Urea Spray Research Articles

Effect of cutting schedules and nitrogen management on forage and seed production of oats (Avena sativa L.)

A field research entitled “Effect of cutting schedules and nitrogen management on forage and seed production of oats (Avena sativa L.)” was conducted to find out the effect of cutting schedules (uncut, cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS) and nitrogen management (120 kg N ha-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1) on productivity of oats and find out the effect of foliar application of ‘Nano Urea’. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height, number of tiller 0.5 m-1 row length and dry matter accumulation 0.5 m-1 row length were observed under uncut over cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS.The results revealed that cut at 60 DAS resulted in significantly highergreen fodder yield as compared to cut at 50 DAS. Yield parameters viz. number of effective tillers 0.5 m-1 row length, panicle length, number of grains panicle-1, 1000 grain weight, weight of grain 0.5 m-1 row length, grain, straw, biological yield and harvest index of oat was significantly higher under uncut as compared to cut at 50 DAS and 60 DAS. Grain yield increased under uncut over cut at 60 DAS by 146.8 per cent and straw yield increased under uncut over cut at 50 DAS and cut at 60 DAS by 69.1 and 182.7 per cent, respectively. Further, uncut recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content and uptake in grain and straw as compared to cut at 50 DAS and 60 DAS. Further, number of tiller and dry matter accumulation increased with the application of 120 kg ha-1. Significantly higher green (35.02 t ha-1) and dry (7.35 t ha-1) fodder yield was obtained with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 as compared to application of 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, however, it was at par with application of 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1. Yield parameters viz. number of effective tillers and 1000 grain weight increased with the application of 120 kg N ha-1. Further, grain yield increased with the application 120 kg N ha-1over 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 2 ml litre-1, 90 kg N ha-1 + one spray of nano urea 4 ml litre-1, 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 and 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 4 ml litre-1 by 17.4, 14.2, 35.1 and 28.2 per cent, respectively. Straw yield increased with the application of 120 kg N ha-1 over 60 kg N ha-1 + two sprays of nano urea 2 ml litre-1 by 15.3 per cent. Further application of 120 kg N ha-1 recorded higher phosphorus and potassium content over rest of the treatments.

Effect of Planting Geometry and Inorganic Fertilizers with Nano Urea Quality and Nutrient Uptake of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

The present investigation entitled “Influence of planting geometry and inorganic fertilizers with nano urea on productivity of rice crop (Oryza sativa L.).” was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar (Kumarganj), Faizabad-224229 (U.P.) during Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023. Fifteen treatment combinations comprised of three planting geometry C1 (20 cm × 10 cm), C2 (20 cm × 15 cm) and C3 (20 cm × 20 cm) in main plot with five fertility levels F1 - 100% RDF (150:60:40), F2 [100% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F3 [75% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)], F4 [50% RDF + Two foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] and F5 - Control [no fertilizers] were executed in split plot design keeping fertility levels in sub plot with three replications. The soil of experimental plot was silty loam in texture with low in orgainic carbon and nitrogen médium in phosphorus and high in potassium. The treatment combination C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) along with F2 [100% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] demonstrated significantly elevated levels of quality and nutrient uptake, including protein content (%), yield (kg ha-1), NPK content (%), and NPK uptake (kg ha-1). This performance was comparable to the combination of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) with F3 [75% RDF + two foliar applications of nano urea at 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)], and notably surpassed other treatments. In summary, the utilization of C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) coupled with F2 [100% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1 (during Tillering and Panicle initiation stages)] exhibited superior outcomes across all parameters of quality and nutrient absorption, leading to increased rice crop yield and profitability over both study years.

Effect of Planting Geometry and Inorganic Fertilizers with Nano Urea on Growth Indices of Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

An experiment was conducted at Agronomy Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 to find out the effect of planting geometry and inorganic fertilizers with nano urea on growth indices of rice crop. All the growth indices parameters viz. Crop growth rate (g m-2 day-1) Relative growth rate (g g-1 day-1x 10-3), Net Assimilation rate (g m-2 day-1) and yield were significantly higher with the treatment P1 (20 cm × 10 cm) and F2 [100% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] at par with treatment combination P1 (20 cm × 10 cm) and F3 [75% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1(Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] and significantly higher than the other treatments. It can be concluded that treatment C1 (20 cm × 10 cm) with the application of F2 [100% RDF + foliar spray of nano urea @ 3000 ml ha-1 (Tillering and Panicle initiation stage)] proved better during both the year for all growth indices to achieve higher yield and remuneration of rice crop.

The Effect of Mannitol and Nano Urea on Terminal Heat Stress on Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The present investigation was conducted during Rabi season, 2022-23 & 2023-24 at the student instructional farm (SIF) of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229 (U.P.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with three replications, seven treatments and wheat variety (HD 2967). The treatment was comprised of control distilled water spray, Mannitol 25, 50, 100 ppm and Nano urea 25, 50, 100 ppm respectively, which was foliar sprayed at 30 DAS. The observations have been studied on growth, bio-chemical, yield and yield attributes of wheat. Observations were recorded at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity stages for timely sowing (15 November) and late sowing (15 December). However, yield and yield parameters were taken at the time of harvesting of the crop. Foliar spray of mannitol and nano urea were performed well at 60, 90 DAS and at maturity parameters. Foliar application of nano urea with 25 ppm was recorded superior on plant height (cm), dry weight plant-1 (g), chlorophyll content in leaves (SPAD value), Catalase activity (g-1 fresh weight min-1), Peroxidase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1), Super oxide dismutase activity (mg g-1 fresh weight min-1) However, yield and yield attributes viz length of spike, number of tillers plant-1, number of grains spike-1, grain yield plant-1 It is concluded from the result that foliar spray of nano urea 25 ppm was found most effective to increasing all characters and yield parameters of wheat.

Alterations in the Nutrient Status of Soil and Enzymatic Activity of Finger Millet Cultivated Soil Accompanying to Nano Urea Application

An experiment was conducted at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, with the aim of assessing the impact of nano nitrogen on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, nitrogen use efficiency and enzymatic activity in finger millet cultivation. Among different treatments, application of 75% RDN + seed treatment with nano urea + foliar spray of nano urea at 30 and 50 DAS showed significant improvements in various growth and yield parameters of finger millet. At 90 DAS, it resulted in a remarkable increase in the number of leaves hill-1 (36.73), leaf area (982.90 cm2 hill-1) and leaf area index (3.28). The treatment also led to enhanced growth indices viz., absolute growth rate of 0.74 g day-1, a relative growth rate of 0.029 g g-1 day-1 and a crop growth rate of 24.80 g m2 day-1 during 60-90 DAS period. Significantly, it boosted the grain yield of 3,397 kg ha-1 for finger millet over control. Notably, this treatment exhibited higher NPK (86.56, 25.93 and 55.36 kg ha-1 respectively) uptake at harvest. It also demonstrated superior agronomic efficiency, internal utilization efficiency and nutrient increment efficiency of nitrogen (52.57, 39.24 and 1.40 kg kg-1 respectively). These findings underscore the potential of nano nitrogen in enhancing finger millet growth, increasing yield, optimizing nutrient uptake and improving nitrogen use efficiency in finger millet cultivation.

Response of spring rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties to different nitrogen application methods at Nawalparasi West, Nepal

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation necessitates an adequate supply of nitrogen to achieve optimal growth and yield. This study, conducted in Nawalparasi West from February to June 2023, aimed to assess the effects of nitrogen management through a foliar spray of nano urea, compared to need-based nitrogen management using the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) and the Recommended Dose of urea Fertilizer (RDF) application. The experiment followed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications, incorporating four nitrogen management levels (Control, RDF through urea fertilizer (120 kg/ha), 25% of RDF through basal urea (30 kg/ha) + nano urea, and 25% of RDF through basal urea (30 kg/ha) + (LCC) and two rice varieties (Chaite-5 and Hardinath-1). The results indicated that the LCC-based treatment produced the highest grain yield at 5.18 mt/ha, statistically similar to the yield of the nano urea-based treatment (5.04 mt/ha). The enhanced yields were attributed to more effective tillers per m² (260.17 tillers/m² and 253.17 tillers/m², respectively), longer panicle length (28.12 cm and 25.99 cm), more filled grains per panicle (210.03 and 215.73), and lower sterility percentage (24.93% and 26.95%). Despite comparable yields, nano urea application proved to be more cost-effective [97,926.10 Nepalese Rupees (NRs)] with a higher benefit-cost ratio (1.78) and greater ease of application for farmers compared to the LCC. Varietal responses varied, with Hardinath-1 exhibiting the highest yield with LCC-based nitrogen application (5.37 mt/ha), and Chaite-5 demonstrating the highest yield (4.778 mt/ha); with nano urea-based nitrogen application (5.31 mt/ha). Chaite-5 displayed a greater effective number of tillers per m² (241.42 tillers/m²) and filled grains per panicle (224.56). Consequently, it is suggested that nano urea-based nitrogen application, particularly in conjunction with a variety of Chaite-5, holds the potential for improved productivity.

Comparative Evaluation of Nano Urea and Urea Foliar Sprays on Nutrient Uptake and Soil Fertility in Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Production

An investigation on “Comparative Evaluation of Nano Urea and Urea Foliar Sprays on Nutrient Uptake and Soil Fertility in Fodder Maize (Zea mays L.) Production” was conducted during kharif 2022 at ZARS, V. C. Farm, Mandya, on sandy loam soil. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with eleven treatments replicated thrice. Treatments include combinations of basal application of urea at 50, 75 and 100% recommended dose of N with varied levels of nano urea and urea spray at 20 and 40 DAS, which were compared with RDF and control (RDF without N). Among the treatments tested, 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray recorded significantly higher green fodder yield (427.70 q ha-1) and dry matter yield (91.64 q ha-1), nutrient uptake (153.49 kg ha-1 of N, 33.37 kg ha-1of P and 121.29 kg ha-1 of K) and was on par with 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray. Available N, P2O5 and K2O status in the post-harvest soil varied significantly but pH, EC and OC was not significantly influenced by varied levels of recommended dose of nitrogen with different foliar concentrations of nano urea and urea. Higher soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium was recorded 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray (213.25, 42.58, 189.06 kg ha-1, respectively) followed by 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray (200.70, 40.87 and 187.95 kg ha-1, respectively).

Effect of foliar spray of urea and Potassium Citrate on fruiting of Barhee Date palm

Effect of foliar spray of urea and Potassium Citrate on fruiting of Barhee Date palm

Influence of Foliar Application of Nano Urea and Urea on Productivity and Nutrient Status of Fodder Maize during Kharif Season

A field-based study was carried out during Kharif season in 2022 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India. The soil was sandy loam in texture, neutral in reaction, low in available nitrogen, and medium in organic carbon, phosphorous and potassium status. The experiment was carried out with fodder Maize in randomized block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments include varied levels of recommended dose of N (50, 75 and 100%) along with foliar application of nano urea (0.2% and 0.4%) and urea (2%) spray at 20 and 40 DAS, in comparison with RDF alone and control (RDF without N). The application of 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray recorded significantly higher growth parameters such as leaf area and dry matter accumulation at harvest and was on par with 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray. Significantly higher green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and nutrient content in fodder maize was recorded in 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray and was on par with 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray. Higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio was observed with application of 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray over rest of the treatments.

Influence of Different Sowing Times and Nutrient Management on Growthand Yield of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2019 at College Farm, N. M. College of Agriculture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. The experiment was laid out in split plot designit included three sowing dates viz.D1:2nd week of February, D2:4th week of February,D3:2nd week of Marchas main plot as well as five nutrient management practices, including N1:100% RDN, N2:100% RDN + Sap (1%), N3:75% RDN + Sap (1%), N4:100% RDN + Urea (1%) , N5:75% RDN + Urea (1%) as sub plot and replicated in four times. The results of this study showed that sesame sown on second week of march recorded higher growth parameters, viz, plant height (cm), dry matter accumulation (g/plant) as well as seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index while remaining noticeably on par with 4thweek of February. Among the nutrient management treatments, the significantly improved the growth parameters like plant height (cm), dry accumulation (g/plant) and yield of stalk was observed with crop fertilize 100% RDN along with Urea spray 1% which was statistically at par with 100% RDN and Sap spray 1%. Highest seed yield was recorded when the application of 100% RDN with Urea spray 1%.

Assessment of Nitrogen and Sulphur Nutrition to Optimize the Yield and Quality of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

A field experiment was conducted during February 2023 to June 2023 at Kerala Agricultural University, College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod with the objective of formulating a nutrient schedule for groundnut, consisting different sources of nutrients (especially nitrogen and sulphur), time and method of application. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 9 treatment combinations of 2 factors, viz., Nutrient Schedule (S) and Foliar Nutrition (F), with 3 treatments each, viz., S1: nitrogen (10 kg ha-1) and sulphur (20 kg ha-1) as per package of practices as basal, S2: nitrogen and sulphur each @ 10 kg ha-1 in 2 equal splits (one as basal and the other at 20 days after sowing), S3: control (without nitrogen and sulphur), F1: foliar application of urea and potassium sulphate @ 1% each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F2: foliar application of nano urea @ 3 ml 1-1 and nano sulphur @ 1 ml 1-1 each at 10 and 30 days after sowing, F3: control (without foliar application). The main effects of the treatments were significant with S1 recording taller plants at 20 (8.16 cm), 40 (18.05 cm) and 60 (30.34 cm) days after sowing and S2 at 80 days after sowing (37.61 cm). Foliar nutrition was found effective with application of nano fertilisers (F2), recording 11.17%, 27.02% and 18.75% taller plants than control at 40, 60 and 80 days respectively after sowing. The treatment combination S1F2 recorded the tallest plants at different growth stages with heights 18.61 cm, 34.50 cm and 41.50 cm respectively at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing. The leaf area of groundnut varied significantly with treatments and their combinations. Application of nitrogen and sulphur @ 10 kg ha-1 each in 2 splits (S2) was superior to other treatments in recording higher leaf areas at 40, 60 and 80 days after sowing with respective values of 747.16 cm2, 1435.60 cm2 and 1216.20 cm2. Foliar nutrition with conventional urea and potassium sulphate (F1) recorded significantly higher leaf area at 40 (734.87 cm2) and 60 (1382.70 cm2) days after sowing and it was at par with foliar application of nano fertilisers (F2) at 40 days after sowing (716.70 cm2). Application of nitrogen and sulphur in 2 splits and foliar spray of nano urea and nano sulphur (S2F2) recorded maximum leaf area at 60 (1543.83 cm2) and 80 (1341.51 cm2) days after sowing. The plants which received nitrogen and sulphur in two equal splits (S2) and foliar application of nano urea and nano sulphur (F2) or their combination (S2F2) were superior in terms of kernel yield of groundnut with values 1925.87 kg ha-1, 1801.70 kg ha-1 and 2109.80 kg ha-1 respectively. The highest oil content was obtained with the treatment S2 (48.01 %) and it was on par with S1 (47.73 %). The effect of foliar nutrition was also significant and the treatments F2 and F1 were on par and they recorded 48.04 % and 47.81 %, respectively. Integrated application of nitrogen and sulphur each @10 kg ha-1as basal and foliar spray of nano fertilisers (S1F2) recorded the highest (49.30 %) oil content and it was on par with S2F1 (49.10 %) and S2F2 (48.4 %).

Effect of Nitrogen Management through Nano Fertilizers on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was carried out during Kharif 2022-23 at Integrated Farming System demonstration unit, L-block, GKVK, Bengaluru, consisting 11 treatments replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments consisted of T1-(No nitrogen), T2-Nitrogen management as per package of practices (UASB), T3-50%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30 and 50 DAS, T4-50%RDNP+ foliar spray of nano-NP at 30 and 50 DAS, T5-Foliar spray of only nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T6-Foliar spray of only nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T7-25%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T8-25%RDNP+foliar spray of nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T9-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray, T10-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-NP spray and T11-100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray. The results revealed that application of 100%RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray recorded higher plant height (229.3 cm), number of leaves at 90 DAS (15.76), dry matter production (354.9 g plant-1), GreenSeeker reading at 30, 50 and at 70 DAS after spray (0.43, 0.58 and 0.73, respectively), cob length, cob girth and cob weight (20.5 cm, 5.49 cm and 201.9 g plant-1, respectively) and higher kernel and stover yield (7729 and 8948 kg ha-1, respectively)over other treatments and on it was par with 100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray and 100% RDN + NDVI based nano NP spray.

Study on Urea Crystallization Risk Assessment and Influencing Factors in After-Treatment System of Diesel Engines

In order to meet the increasing pollutants discharge standard, the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) module in the diesel engine after-treatment system is an important means to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. SCR systems are prone to urea crystallization at lower temperatures, especially during the cold-start conditions of diesel engines. In this study, we use the diesel engine after-treatment system test bench to obtain the boundary parameter of the simulation modules, and the urea crystallization risk assessment model of the diesel SCR system is established. Comparing the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results with the test bench results, it is shown that the predicted urea film distribution of the assessment model is in good agreement with the experimental results. In order to clarify the various factors that affect the urea crystallization risk, this paper conducts a simulation analysis on a nozzle and mixer structure and operating parameters. The CFD results indicate that the increase in urea spray time will increase the maximum urea film thickness on the SCR system mixer surface. Exhaust temperature is the most important influencing factor. When the diesel engine exhaust temperature increases from 190 °C to 300 °C, the maximum urea film thickness decreases by 32 and the urea film mass accumulation decreases by 5%. Exhaust flow has a small impact on urea crystallization risk. When the exhaust flow increases from 300 kg/h to 600 kg/h, the maximum urea film thickness decreases by 39% and the urea film mass accumulation decreases by about 1%. In addition, urea spray rate, nozzle numbers, spray angle, and spray cone angle are also factors that affect urea crystallization risk.

Effect of limited irrigation and planting systems on yield and water productivity of maize (Zea mays)

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2019 and 2020 at the research farm opf ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the effect of limited irrigation application and planting systems on yield and water productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The experiment consisted of two crop establishment methods as one factor, viz. Narrow bed planting and broad bad planting and 5 irrigation levels, viz. 25% DASM (Depletion of available soil moisture); 25% DASM at tasselling, silking, grain filling and 50% during rest of time; 50% DASM at all growth stages; 50% DASM + KCl spray at 40 DAS and at pre-tasselling; and 50% DASM+2% Urea spray at 40 DAS and at pre-tasselling. Experimental results revealed that the broad bed system of planting during 2019 and 2020 recoded significantly higher grain yields (4.37 and 4.57 t/ha) compared to the narrow bed system (4.23 and 4.38 t/ha), respectively. Regarding different irrigation levels, the highest water productivity (91.26 and 199.76 kg/ ha-cm) was observed with irrigation at 50% DASM along with two sprays of urea at 40 DAS during both the years, respectively. It was concluded that broad bed along with irrigation at 50% DASM with two sprays of urea proved to be most effective approach to enhance water productivity and yield of maize crop.

Foliar Spray of Urea: A Sustainable Way to Minimize the Rate of Fertilizer Application for Mustard Production in Drought Prone Area of Bangladesh

From the beginning of November 2021 to February 2022, an agricultural investigation was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Rajshahi University, Bangladesh. Three sets of replications including a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) were used by this design. In this study mustard variety BARI Sarisha-11 was used with five fertilizer levels viz. T₁ = control (no fertilizer), T2 =60 % of recommended dose (RD) urea [50% of RD as soil application (SA) + 10% RD as foliar application (FA)], T3=85% of recommended dose (RD) urea [70% of RD as soil application (SA) + 15% of RD as foliar application (FA)], T4= 100% of recommended dose of urea (Traditional practice), T5= 100% of recommended dose of urea +3% magic growth as foliar application. In case of T2 and T3 (except T1 & T4) magic growth was sprayed with urea i.e. liquid fertilizers, in case of T5, only magic growth given by three times (25 DAS, 35 DAS and 45 DAS). The yield indicators under investigation were all significantly impacted by liquid fertilizer. The use of T3 treatment yielded the best figure (2.45 t ha-1 ) across yield as well as yield attributes. The following second positional values was displayed in the circumstances where T4 (2.24 t ha-1 ) or customary methods were used. The lowest values for all of traits were observed from T1 (1.45 t ha- ¹) treatment. So, it is concluded that, through the foliar application of liquid fertilizer (urea with magic growth), 15% urea can be saved compared to traditional practice.

Irrigation Scheduling and Nitrogen Management Practices Affected the Nutrient Concentration of Moth Bean under Arid Ecosystem

Efficient utilization of water and fertilizers is important for maximizing yield for moth bean production through improvement the nutrient use efficiency under arid ecosystem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizers on growth, yield and nutrient content of moth bean in the western zone of Rajasthan during 2020 & 2021. Treatments included three levels of nitrogen (N1:15 kg N as basal + foliar spray of urea (2%) at flowering stage, N2: 15 kg N + foliar spray of urea (2%) at pod development stage and N3: 15 kg N + foliar spray of urea (2%) at flowering and pod development stages) and levels three levels of irrigation (I1: single irrigation at branching stage, I2: two irrigation at branching + pod development stages and I3: two irrigation at flowering + pod development stages) were laid down in factorial combinations of randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that 15 kg N + foliar spray of urea (2%) at flowering and pod development stage recorded significantly higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in seed and haulm over 15 kg N + foliar spray of urea (2%) at flowering stage and 15 kg N + foliar spray of urea (2%) at pod development stage. However, the phosphorus content in seed and haulm was not significantly influenced by N3 and statistically equivalent with N2 and N1 during 2020 and 2021. Potassium content in seed showed significant enhancement under N3, while K content in haulm was not affected significantly during 2020 and pooled basis. Further, irrigation management practices did not show any significant improvement on N, P, K content in seed and haulm during years of 2020 and 2021. While, N content in seed and haulm was significantly improved under I2 over I3 and I1 on pooled basis. Thus, 15 kg N as basal application + foliar spray of urea (2%) at flowering and pod development stages with two irrigations at branching + pod development stages improved the nutrient content in moth bean in arid condition.

Synthesis, Characterization and Impact of Nano-urea on Growth and Yield of Wheat in Inceptisol

A study on “Synthesis, Characterization and Impact of Nano-urea on Growth and Yield of Wheat in Inceptisol” was conducted at Division of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune during rabi 2021. The object of this experiment is to synthesize and characterize nano-urea at post graduate laboratory of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Pune and which is named as COAP (College of Agriculture, Pune). Nano-urea was synthesized from granular conventional urea and characterised for size of nano particles by using scanning electron microscope. The experiment consisted of twenty one combinations of treatment based on 3 levels of recommended doses of nitrogen (0, 50, 75%) and six nitrogen levels for foliar sprays and water spray as a control which was replicated twice in factorial completely randomized Design (FCRD). The foliar sprays of nitrogen consisted of four levels of COAP nano-urea @ 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm, IFFCO nano-urea @ 160 ppm and conventional urea @ 10,000 ppm applied at 30 and 50 DAS.
 It could be revealed that average size of COAP (22.419 nm) and IFFCO (22.773 nm) nano-urea was almost same. Results revealed that conjoint application of 75% nitrogen along with two foliar sprays of conventional urea @10,000 ppm, COAP nano-urea @ 200 ppm and IFFCO nano-urea @ 160 ppm taken at 30 and 50 DAS for wheat recorded significantly higher periodical plant height and leaf area at 35 and 55 DAS. Significantly higher plant height was reported with combine application of 75% RDN along with two foliar sprays of urea @ 10,000 ppm (76.83 cm) which was statistically at par with nano-urea of IIFCO (76.20 cm) and COAP (74.20 cm) than rest of the treatment at 55 DAS. In case of leaf area, application of 75% RDN along with two foliar sprays of either conventional urea @ 10,000 ppm, IFFCO nano- urea @ 160 ppm and COAP nano-urea @ 200 ppm at 35 and 55 DAS. Application of 75% recommended dose of nitrogen along with two foliar sprays of 10,000 ppm conventional urea recorded significantly higher grain (45 g pot-1) and straw yield (65.39 g pot-1) of wheat which was found to be significantly at par with 75% RDN + IFFCO nano-urea @160 ppm (44.91 and 62.87 g pot-1) and 75% RDN + COAP nano-urea @ 200 ppm (44.83 and 60.66 g pot-1).

Enhancing Nutrient Use Efficiency through Nano Urea in Pigeon Pea Based Intercropping System

A field experiment was conducted at Birsa Agricultural University Ranchi during the kharif seasons of 2021 and 2022 to evaluate N uptake and Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE) for nitrogen as influenced by pigeon pea-based intercropping systems and nitrogen management. Pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping systems with 100% recommended nitrogen (N1), recorded significantly higher total nitrogen uptake (196.6 kg/ha) which was at par with 50% RDN + 2 spray of nano urea (189.1 kg/ha). Whereas partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE), apparent recovery use efficiency (ARUE), economic nutrient use efficiency (ENUE), partial nutrient balance (PNB) of pigeon pea + sweet corn intercropping was recorded maximum (27.4 kg/kg, 13.4 kg/kg, 64.8 %, 1.66 kg yield/ ₹ invested in nitrogen & 0.88 kg/kg) respectively, while in nitrogen management, 50% RDN + 2 sprays of Nano urea performed better in terms of PFP, AE, ARUE, ENUE & PNB (52.5 kg/kg, 24.1 kg/kg, 115.4 %, 3.20 kg yield/ ₹ invested in nitrogen & 1.43 kg/kg respectively) when compared to the other nitrogen management.

Effect of foliar spray of nano urea and 2% urea on growth parameters which contribute to yield of safflower

The results from the present investigation showed that application of 100% nitrogen in the form of urea top dressing at vegetative stage and foliar spray of nano urea and 2% urea at reproductive stage improved the physiological parameters and yield of safflower. The growth parameters viz. leaf area index, relative growth rate, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate and seed yield recorded maximum values with 100% N application, while they reduced when the nitrogen dose was halved.

Response of safflower to foliar spray of nano urea

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different rates of soil applied nitrogen (100% N, 75% N and 50% N) and foliar spray of nano urea and 2% urea (at flowering and seed filling stages) on growth and yield of safflower. The results showed that the effect of soil applied urea at vegetative stage and foliar applied urea at reproductive stage had significant effect on seed and biological yield (1581, 4249 kg/ha) of safflower and recorded maximum biological yield among given treatments.