisition potential. Twenty genotypes of tomato were studied under different doses of B-application. The indices of B use efficiencies, viz. apparent B recovery (ABR), fruit production efficiency (FPE), physiological efficiency (PE), agro-physiological efficiency (APE) and utilization efficiency ratio (UER) were worked out for tomato genotypes. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design for the two consecutive years, assigning three B levels (control i.e. without B application, @ 2.0 kg B ha−1 through borax and 0.25% boric acid foliar spray twice) in main plot and location-specific twenty tomato genotypes in subplots, replicated thrice. Soil applied B produced greater fruit yield than the twice foliar spray of 0.25% boric acid B. However, the tomato fruit yield was improved by 2–12% over control by soil applied B @ 2.0 kg B ha−1 through borax and twice foliar spray of B. Irrespective of genotypes, B content in fruit and shoot of tomato plant improved upon application of B. The apparent B recovery (ABR) and agronomic efficiency (AE) of B suggested that foliar application was more effective in comparison to soil application. The use efficiencies were highest in the cultivars NS–812 followed by NS–512 and B–9–2 in B-deficient calcareous soils with the application of 0.25% boric acid foliar spray twice. These genotypes could be a promising lines for breeding program for B enrichment in tomato for cultivation in B-deficient soils.

Optimization of Potato Cultivation Through the Use of Biostimulator Supporter

Seed potato treatment is vital for plant protection, yield enhancement, and product quality. In the conducted research, the plant biostimulator Supporter was applied to evaluate its impact on potato yields and its structure. Supporter contains both synthetic and SL amino acids, which promote plant growth by enhancing nutrient utilization and fostering the development of a more effective root system. Such a formulation allows to maintain better resistance to environmental stresses, which may include drought or nutrient deficiency, among others. The field study was conducted in 2015–2017 in four towns located in different regions of Poland (Barankowo, Głubczyce, Kędrzyno, and Ryn) using a randomized complete block design with a split-plot design. Varieties (‘Innovator’, ‘Lilly’, ‘Lady Claire’, and ‘Verdi’) were tested. The experiment compared the cultivation technology using Supporter biostimulator with which seed potatoes were treated compared to conventional cultivation (control object) by soaking the tubers in distilled water before planting. The total yield of potato tubers after Supporter application was higher by 13.3%, while the commercial yield increased by 21.1% compared to the traditional cultivation method. The most productive, regardless of cultivation technology and years of research, in terms of total tuber yield was the ‘Lilly’ variety with an average yield of 47.95 t∙ha−1, while the least productive variety was the ‘Innovator’ variety with an average yield of 29.93 t∙ha−1. The ‘Lady Claire’ variety had the highest commercial tuber yield, while the ‘Innovator’ variety had the lowest.

Effects of Biochar and Bradyrhizobium Inoculation on Nodulation, Growth, and Grain Yield of Soybean in the Guinea Savanna Agroecological Zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT Soybeans are a vital crop globally, significantly contributing to food security, soil fertility, and economic development. However, soil conditions can constrain their productivity, including nutrient deficiencies and acidity. This study explores the combined effects of biochar (BC) and Rhizobium inoculation (RI) on soybean growth, nodulation, and yield. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons and employed a split-plot design with five BC application rates (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 t ha− 1) and two RI levels (uninoculated and inoculated) across four replications. The results demonstrated that the integration of BC and RI significantly improved various growth parameters, including nodulation, biomass accumulation, pod number, and grain yield. The highest grain yield was observed at 8 t ha−1 BC with RI, yielding 3394 kg ha−1 in 2021 and 2542 kg ha−1 in 2022. This was identical to the yield attained with the 6 t ha−1 BC rate paired with RI in both years. The inoculated control treatment consistently demonstrated the lowest grain yield. Additionally, it showed a significant (p < .05) impact on the weight of one hundred seeds. The study also revealed significant and consistent relationships among soybeans’ growth and yield features. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the combined application of BC and RI has a positive impact on soybean yield and its key components.

Rhizome Propagation Methods of Lowland Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) in Central Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Bamboo is a plant species that has a range of economic, environmental, and sociocultural importance. Bamboo can be propagated through sexual and asexual propagation methods. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. This study aims to evaluate different rhizome cutting materials that are relatively suitable for large-scale plantations. The materials for propagating bamboo by vegetative means are whole or portions of the rhizomes, each with a single culm having two to six basal nodes, preferably 1- to 2-year-old culms from the peripheral portion of the clump having 2, 4, 6 basal nodes and 1.5-2 cm, 2-4 cm, and 4-6 cm in diameter. The design of the experiment is a split plot design with three replications and nine plots. This experiment is laid in 1029 m2 (21 m x 49 m). The size of each plot is 45 m2 (15 m by 5 m), and the distance between plots and plants in plots is 2 m. The number of nodes is assigned in the main plot, and the diameter of the planting material is assigned in the subplot. There are a total of 9 treatment combinations and a total of 108 planting materials. Significantly higher (P = 0.01) mean survival rate (59%) was observed in the planting material with two basal nodes and 2-4 cm diameter and the planting material with six nodes and 2-4 cm diameter. Further research is crucial to devise effective vegetative propagation methods for large scale plantations without compromising the survival capability of the planting materials.

Effects of Organic Manures and Foliar Sprays on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet

Experiments were conducted at the Centre of Excellence in Millets, Athiyandal, Thiruvannamalai, India to evaluate various organic nutrient sources with foliar application over three seasons from kharif 2015 to 2017 in Split Plot Design (SPD). Applying farmyard manure (FYM) @ 12.5 t ha-1 along with in-situ incorporation of sunhemp green manuring SGM @ 6.50 t ha-1 at 45 days after planting (DAP) resulted in higher grain and straw yields of 2,420 kg ha-1 and 3,549 kg ha-1, respectively. A foliar spray of Panchakavya at a 3% concentration increased grain and straw yields to 2,423 kg ha-1 and 3,338 kg ha-1. The B4 treatment yielded the highest gross income (₹84,724 ha-1), net income (₹55,372 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.84). Vermicompost application at 5 t ha-1 led to lower gross income. Among the foliar sprays, Panchakavya at 3% produced the highest gross income (₹84,478 ha-1), net income (₹43,534 ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.36), followed by vermiwash at 3%.

Effect of Crop Establishment Method, Residue and Nutrient Management on Productivity of Rice-Wheat Cropping System at Rupandehi, Bhairahawa, Nepal

The puddling operation and multiple tillage operations done in traditional rice-wheat system have negative impact on soil resulting into low productivity of rice - wheat system. A field experiment was conducted to find the alternate practices for enhancing the productivity of rice-wheat system at National Wheat Research Program, Bhairahawa during 2018/19. Three crop establishment methods: surface seeded wheat (SSW) followed by (fb) unpuddled transplanted rice (U-TPR), zero tilled wheat (ZTW) fb zero tilled direct seeded rice (ZT-DSR) and conventionally tilled wheat (CTW) fb puddled transplanted rice (PTR) were tested in two levels of residue management: residue removed (R0) and residue retention (R50). Three levels of nutrient management: recommended dose of NPK (F100), 25% higher dose of NPK (F125) and farmer’s practice (FP) were assigned in wheat. Strip-split plot design with 3 replications was used in wheat while strip-plot design with 9 replications was used in rice. Crop establishment methods (CSM) were assigned in vertical strips; residue management in horizontal blocks and nutrient management were assigned in subplots. The number of tillers at maximum tillering stage, maximum leaf area index, effective tiller per square meter and number of grains per spike of wheat were significantly affected by CSM, where ZTW had shown better results (413.7 tillers, 2.12 LAI, 224.1 effective tiller per square meter and 34.27 grains per spike) than SSW and CTW but the CSM had no significant effect on grain yield of both rice and wheat crop. R0 had produced significantly higher straw yield than R50 of both rice and wheat, whereas, R50 had produced significantly higher harvest index than R0 in rice. The application of 25% more nutrients than the recommended dose resulted in the significantly better growth, yield attributes, and yield of wheat. The ZTW fb ZT-DSR had produced significantly higher system yield than SSW fb U-TPR where, CTW fb PTR was statistically at par with both systems. The recommended dose of nutrients (F100) and 25% higher than F100 (F125) had produced significantly higher system yield than farmer’s practice (FP) dose. Research results revealed that ZTW fb ZT-DSR system can be suggested instead of traditional CTW fb PTR system without significant yield differences.

The productivity of selected soybean cultivars grown using various cultivation methods

Soybean is an important legume crop globally due to its rich protein, oil content, and functional components. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of selected soybean cultivars depending on cultivation methods. The three-year field experiment, conducted from 2018 to 2020 at the Agricultural Experimental Station in Kępa-Puławy, Osiny farm (Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute in Puławy), investigated these variations. The first experimental factor was the soil cultivation method: A – conventional tillage, B – reduced tillage, and C – strip tillage. The second variable was soybean cultivar: ‘Aldana’ and ‘Merlin’. The soybean cultivars were selected for their differing maturity rates: ‘Aldana’ (000) is an early cultivar, while ‘Merlin’ (000++) semi-late cultivar. The field experiment utilised a split-plot design on Luvisol soil with sandy loam texture, belonging to a good rye complex, class IIIb–IVa, and was replicated four times. The study showed that the productivity (seed and protein yield) of the ‘Merlin’ cultivar grown in the central-eastern part of Poland was approximately 8% higher than that of the ‘Aldana’ cultivar. The cultivation method had a relatively minor influence on soybean yield, the content of selected nutrients, morphological features, and elements of the yield structure. The soil in strip-tillage method was more compact than the soil cultivated with a plough. After harvesting soybeans at a depth of 30, and 40 cm, the compactness of soil in strip-tillage or with reduced tillage was much lower than in spring, highlighting a positive effect of soybean cultivation on loosening the arable layer.

Integrated uses of organic and inorganic fertilisers to increase sesame productivity on coastal sand fields

Sesame is recognised as a valuable oil plant with potential health benefits due to its disease mitigating properties. It shows exceptional growth rates in light soil types, such as sandy beach soils which are often deemed infertile. To address the issue, it is necessary to apply eco-friendly fertilisers derived from animal manure. Consequently, research has focused on performance evaluation over two growing seasons, namely the dry and rainy seasons, on coastal sandy soils. Employing a split-plot design across three replicates, the study investigated the influence of planting time and cultivar on the growth and yield of sesame. The study aimed to assess the impact of mixed fertiliser application timing on sesame growth and yield, focusing on both quantitative and qualitative parameters across the rainy and dry seasons. Results indicated that applying a mixture comprising chicken manure and inorganic fertiliser at the planting time significantly affected several growth parameters. These included plant height, chlorophyll content, flowering time, number of branches, net assimilation rate, root volume, and total sesame oil content, particularly in the dry season. Specifically, employing a dosage of 24.75 g of inorganic NPK fertiliser, comprising 1.45 g of nitrogen, 0.74 g of phosphorus, and 1.25 g of potassium per plant at planting time during the dry season, demonstrated the most favourable outcomes in terms of growth, yield components, and soil fertility. This approach also yielded a remarkable 54.51% oil content in the cultivar ‘Sbr-1’.

Biochar decreased N loss from paddy ecosystem under alternate wetting and drying in the Lower Liaohe River Plain, China

Biochar addition to soil is widely utilized to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce fertilizer N losses. However, little research has been studied on the effect of biochar on reactive gaseous N losses, N leaching and grain yield in paddy ecosystems under water stress, especially in the Lower Liaohe River Plain with a higher water percolation. Our experiment was carried out in 2020 and 2021 utilizing a split-plot design with continuously flooding irrigation and alternate wetting and drying irrigation as main plots and without biochar addition and with 20 t·ha−1 rice husk-derived biochar addition as sub-plots. The results showed that alternate wetting and drying irrigation respectively, decreased N leaching and reactive N losses by 15.9 % and 11.3 % but also respectively, increased seasonal cumulative NH3 volatilization and N2O emissions by 5.0 % and 210 % on average. Rice husk-derived biochar addition significantly mitigated seasonal cumulative NH3 volatilization and N2O emissions by 8.8 % and 19.7 % in 2020, 20.7 % and 19.2 % in 2021, respectively, and decreased inorganic N leaching and reactive N losses by 8.3 % and 14.1 % in 2021. Biochar addition coupling with alternate wetting and drying respectively, mitigated cumulative NH3 volatilization and N2O emissions by 7.3 % and 19.3 % in 2020, and, 22.7 % and 22.0 % in 2021 as compared to that without biochar. Biochar did not differ from without biochar in inorganic N leaching under alternate wetting and drying irrigation in both years but significantly reduced reactive N losses by 17.8 % in 2021, which efficiently inhibited the alternate wetting and drying induced negative effects on the increase in reactive N losses. Therefore, biochar addition to paddy ecosystems under alternate wetting and drying could realize sustainable utilization of water resources, increase soil N fixation, and mitigate N losses.