Split-plot Research Articles

Profitability of Maize and Groundnut Crop Production under Different Irrigation Systems with Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen Level Application in Southern India

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels on the economics of maize and groundnut during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJT Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The experiment consisted of 18 treatment combinations (3 irrigation systems as the main plot, 3 irrigation levels as the sub-plot, and 2 nitrogen levels as the sub-sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The experiment revealed that among irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels in both crops (maize and groundnut) significantly higher gross returns, net returns, and BCR were recorded with M2 (sub-surface irrigation system), S1 (1.2 Epan; IW/CPE) and N1 (100 percent RDN). In both crops, the interaction between irrigation system and irrigation levels (M x S) revealed significantly higher returns and BCR with sub-surface drip irrigation levels@ 1.2 Epan & 0.9 Epan ratios (M2S1 and M2S2) followed by surface drip irrigation levels @ 1.2 Epan & 0.9 Epan ratios (M1S1 and M1S2), surface irrigation @ 1.2 IW/CPE ratio (M3S1). In contrast, surface irrigation @ 0.6 IW/CPE ratio (M3S3) resulted in the least returns and BCR during both the years. The interaction effects of irrigation systems and N levels (M x N), irrigation, and N levels (S x N) were non-significant in the groundnut crop whereas they were significant in maize crop. The M2N1 recorded significantly higher mean gross returns (₹. 1,46,852 ha-1), net returns (₹. 90,960 ha-1), and BCR (2.62) whereas M3N2 recorded the lowest mean gross return (₹. 97,052 ha-1), net return (₹. 45,305 ha-1) and BCR (1.87). Among S x N interaction effects, the S1N1 (1.2 Epan; IW/CPE with 100 percent RDN) resulted in significantly higher gross returns (₹. 1,44,385 ha-1), net returns (₹. 89,256 ha-1) and BCR (2.61) followed by S2N1. In contrast, S3N2 resulted in significantly least returns and BCR. The interaction effects of irrigation systems, irrigation, and N levels (M x S x N) were non-significant in the groundnut crop while showing a significant impact on the economics of maize. The sub-surface irrigation system (M2) with 1.2 Epan (S1) and 100 percent RDN (N1) recorded significantly higher mean gross returns (₹. 1,58,749 ha-1), net return (₹. 1,10,243 ha-1) and BCR (2.82) followed by M2S2N1 (₹. 1,56,106 ha-1, ₹. 1,14,542 ha-1 and 2.79), M1S1N1 and M1S2N1 while M3S3N2 (surface irrigation system with 0.6 IW/CPE and 75 per cent RDN) recorded least mean gross returns (₹. 65,253 ha-1), net returns (₹. 14,106 ha-1) and BCR (1.28) thus making it the least remunerative among all treatment combinations studied.

Sustainability Potential of Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) in Livestock Farming of Peru’s Highland Regions

Sustainable Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) production in the Peruvian highlands was evaluated through productivity, growth, and chemical composition. This study assessed the effects of nitrogen (N) rate, organic matter application, and cutting frequency on Kikuyu grass’s yield, chemical composition, plant height, and growth rate. The experiment followed a randomised block design with split plots. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) assessed the differences across study factors. Applying 120 kg of N ha−1 yr−1 raised the protein yield to 3454.53 kg ha−1, with a crude protein (CP) content of 23.54%. Moreover, fencing with cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) trees influenced the Kikuyu biomass, producing 19,176.23 kg of dry matter (DM) ha−1 yr−1 at 8.5–11.5 m from the tree base. Organic matter enhanced the Kikuyu aboveground biomass. While dry matter production showed no significant difference between 30- and 60-day cutting intervals, CP content was higher at 30 days (p < 0.05). Peak daily dry matter (DM) production occurred at 45 days, achieving a biomass accumulation of 21,186.9 kg of DM ha−1 yr−1. Given its high yield and favourable chemical composition, Kikuyu is a viable option for dairy cattle feed, especially in highland areas. Implementing a plant improvement programme for Kikuyu could further enhance its nutritional value for high-production dairy cows.

Nutrient Uptake of the Individual Crops in Maize and Groundnut Cropping System Grown under Different Irrigation Systems with Varied Irrigation and Nitrogen Levels

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels on nutrient uptake of rabi maize and summer groundnut during 2021-22 and 2022-23 at the College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, PJTAU, Hyderabad. The experiment composed of 18 treatment combinations (3 irrigation systems as main plot, 3 irrigation levels as sub-plot and 2 nitrogen levels as sub-sub-plot) in a split plot design replicated thrice. The study revealed that irrigation systems, irrigation and N levels and the interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels influenced the nutrient uptake of maize and groundnut crops during both the years of experimentation. Significantly higher NPK uptake was observed with sub-surface drip irrigation (M2), irrigation level at 1.2 Epan;IW/CPE (S1) and N level at 100 per cent RDN (N1). The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels (M x S) was significant while the interaction of N levels with irrigation systems (M x N) and irrigation levels (N x S) was not significant for both rabi maize and summer groundnut. The interaction of irrigation systems and irrigation levels revealed that in both maize and groundnut crops at earlier crop growth period the M3S1 (surface irrigation with 1.2 IW/CPE) resulted in significantly higher NPK uptake followed by M2S1 and M2S2 (sub-surface drip irrigation with 1.2 and 0.9 Epan). However at later crop growth stages due to prolonged fertigation schedules in micro irrigation systems, the higher NPK uptake was observed with M2S1 and M2S2 followed by surface drip irrigation system with 1.2 Epan (M1S1) and surface irrigation system with 1.2 IW/CPE (M3S1) while M3S3 resulted in lowest NPK uptake at all crop stages and in grains & stover/haulm during both the consecutive years (2021-22 and 2022-23).

Role of nano-selenium and irrigation water quality in some anatom-ical and chemical characteristics of some citrus rootstocks

The research was carried out in a lath-house at Karbala certified citrus nursery/Department of Horticulture/Kerbala Agriculture Directotae, Hindiyah District, for the season 2022, starting from 1/3 to 1/11, to study the effect of spraying with Nano-selenium and water types for irrigation water on some anatomical and chemical characteristics of three citrus rootstocks. The experiment was three factors Split- Split Plot Design in R.C.B.D. The main plot was two types of water: river water and well water, sub-plot was three Citrus rootstocks, Sour orange, Volcamariana and Lime seedlings, while the sub-sub-plot included Spraying Nano selenium at a concentration of 0, 1, and 2 mg L-1. The result showed that the spraying with Nano-selenium at 2ml L-1 resulted in higher cuticle thickness, CHO%, proline acid, ABA hormone and Glutathione GSH. However, Nano-selenium and water quality did not show much effect on the average number of stomata in the leaves. For the water types, it showed that the irrigation with well water resulted in higher cuticle thickness, plant content of proline acid, ABA hormone and Glutathione GSH). Among the rootstocks, the Sour orange had the highest in plant content of proline acid, ABA hormone and Glutathione GSH, while Lime rootstock was the best in number of leaf stomata and CHO%, as the rootstocks didn’t differ in leaf cuticle thickness. The best results for the most indicators under study were obtained in the presence of Nano-selenium 2 mg L-1 where interacted with well water and Sour orange. Lime rootstock seedlings performed better with river water. This study showed that applying Nano- selenium 2 mg L-1 can be the best choice to improve seedlings growth and to enhance seedling tolerance to well water salinity.

Agronomic biofortification of Calcium in Pak choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) via hydroponic nutrient film technique

Pak choy is rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin K, all essential for health. Pak choy requires a proper balance of nutrients for optimal growth. In a hydroponic system, any imbalance in nutrient levels can negatively impact plant growth and reduce the nutritional value stored in the tissues. Selecting suitable varieties and providing appropriate calcium treatment can help increase calcium content and enhance productivity. This study aims to determine the effect of calcium concentration on growth, yield, and Ca content and the most responsive varieties to increased calcium concentration. The research design used was a Split Plot Design with two factors, namely calcium nitrate concentration (k) as the main plot consisting of k0 = without addition of Ca(NO3)2, k1 = addition of 300 mg/L Ca(NO3)2, k2 = addition of 600 mg/L Ca(NO3)2, k3 = addition of 900 mg/L Ca(NO3)2, and k4 = addition of 1200 mg/L Ca(NO3)2. Varieties (v) as subplots consist of v1 = Masbro, v2 = Nauli F1, and v3 = Flamingo. The results showed that the Nauli F1 variety had the best effect on the number of leaves, growth rate index, and fresh weight of shoots. Adding 900 mg/L of calcium nitrate had the best impact on plant growth, while adding 1200 mg/L of calcium nitrate caused plant poisoning. The Masbro variety was responsive to Ca biofortification.

Grafting and Inoculation of Grafted Plants With Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Enhances Biotic and Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Organic Tomato

Biotic and abiotic stress factors pose significant challenges to organic tomato production in Alabama and the southeastern United States. High temperature, drought, soil, and foliar-borne diseases have rendered it exceedingly difficult for organic tomato growers in Alabama to produce profitable crops. Our objective was to evaluate plant response to imposed biotic (Verticillium dahliae) and abiotic (drought) stress in the popular tomato variety ‘Roma’ through grafting unto the resistant rootstock ‘Maxifort’, and the incorporation of the plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) B. amyloliquefaciens, to mitigate challenges posed by these stress factors. The research was conducted in a greenhouse in north Alabama where both soilborne pathogens (V. dahliae) and drought stress treatments were applied. The experimental design was a split plot with 4 main plots (Grafting, PGPR, Grafting + PGPR, and Control) and 3 subplots (drought, pathogen, and control) treatments with 4 replications. B. amyloliquefaciens was applied in the rhizosphere of grafted and non-grafted plants at 1 × 108 CFU/ml/plant. Pathogen-treated plants were also inoculated with V. dahliae at 1 × 105 propagules/ml. The study revealed that grafting, and grafting + B. amyloliquefaciens caused a significant increase in stem girth, plant biomass, early flowering, and fruiting of tomatoes compared to the non-grafted and control treatments. Integrating grafting and PGPR could be beneficial in enhancing plant resilience and performance under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.

Yield Comparison of Three Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Varieties Cultivated with Dutch Bucket and Drip Irrigation Systems

Melon is one of the horticultural commodities with considerable economic potential. Cultivation through hydroponic systems can provide efficiency and increase production if complemented by superior varieties. This study aims to identify the best hydroponic system and melon variety combination with the highest yield. The research was conducted from November 2023 to April 2024 at the screen house in Pasir Kulon Village, Karanglewas District, Banyumas Regency, at 110 m above sea level. The study used a split-plot factorial design with a basic design of a Completely Randomized Block Design. The first factor was the hydroponic system, consisting of S1 = Dutch bucket and S2 = drip irrigation. The second factor was the variety, consisting of V1 = Golden Aroma, V2 = Rangipo, and V3 = Sweet Net. The results showed that the best yield was found in the Dutch bucket system and the Golden Aroma variety, with a fruit flesh thickness of 3.3 cm and a total soluble solids content of 17.18 °Brix.

Impact of Scion Length and Cover Type on the Success of Durian Grafting

Grafting has become a technique with high potential for increasing the efficiency of modern and intelligent crop cultivation, and shows its adoption of power and robustness under different inspection situations. This study aims to determine impact of interaction between scions length and cover type on the success of durian grafting. It was carried out using a Split Plot Design method, with the main plot being the cover type composed of individual and mass of cover type, while the subplot consists of 10 and 20 cm scions length. The observed variable were time of bud emergence, percentage of bud emergence, bud length, leaves of number and grafting of success. The data were analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). If there are significantly different treatments then proceed with the Least Significant Difference test at 5% level. The results showed that the interaction between scions of length and cover type treatment did not affect grafting technique. However, the treatment of cover type affected the percentage of bud emergence, bud length, leaves of number, and grafting success. The treatment of scions of length also affected the leaves of number. The mass cover type resulted in 93.5% bud emergence, 1.5 cm bud length, 2.73 increase in the leaves of number, and 93% grafting success. Meanwhile, the treatment of scions of length 20 cm increased the leaves of number by 2.13 strands. Scions of length that is successfully connected to grow and form new shoots has an impact on the development of healthy stems. The cover type in this study was able to protect grafting plants from direct exposure to sunlight, maintain plant moisture, prevent pests and diseases, protect from rain so that grafting can be successful.

Cultivar’s Response to Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria for Nodulation, Growth and Yield in Garden Pea (Pisum sativum var. Hortense)

Background: The research, conducted throughout the 2019-20 period, aims to investigate the response of garden pea cultivars to rhizobium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) in terms of nodulation, growth and yield. The objectives included examining the influence of rhizobium and PSB on nodulation ability and studying the yield response of different cultivars under co-inoculation. Additionally, the research attempted to investigate nitrogen and phosphate uptake in several garden pea cultivars. Methods: The experiment utilized a Split-Split plot design, with main plots comprising five pea cultivars (P-89, AP-3, Bonneville, Arka Kartliik and Arka Apoorva), sub-plots with rhizobium inoculationand sub-sub plots with PSB inoculations. Each variety had four treatments: Uninoculated control, rhizobium, PSB and rhizobium+PSB. Result: In terms of growth and yield metrics, AP-3 exhibited the quickest days to 50% flowering, whereas Arka Apoorva displayed the tallest plant height (109.93 cm). P-89 stood out in yield characteristics, including pod weight (7.34 g), number of pods per plant (41.99) and green pod yield (126.75 q/ha). Rhizobium and PSB co-inoculations were found to have a considerable impact on yield gains. Regarding quality metrics, Bonneville pods had the greatest TSS content (16.90 Brix) and AP-3 had the highest dry matter content (23.60%). Nodulation experiments found that P-89 had the maximum number of nodules per plant (75.56) and demonstrated the highest uptake of both nitrogen and phosphorus. Overall, the dual inoculation of Rhizobium + PSB outperformed single inoculation and the uninoculated control in all recorded parameters.

Effects of tithonia diversifolia biomass soil amendments on three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) grown in succession in an intercropping system with bananas in Ultisol

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of using biomass of T. diversifolia as a green manure soil amendment on three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) cultivated in a banana intercropping system in Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with two nutrient sources (chemical fertiliser (CON) and T. diversifolia biomass (Ti)) for the banana plants in the main plots, and three application rates of biomass of T. diversifolia for the three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) in the subplots. In the banana intercropping system, the application of chemical fertiliser to supply 250 g N plant−1 for the banana resulted in increased growth of the peanut plants, compared with the application of T. diversifolia (at the same input of N), though the yield of the peanuts was similar in both treatments. In the maize and the soybeans, the yields were significantly higher in the CON treatment compared with the Ti treatment. Increased application rates of T. diversifolia biomass for the annual crops (13.8 t ha−1 T. diversifolia (dm) for maize and 3 t ha−1 T. diversifolia (dm) for soybean) resulted in increased yields in the maize and soybean. It was concluded that under the poor soil conditions of the Ultisol, the application T. diversifolia as a green manure promoted the production of the annual crops in the banana intercropping system, even when the green manure was the only source of nutrients.

Performance Evaluation of the Melkassa-Made Engine-Driven Maize Sheller

The strategy of Ethiopian mechanization is to minimize postharvest loss. The methods of crop production were traditional. It involves high drudgery, low quality and quantity, time-consuming, and inefficient operation. To minimize loss, the sheller, thresher, and storage developed. But the performance was not clearly determined for researchers and manufacturers for selection and multiplication. The target of this research was the evaluation of Melkassa maize Sheller. It was conducted at three levels of feed rate: 7500, 6500, and 500 kg/hr., and speed: 700, 650, and 600 rpm. The moisture is 14 percent and maize LIMU variety. Split plot design of feed rate as the main factor and drum speed as a sub factor. The maximum shelling capacity of 6608.9 kg/h was achieved at a feed rate of 750 kg/h and a speed of 700 rpm. Where the minimum obtained at 5000 kg/hr and a speed of 600 rpm is 4242.27 kg/hr. The highest efficiency was 99.9 percent, the maximum breakage was 1.06 percent. The maximum fuel consumption is 2.347214 L/hr. The machine can significantly reduce drudgery and save time, energy, and cost of operation. As a suggestion, if engine changed to tractor attached will increase the requisition of technologies.

Better power by design: Permuted-subblock randomization boosts power in repeated-measures experiments.

During an experimental session, participants adapt and change due to learning, fatigue, fluctuations in attention, or other physiological or environmental changes. This temporal variation affects measurement, potentially reducing statistical power. We introduce a restricted randomization algorithm, permuted-subblock randomization (PSR), that boosts power by balancing experimental conditions over the course of an experimental session. We used Monte Carlo simulations to explore the performance of PSR across four scenarios of time-dependent error: exponential decay (learning effect), Gaussian random walk, pink noise, and a mixture of the previous three. PSR boosted power by about 13% on average, with a range from 4% to 45% across a representative set of study designs, while simultaneously controlling the false positive rate when time-dependent variation was absent. An R package, explan, provides functions to implement PSR during experiment planning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Optimization of Irrigation Scheduling and Foliar Spray of Silicon on Growth, Yield and Water Use Efficiency of Wheat

Silicon is generally considered a beneficial element for crop especially under water stress/deficit condition but the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we focus on optimization of irrigation scheduling and the effect of silicon through foliar spray for improving plant tolerance under drought stresses situation at deficit irrigation levels under semi-arid tropical condition of India. A field experiment was conducted with objective of foliar spray of silicon on growth, yield and water use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under deficit irrigation at C.P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Gujarat, India during the rabi season of 2023-24. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with four replications, consisting of twelve treatment combinations comprising three irrigation levels in main plot viz., I1: 0.6 IW/CPE, I2: 0.8 IW/CPE, I3: 1.0 IW/CPE and four silicon levels in sub plot viz, S0: Control, S1: Silicon @ 0.5%, S2: Silicon @ 1.0%, S3: Silicon @ 1.5%. The results of the present study revealed that Irrigation scheduling at 0.8 IW/CPE combined with foliar spray of silicon @ 1.0% significantly enhanced wheat growth, yield attributes and grain yield (3970 kg/ha) and water use efficiency (10.87 kg/ha-mm) of wheat. Higher silicon levels mitigated drought stress, optimizing productivity under deficit irrigation. The maximum predicted yield (4123 kg/ha) occurred at 411.5 mm irrigation depth, beyond which yields declined.

Influence of location-specific nutrient management and plant stand on the growth, productivity, and nutrient uptake of irrigated rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

Cereals are essential for global food security and serve as a primary source of dietary energy for 60% of the world's population. Maize, among the prominent cereals, stands out as a highly adaptable crop with versatility across diverse agro-climatic zones, fulfilling demands for food, feed, and fodder worldwide. While progressive farmers often adhere to conventional fertilizer recommendations set by authorities, this practice can sometimes result in suboptimal productivity with a negative impact soil health over time. In this context, the Nutrient Expert (NE) can be considered an efficient decision support system for field-specific recommendations for precision nutrient management in maize. Plant density is a vital agronomic trait determining the grain yield of maize. Considering these, a field study was conducted for two consecutive years at the Post Graduate Research Farm of Centurion University of Technology and Management, Paralakhemundi, Odisha, India (18.8° N latitude, 84.8° E longitude) during the rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24. the present research was conducted by adopting a split-plot design which comprised three main plot treatments with different levels of plant population (P1: 66666 plants/ha; P2: 83333 plants/ha; P3: 111111 plants/ha) and four sub-plot treatments consisting of nutrient management treatments (T1: 100 % RDF, T2: Nutrient Expert-based recommendation (NE) for a target yield of 6 t/ha, T3: NE for a target yield of 8 t/ha and T4: NE for a target yield of 10 t/ha). The experimental soil was sandy clay loam in texture with slightly acidic pH and low in available nitrogen and organic carbon, and medium in phosphorous and potassium. The results of the experiment revealed a significant difference among the growth parameters, yield attributing characters, yield and nutrient uptake of maize concerning plant population and nutrient levels. The study concluded that applying primary nutrients through NE @ 10 t/ha along with a plant population of 1,11,111 plants/ha could be chosen as the most suitable agronomic practice for improving growth and productivity in irrigated rabi maize under Odisha conditions.

Impact of Salicylic Acid and Potassium Silicate in Ameliorating the Drought Stress Effect on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

Aims: The present study highlights the impact of salicylic acid and potassium silicate in reducing the deleterious effect of drought stress on sorghum. Study Design: Split plot design. Place and Duration of Study: Agricultural College Farm, Bapatla, Andhra Pradesh during rabi, 2023-24. Methodology: The experiment consist of two main treatments i.e., water stress treatments viz., M1 (stress treatment i.e., moisture stress was imposed from vegetative to flowering (25-70 DAS) and M2 (No stress treatment) and eight sub treatments viz., No spray (S1), K-Silicate @50ppm at 35+45 DAS (S2), K-Silicate @100ppm at 35+45 DAS (S3), SA @150ppm at 35+45 DAS (S4), SA @200ppm at 35+45 DAS (S5), K-Silicate @50ppm + SA @200ppm at 35+45 DAS (S6), K-Silicate @100ppm + SA @200ppm at 35+45 DAS (S7) and K-Silicate @150ppm + SA @200ppm at 35+45 DAS (S8) replicated thrice. The plant samples were collected on 30, 50 and 70 DAS. Results: The sorghum plants under water stress showed drastic reductions in chlorophyll content (54.9%), relative water content (34.1%) and increase in membrane injury index (1.9 folds), proline content (1.8 folds) and catalase activity (3.6 folds). The combined spray of potassium silicate @100ppm + SA @200ppm exhibited superior performance by enhancing the chlorophyll content by 59.1%, relative water content by 32.5, proline content by 26.1%, catalase activity by 30.4% and reducing membrane injury index by 28.9%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the foliar application of @100ppm + SA @200ppm at 35 + 45 DAS helped the sorghum plants from the negative effects of water stress from vegetative to flowering stages.

Effect of Irrigation Methods and Fertilizer Application on Growth and Yield Parameters, Yield, Economics and Water Use Efficiency in Groundnut

The present investigation was carried out at Agricultural Research Station, Bhavanisagar, Erode district of Tamil Nadu to study the effect of irrigation methods and fertilizer application effects on growth and yield parameters, yield, economics and water use efficiency in groundnut. The various irrigation methods followed were I1 – Drip irrigation, I2 – Drip fertigation, I3 – Sub surface drip irrigation, I4 – Sub surface drip fertigation, I5 – Sprinkler irrigation and I6 – Conventional method of irrigation as main plot treatments and the various methods of application of fertilizers were S1 – Absolute control (No fertilizer), S2 – Recommended dose of NPK fertilizers through normal fertilizers / Recommended dose of NPK fertilizers through water soluble fertilizers (According to the irrigation treatment) and S3 - S2 + Vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 imposed as subplot treatments, and the treatments were replicated thrice. The experiment was laid out in strip plot design in a plot size of 15 M2. Application of recommended dose of fertilizers (25: 50: 75 kg NPK ha-1)along with vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 with sub surface drip fertigation recorded highest growth [plant height (49.3 cm); number of branches (7.1) and number of leaves (69.2)] and yield attributes [number of pods per plant (38.2)], yield [pod yield (3271 kg ha-1)] high Benefit Cost Ratio (3.03) and water use efficiency (15.16 kg ha-1. mm) as compared to the other treatments in groundnut (var. VRI 3).

Effects of Organic Amendments on Earthworm Population in Sugarcane Plant Ratoon System under Different Planting Methods

This research aimed to study the effect of organic sources under different planting methods on the population of earthworm in sugarcane plantation for plant and ratoon crop. The experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research station, Anakapalle (Andhra Pradesh) on sandy loan soils under split split plot design with different planting methods, soil health management practices and nutrient levels. The main plots consisted of three planting methods M1: conventional planting, M2: paired row planting, M3: dual row planting along with four organic amendments as sub plots (Control, trash mulching + biodecomposer (A & B), green manuring with sunnhemp @ 37.5 kg ha-1 seed rate, green manuring with sunnhemp @ 25 kg ha-1 seed rate followed by intercropping) and two nutrient levels as sub sub plots (75% RDF + NPK biofertilizers and 100% RDF). The results showed that in the plant and ratoon crop significantly highest earthworm population was observed with green manuring with sunnhemp @ 25 kg ha-1 seed rate followed by intercropping and was found significantly superior to control treatment. Organic sources can improve both the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil under these conditions, which cousld improve soil ecosystem services and thus increasing the earthworm population.

Effects of microbial organic fertilizer on glycoalkaloid content and yield of Solanum procumbens Lour.

Solanum procumbens Lour. is a traditional medicinal plant known for its rich glycoalkaloid content. This research aimed to determine the suitable types and application rates of microbial organic fertilizers to enhance yield and glycoalkaloid content in Solanum procumbens Lour. A two-factor experiment was conducted using a Split-Plot Design (SPD) with three replications. The main plots included four types of microbial organic fertilizers (HD301, HD302, Komix-BL2, and HCMK7), while the sub-plots involved three application rates (2, 4, and 6 tonnes/ha per crop). Various parameters were measured, including fresh and dry biomass per plant, fresh and dry yield per ha, glycoalkaloid content, and glycoalkaloid yield across two cropping cycles. The results indicated that applying HCMK7 at a rate of 6 tonnes/ha per crop produced the highest outcomes: in the initial crop, a fresh weight of 255.2 g and dry weight of 111.1 g per plant, fresh yield of 15.77 tonnes/ha, dry yield of 6.99 tonnes/ha, glycoalkaloid content of 0.70%, and glycoalkaloid yield of 48.97 kg/ha. In the ratoon crop, the same application rate yielded a fresh weight of 282.5 g and dry weight of 134.6 g/plant, fresh yield of 17.62 tonnes/ha, dry yield of 9.21 tonnes/ha, glycoalkaloid content of 0.76%, and glycoalkaloid yield of 70.39 kg/ha. The highest average glycoalkaloid content (0.73%) and total glycoalkaloid yield (119.36 kg/ha) across both crops were also recorded at this application rate.

Effect of Different Nitrogen Levels and Nano Urea on Yield and Economics of Wheat under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India

Optimizing nitrogen levels, particularly through nano-urea application, significantly enhances wheat yield by improving nutrient uptake efficiency, leading to increased economic returns while minimizing environmental impact. A field experiment was conducted at Chamelti Agriculture Farm, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan during rabi season of 2023-24 to study the effect of different nitrogen levels and nano urea on yield and economics of wheat under mid hills of Himachal Pradesh. The field experiment was laid out in Split plot design consisting of four treatments in main plot and three treatments in sub plot. The treatments of main plot were comprising of four nitrogen levels viz., Control, 50% RDN, 75% RDN and 100% RDN (recommended dose of nitrogen) and three foliar spray of Nano urea in sub plot viz., at CRI stage, Tillering stage and Jointing stage. The recommended doses of fertilizers were applied in each plot. Phosphorous and potassium were applied as basal at the time of sowing through SSP and MOP. Nitrogen was applied in two split doses, half dose was applied through urea at the time of sowing as basal dose and remaining half dose was applied in two equal splits at the time of CRI and tillering stage. While, foliar application of nano urea was applied as per treatment @ 3 ml l-1 of water. Other operations were performed as per package of practices of this area. The results revealed that application of 100% RDN recorded significantly higher yield and economics. While, Foliar spray of nano urea at jointing stage resulted in significantly higher yield and economics of wheat viz., grain yield (kg ha-1), straw yield (kg ha-1), biological yield (kg ha-1), gross returns (₹ ha-1) and net returns (₹ ha-1).

Evaluation of the Effects of Foliar Sulfur Applications on Yield, Evapotranspiration and Water Use Efficiency of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) Under Different Irrigation Regimes

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of foliar sulphur applications on cotton plants exposed to water stress. It was carried out on ‘Carisma’ variety cotton plant with 3 irrigation level, 3 sulfur doses and 3 replicates, except for control treatments, in split plots experimental design in randomized blocks. Sulfur in elemental form was applied at doses of 150 ml da-1 (S1), 250 ml da-1 (S2) and 350 ml da-1 (S3), except for the control (S0) and at I100, I66, I33 irrigation levels of the available capacity and in the non-irrigated treatment (I0). Irrigation water amounts varied between 332-1006 mm and 306-928 mm in the 2015 and 2016, and evapotranspiration ranged between 299-1096 mm and 247- 995 mm, respectively. Evapotranspiration decreased slightly in the first year and increased in the second year as the sulphur doses increased. The highest yields were 5871 kg ha-1 (I100S0) and 6148.7 kg ha-1 (I100S1) in 2015 and 2016, respectively. In comparison to I100, yield decreased by 70%, 39% and 14% in 2015, 67%, 33% and 8% in 2016 in I0, I33 and I66, respectively. Sulphur doses caused yield to decrease in 2015 and increase in 2016. Compared to S0 treatment, yield increased by 14%, 1.9% and 8.6% at S1, S2 and S3 in 2016. With the decrease in ET, yield (relative to I100) decreased by 73%-70% at I0, 52%-39% at I33 and 26%-15% at I66 in the first year, by 75%-67% at I0, 44%-33% at I33 and 20%-8% at I66 in the second year, and by 74%-68% at I0, 48%-36% at I33 and 23%-11% at I66. Water use efficiency (WUE) was approximately the same in sulfur doses, while the lowest was determined at I100 and the highest was determined at I0 and I33. WUE increased as the amount of irrigation water increased in the second year, but did not show a stable change in the first year. The highest WUE was calculated in the first year on I33 (6.3 kg ha-1mm-1) and in the second year on I0 (7.5 kg ha-1mm-1). Sulphur doses did not cause a significant difference in WUE and the highest WUE was determined at S0 (6.0 kg ha-1mm-1) in the first year and in the second year at S1 (6.5 kg ha-1mm-1). Sulphur doses did not affect leaf sulphur concentration in the first year, but statistically in the second year. Mean of two years, the highest leaf sulphur concentration was measured in S3.