Stalk Yield Research Articles

Enhanced bioethanol production from Compositae plant stalks: Integrating dry acid pretreatment and fungal mediated biodetoxification

Compositae is an important economic plant with relatively high contents of water-soluble sugars in stalk section. The pretreatment of Compositae plant stalks quickly converts the water-soluble sugars into high titers of furan aldehydes, which inhibits the viability of consequent fermentation strains. This study used the typical Compositae plant stalks of sunflower, Jerusalem artichoke, and stevia as feedstocks for dry acid pretreatment under high solids loading, then a unique solid-state biodetoxification method was applied to degrade these high-titer inhibitors. The results showed that temperature and sulfuric acid concentration were two key parameters for enhancing pretreatment efficiency. Enzymatic hydrolysis yield of the above pretreated stalks reached up to 79.68%, 66.75% and 74.05%, respectively. For pretreated Jerusalem artichoke stalk, it contained 37.36% of cellulose, 2.72% of xylan, 3.04% of glucose, 11.64% of xylose, 20.54% of lignin, and some inhibitors (3.80% of acetate, 0.24% of HMF and 0.23% of furfural). After biodetoxification, 100% of furfural, 40% of HMF, and 36% of acetate were quickly removed by Amorphotheca resinae ZN1, which resulted in 55.57 g/L ethanol production (equivalent to 7.1% by volumetric percentage) with the yield of 55.54% from 73.59 g/L of glucose and 40.69 g/L of xylose by simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF). This study provides a combinational approach of dry acid pretreatment and biodetoxification for Compositae plant stalks biorefinery.

Influence of Nano Urea and Nano DAP on Growth and Productivity of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) During kharif season

A two years field experiment was conducted at AICRP on sunflower, Zonal agricultural research station, UASB, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif, 2022 and 2023 to study the effect of nano urea and nano DAP on growth and productivity of sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with thirteen treatments (50 % RDN+ Nano N @ 4 ml, 50 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml, 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 4 ml, 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml, 50 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 4 ml, 50 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 6 ml, 75 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 4 ml, 75 % RDNP + Nano N & P @ 6 ml, RDF + Normal urea spray @ 1%, RDF+ DAP spray @ 1%, RDF+ FYM, RDF and absolute control) each replicated thrice. The results revealed that significantly higher plant height (199.89 cm), number of leaves per plant (30.26), leaf area (5557 cm2 plant-1), leaf area index (3.09), total dry matter production (146.70 g plant-1), capitulum diameter (19.06 cm), no. of seeds per capitulum (1147), seed yield (2026 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4395 kg ha-1) were recorded with the application of RDF+ FYM and it was found on par with application of 75 % RDN+ Nano N @ 6 ml.

Effect of Different Tillage and Organic Inputs on Soil Properties and Yield of Cotton on Vertisols

The present investigation was carried out at Research Farm, Department of Soil Science, Dr. PDKV, Akola during Kharif 2023-24 to study the effect of different tillage practices and organic inputs on soil properties and yield of cotton on Vertisols. Intensive tillage accelerates the loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and reduces soil quality and yields, particularly in rainfed areas. This is further worsened by imbalanced fertilization and insufficient recycling of organic residues. Conservation tillage, when combined with organic inputs like FYM, vermicompost and phospho-compost, can help to restore soil structure, increase SOC and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The study aimed to assess the effect of different tillage practices and organic inputs on soil properties and on yield of cotton. The factorial randomized block design with two factors and four tillage treatments as factor A and four sources of manure as factor B were adopted. The treatments were composed of factor A consisting of four tillage operations [conventional tillage (T1), reduced tillage (T2), minimum tillage (T3) and zero tillage (T4)] and factor B consisting of organic manures such as farmyard manure (10 t ha-1) (M1), vermicompost (5 t ha-1) (M2), phospho-compost (5 t ha-1) (M3) and no manure (M4) replicated thrice. The results clearly indicated that conventional tillage resulted in the significantly highest seed cotton yield (14.10 ha-1), stalk yield (27.78 ha-1), total uptake of N (46.46 ha-1), P (7.86 ha-1) and K (33.05 ha-1) relative to other tillage practices examined. Among the organic manure treatments the highest seed cotton yield (11.21 ha-1), stalk yield (21.95 ha-1), total N (37.27 ha-1), P (6.57 ha-1) and K (31.25 ha-1) uptake by cotton was observed with phospho-compost application. Based on the observed results, it was notable that the available soil N, P and K were significantly influenced by the distinct tillage practices and organic manures. Among the tillage practices, the highest content of available soil N (182.14 kg ha-1), P (17.14 kg ha-1) and K (312.95 kg ha-1) were exhibited by the reduced tillage. The use of vermicompost resulted in the highest available soil N (185.93 kg ha-1) and K (316.68 kg ha-1), while the highest available soil P (18.22 kg ha-1) was observed with phospho-compost. The results revealed that conventional tillage combined with phospho-compost improves cotton yield and nutrient uptake, while reduced tillage along with the application of vermicompost and phospho-compost improves soil fertility. Therefore, combined use of tillage and organic inputs could be beneficial for enhancing soil properties and higher productivity of cotton in Vertisols as well as the whole of Maharashtra.

Effects of intercropping with Fenlong tillage “145” mode on ratoon sugarcane photosynthesis, growth, and yield

AbstractSoil compaction and resource competition are bottlenecks in the improvement of sugarcane productivity in intercropping systems. Fenlong tillage improves crop yields by alleviating soil compaction and ensuring water supply. Wide‐narrow rows are an effective solution for light competition. An efficient intercropping system with Fenlong tillage technology as the core needs to be constructed. A two‐cycle field study was conducted to investigate the effects of planting methods [sole ratoon sugarcane (S) and ratoon sugarcane‐soybean intercropping (I)] combined with tillage [conventional rotary tillage (RT), Fenlong tillage “145” mode (FL145)] on soil physical characteristics, photosynthesis, and growth of ratoon sugarcane, as well as crop yields. For the ratoon sugarcane, compared to RT‐I, FL145‐I decreased bulk density and increased porosity in the 0–40 cm soil layer. Root growth parameters were improved under FL145‐I in the 0–20 cm soil layer. FL145‐I positively affected the stomatal conductance, causing increases in the net photosynthetic and transpiration rates. The increased leaf area index, chlorophyll relative content, and photosynthesis under FL145‐I caused higher dry matter accumulation. The increased single stalk weight under FL145‐I resulted in 17.13%–22.55% higher stalk yield with similar quality. Intercropping under the wide‐narrow row planting pattern had no negative effects on the growth and stalk yield of ratoon sugarcane. For the soybean, compared to RT‐I, the increased 100‐seed weight under FL145‐I resulted in 11.14% higher seed yield with similar quality. Therefore, FL145‐I presents a promising and novel management practice for sustainably increasing ratoon sugarcane productivity in China.

Performance of Zero Tillage Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under Different Irrigation Schedules and Nutrient Levels in Northern Telangana Zone (NTZ)

An experiment was carried out at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Polasa, Jagtial in Northern Telangana Zone during rabi (winter season), 2023-2024 where the performance of zero tillage safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was tested under different irrigation schedules and nutrient levels. The experiment was executed using a factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations, with three replications. The treatments consisted of two factors i.e., factor-1 included irrigation schedules-; I1: Irrigation at rosette and flower initiation stages, I2: Irrigation at rosette and seed development stages, I3: Irrigation at branching and flower initiation stages, I4: Irrigation at branching and seed development stages and I5: No irrigation (residual moisture) and factor-2 included nutrient levels, S1: 75% Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), S2: 100% RDF and S3: 125% RDF. The results revealed that irrigation at branching and seed development stages(I4) reported significantly highest seed (1199 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4724 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(22.5), number of seeds head-1(23.4), seed weight plant-1(19.8 g), 100-seed weight (7 g), whereas the lowest yield were observed with no irrigation (residual moisture) (I5) treatment. Among different nutrient levels, application of 125% RDF (S3) resulted in the highest seed (1105 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (4429 kg ha-1) and yield attributing traits viz.; number of heads plant-1(21.4), number of seeds head-1(22.6), seed weight plant-1(19.5 g), 100-seed weight (6.7 g) over 75% RDF (S1). Among different treatments, irrigation at the branching and seed development stages combined with the application of 125% RDF gave the best results.

Effect of different agro-techniques on yield of Bt cotton

A field experiment was conducted during the 2 consecutive kharif seasons of 2019 and 2020 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar, to study the yield maximization of Bt cotton through agro-techniques in loamy sand. The experiment consisted of four factors viz; spacing, detopping, intercropping and sowing time with two levels in each treatment. The results of pooled data of 2 years indicated that Bt cotton sown at spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm recorded significantly higher plant height, crop growth rate as well as seed cotton (3077 kg/ha) and stalk yields (5930 kg/ha), seed cotton equivalent yield (3512 kg/ha) and oil yield (335 kg/ha). However, wider spacing of 120 cm × 60 cm produced remarkably higher number of sympodial branches per plant, relative growth rate, number of open bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll and seed cotton yield per plant. Topping carried out at 75 DAS remarkably improved growth and yield attributes, seed cotton and stalk yields, seed cotton equivalent yield, oil yield. All growth and yield attributes as well as seed cotton yield were recorded significantly higher without intercrop in Bt cotton. Though intercropping of greengram (additive series) in Bt cotton produced significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield than no intercropping in pooled mean. Advance sowing of Bt cotton in last week of May produced significantly higher seed cotton yield and seed cotton equivalent S1 T2I2 D1 [Advance sowing (Last week of May)] at plant spacing of 60 cm × 45 cm along with detopping at 75 DAS and intercropping with greengram] gave significantly higher seed cotton equivalent yield as well as net returns and B: C ratio of Bt cotton.

Response of Potassium Humate Extracted from Different Organic Sources on Yield and Quality of Green Chilli

Aim: In recent trend of organic farming, use of humic substances plays important role, as it act as biostimulants to boost the yield of crop. Humic substances can be easily obtained by locally available organic sources. Hence, three different organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost, lignite were characterized for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with nutrients to judge their quality and maturity to extract humic substances. The potassium salt of humic acid extracted from these three sources were used as foliar application at different concentrations to study their effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Study Design: The pot culture experiment was conducted in Completely Randomized Design comprising eleven treatments with three replications. Place and Duration of the Study: The experiment was conducted in rabi season 2021-22 at College of Agriculture, Karad, Maharashtra, India. Methodology: Three organic sources viz. Farm Yard Manure (FYM), vermicompost and lignite were used to extract humic substances (humic and fulvic acid). These organic sources were studied for their physico-chemical properties and quality parameters along with their nutrient status to compare their quality and maturity for extraction of humic substances. Humic substances obtained from these different sources were studied for their content and characteristics. The potassium humate extracted from these organic sources were used in a pot culture study on green chilli, comprising eleven treatments and three replications. The different levels of potassium humate (200 to 600 ppm) were used as foliar application on transplanted chilli at 30 and 45 days after transplanting (DAT) along with recommended dose of fertilizers (GRDF) for studying its effects on yield and quality of green chilli. Results: Among all the three organic sources, vermicompost was reported as the best organic source to extract humic substances from its physico-chemical properties viz. pH (6.9), EC (0.3 dS m-1), water soluble organic carbon (0.76 %) and C:N ratio (18.0), which are considered as quality and maturity parameters to obtain good quality humic substances. Nutrient status for macro and micronutrients were reported to be higher in vermicompost followed by FYM and least content in lignite. In the pot culture experiment, the foliar application of potassium humate extracted from vermicompost resulted in significant improvement in fresh and dry yield of chilli fruit and stalk as compared to potassium humate application extracted from FYM and lignite. Among the various concentrations used (200-600 ppm) for the foliar application of potassium humate, application @ 400 ppm extracted from vermicompost along with GRDF (T7) was reported as the best treatment resulting in significantly increase in the fresh and dry yield of chilli fruits and stalk. Further, it was noticed that the same treatment was observed to be effective in significant improvement of the ascorbic acid content as quality parameter in fresh green chilli fruits.

Optimizing Bioethanol (C2H5OH) Yield of Sweet Sorghum Varieties in a Semi-Arid Environment: The Impact of Deheading and Deficit Irrigation

Bioethanol production offers promise in mitigating environmental impacts from ethanol consumption despite water scarcity. This study endeavors to evaluate the nuanced influence of different deheading times (45 days before harvest, 21 days before harvest, and no deheading) along with varying water regimes on select sweet sorghum cultivars (Honey, Willy, MN1500, and Atlas), focusing on yield traits, theoretical ethanol production, and water productivity. Findings underscore the substantial impact of cultivation practices on bioethanol yield. A water deficit ranging from 30% to 70% resulted in a discernible reduction in stalk yields of 17.86% to 18.54% and in sugar yields of 0.2 to 0.31 Mg ha−1, accompanied by a corresponding decline in theoretical ethanol yield of 120.9 to 180.9 L ha−1. Additionally, notable enhancements in Brix and sugar content of 16.32% to 18.42% and 16.81% to 19.03%, respectively, were observed across both seasons. Of particular significance, the Honey variety, subjected to a 30% water deficit and deheading at 21 days before harvest, demonstrated exceptional growth and yield characteristics. These empirical insights furnish valuable guidance for optimizing sweet sorghum cultivation practices, thereby augmenting sustainable bioethanol production and propelling forward the frontier of renewable energy technologies towards a more environmentally sustainable future.

ENHANCING PRE AND POST VEGETATIVE HEAT RESILIENCE AND YIELD POTENTIAL IN THE NEWLY RELEASED MAIZE VARIETY "SAHIWAL GOLD" THROUGH MODIFIED SELECTION

Maize is well-anchored crop across the globe due to its nutritional profile, multipurpose usage, and underlying financial benefits. Growing of open-pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) is a traditional trend and is still followed by a huge community of small farmers in most of the developing world. Improvement in yield potential is always inevitable and requires a purposeful and definite strategy. The current climate scenario loaded with heat escalation and extreme fluctuations is creating uncertainty and unsustainability through acute yield losses in domesticated crops. The breeding strategy of Sahiwal Gold (2008-2018) was comprised of four developmental phases i.e. enrichment phase, half-sib selection, pedigree selection, uniformity phase, and field evaluation at various agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. Each consecutive autumn and spring season was utilized to improve yield potential by exploiting pre and post-vegetative heat resilience. Half sib and pedigree selection improved plant features like height (12%), cob length (4.1%), seeds per cob (7.5%), grain (10%), and stalk yield (11.2%) from enrichment to uniformity phase. Sahiwal Gold maintained a high adaption profile across the tested locations and out-yielded the check variety (MMRI Yellow) by 18% and 26% on average in 6 stations and 16 national yield trials, respectively. National yield testing approved its suitability across provinces like Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Islamabad territory under a diverse range of temperatures. Analysis of variance revealed that highly significant interaction between season and genotypes work for plant height, grain, and stalk yield potential. Higher grain yield up to 95 mounds/acre was observed for spring season crop and batter stalk yield results (650 mounds/acre) were assessed during autumn plantation. Twelve (12) feet tall plants with 4 feet long leaves having 75-90% stay green ability provide a good opportunity fodder and grain yield potential at farmer’s field. This work will provide a better understanding to researchers for designing breeding programs for the development of heat resilience germplasm in crops.

Effect of Agronomic Biofortification of Zn and Fe on Growth, Yield and Economics of Pigeonpea

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) is a major leguminous crop providing substantial nutritional benefits, especially protein to millions of people worldwide. However, its yield and nutritional quality are often constrained by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). This study investigates the effects of agronomic fortification with Zn and Fe on the growth, yield parameters and overall yield of pigeonpea. The experiment was conducted through a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and replicated thrice. Agronomic fortification involved foliar application of Zn and Fe at flowering and pod development stages. Results indicated that among different treatments the combined foliar application of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.5 % FeSO4 at flower and pod initiation recorded significantly higher plant height (156.7 cm), number of branches per plant (16.8), number of pods per plant (98.5), number of seeds per pod (5.4), pod weight per plant (128.5 g), seed weight per plant (83.5 g), seed yield (1056 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (2503 kg ha-1) in the fortified treatments compared to the control. Notably, the combined Zn-Fe fortification exhibited the most pronounced effects on growth and yield parameters. Overall, agronomic fortification with Zn and Fe positively influenced the growth, yield parameters and yield of pigeonpea, suggesting its potential as a sustainable strategy to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies and enhance crop productivity in pigeonpea cultivation systems.

Evaluation of Pigeonpea-based Intercropping System for Growth, Productivity, Economics, Available Nutrient and Nutrient Uptake under Alfisols

An experiment was conducted to the evaluation of pigeonpea-based intercropping system for growth, productivity, economics, available nutrient and nutrient uptake under alfisols of Karnataka during Kharif, 2020 at ‘K’ Block, Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bengaluru. The experiment had 15 treatments which were replicated thrice in Randomised Complete Block Design. Treatments consisted of sole crops pigeonpea and different intercrops mixed along with of intercrops (field bean, vegetable soybean and chia) in different row proportions of (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4).The study aimed to assess the growth, yield and economics of pigeonpea comprising planting geometry and different intercrops. The results indicated that the combined effect of paired-row pigeonpea with field bean at 120/60 cm × 30 cm (1:2) spacing recorded the highest seed yield (1770 kg/ha) and stalk yield (4026 kg/ha). Among planting geometry and intercropping systems, higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio (Rs. 2,60,591 ha-1, Rs. 2,19,030 ha-1 and 6.27 respectively) was recorded in T7 (paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm). Among planting geometry and intercropping system highest total nutrient uptake of pigeonpea was recorded in T6 (Paired row - 120/60 cm × 30 cm pigeonpea + field bean (1:2), 76.65, 12.20 and 98.36 kg/ha NPK respectively) compared to rest of intercropping treatments. In available nutrients, among planting geometry and intercropping systems highest total available nitrogen and phosphorous was recorded in T14: Sole vegetable soybean (318.62 and 107.20 kg/ha N & P respectively) and higher total available potassium was recorded in T13: Sole field bean (321.40 kg/ha K respectively), compared to other treatments. The study concludes that the paired row pigeonpea with vegetable soybean at 120/60 cm x 30 cm yield and economics of the intercropping systems.

Effect of Foliar Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan. (L.) Mill sp.

Pigeonpea is most important rainfed pulse crop of Karnataka. Yield of pigeonpea is fluctuating due to variation in climate causing flower drop and poor pod set. The field experiment was conducted to study growth and yield of pigeonpea as influenced by foliar nutrition. The experiment consisted of foliar application of two types of nutrients (19:19:19 and Pulse magic), two growth promoters (NAA, and N - Triacontanol) and their combinations at flowering and pod formation stages. The growth and yield attributes varied significantly and RDF + foliar application of 1% pulse magic at flowering and pod formation stage recorded significantly higher plant height (144.6 cm), number of branches (16.8 plant‑1), leaf area (3218 cm2 plant-1), total dry matter accumulation (135.5 g plant-1), absolute growth rate (0.812 g plant-1 day-1,), crop growth rate (5.19 g m-2 day-1) and relative growth rate (0.01 g g-1 day-1) as compared to control (122.2 cm, 12.9, 2421 cm2 plant-1, 89.4 g plant-1, 0.633 g plant-1 day-1, 4.24 g m-2 day-1 and 0.007 g g-1 day-1, respectively) at harvest. Higher seed yield (1590 kg ha-1), stalk yield (4308 kg ha-1) and harvest index (0.26) recorded with the application of RDF + foliar application of 1% pulse magic at flowering and pod formation stage and lower seed yield, stalk yield and harvest index (1104 kg ha-1, 3416 kg ha-1 and 0.23, respectively) was recorded with control treatment.

Nutrient Uptake and Quality of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as Influenced by Sulphur and Boron

At the Agronomy Field Unit, ZARS, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, a field experiment was carried out in kharif 2017 to examine the impact of sulphur and boron on sesame yield and quality (Sesamum indicum L.). Twelve treatments were reproduced three times in the experiment, which was set up using a factorial RCBD design. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers (RDF) with 30 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in significantly higher seed yield (470.00 kg ha-1) and stalk yield (3126 kg ha-1) than the application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 and 5, 40 and 2.5, 30 and 5 kg sulphur and borax per ha (461.56 and 2826.67, 455.13 and 2733.33, 445.67 and 2626.67 kg per ha, respectively). Increased nutrient uptake of nitrogen (40.23 kg ha-1) phosphorus (15.01 kg ha-1) potassium (45.23 kg ha-1) sulphur (13 kg ha-1) and boron (162.4 ppm) was primarily responsible for increased seed and stalk yield. The application of the recommended dose of fertilisers with 40 kg sulphur and 5 kg borax per ha resulted in higher seed protein (10.72%). This matched RDF + 40 kg sulphur + 2.5 kg borax (10.66%). RDF+30 kg sulphur + 5 kg borax per ha produced the highest C: B ratio (3.5).

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%.

Bioconsortia: A Potential Ecofriendly Bio-Based Product to Enhance the Productivity of the Green Gram

The present investigations on the studies to see the effect of seed biopriming with bacterial consortia in green gram were conducted in a field experiment employing randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications during kharif season 2022-2023 at the Post Graduate Institute, research farm of the Department of Plant Pathology and Agricultural Microbiology, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Dist. Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The result revealed that, among the treatment, T4 recorded the highest average plant height (65.66 cm) and average number of leaves (22.79 plant-1), average number of branches (5.23), average number of pods (30.93), average grain yield (9.18 q ha-1), average stalk yield (24.25 q ha-1) and 1000 seed weight i.e. test weight (33.78 g).

Sweet Sorghum for Biofuel Production in Sub-Tropical India

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), a sugar crop with wider adaptation and high potential for bioenergy and ethanol production is expected to meet food, feed, fodder, fuel and fibre demands. It produces high biomass (50-80 t/ha) and alcohol (1500-2800 l/ha) and multiple income opportunities exist with this crop. Some sweet sorghum lines attain juice yields of about 78% of total plant biomass, containing from 15 to 23% soluble fermentable sugars which are composed mainly of sucrose (70–80%), fructose and glucose. Due to its short growing period (3-4 months), it could be cultivated and supplied during the lean period of sugarcane crushing thus extending the crushing period before and after sugarcane crushing and stretch the sugar mill operation. The major advantage with this crop is that no CAPEX is required when used in a sugar mill system as same machinery can be used for crushing and fermentation. It will help farmers to fetch additional income and provide an opportunity for better utilization of industrial facilities during sugarcane off-season. Promising sweet sorghum genotypes developed by ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad are being tested for their suitability to sub-tropical conditions in February and June-July plantings at the NSI, Kanpur to establish a sustainable cropping system. Five sweet sorghum genotypes were tested during kharif 2021 for sweet sorghum productivity traits. The fresh stalk yield ranged from 45-60 t/ha and based on TRS, maximum alcohol percentage in wash was observed in three varieties, i.e., Phule Vasundhara, CSH 22SS and SSV 74 which was 8.4%, 8.38% and 7.8% respectively. Maximum ethanol yield of 53.05 L/T was recorded in CSH 22 SS followed by SSV 74 (50.93 L/T). Phule Vasundhara, with a highest stalk yield of 60 t/ha recorded highest ethanol content of 2837 L/ha followed by CSH 22SS (2780 L/ha) and SSV 74 (2411 L/ha).

Integrated use of organic and synthetic fertilizers improves soil functioning, growth, yield and quality attributes of maize

The combined use of organic and chemical fertilizers may prove to be an excellent option for maintaining soil health, increasing fertilizer use efficiency, and improving crop quality and yield of maize. So, with this objective in mind a pot experiment was conducted to find out the effectiveness of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the yield and quality of maize crop. Two organic fertilizer levels (FYM and Press-mud @ 2% and 4% of each) were tested separately and in combination with recommended NPK fertilizers (160: 80: 60 kg ha-1). The experimental units were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with five replications. The results showed that the combined use of NPK + press mud @ 4% caused a significant increase in grain numbers per cob (8.6%), weight of grains per cob (11.5%), grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, stalk yield, and oil and protein contents up to 11.5%, 6.3%, 19.7%, 12.6% and 12.0%, respectively as compared to the control treatment. The oil and protein contents were also improved significantly over the sole application of NPK fertilizer. Soil health was also improved due to the combined use of synthetic fertilizer with 4% press mud and 2% FYM. It is concluded that integrated use of NPK fertilizers and press mud @ 4% not only increased the quality and yield of maize, but it also improved soil health.

Effect of different planting geometry of transplanted pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) as an intercrop in young arecanut (Areca catechu) garden at Southern Transitional Zone of Karnataka, India

A field experiment was conducted during 2017–18, 2018–19 and 2019–20, to study the influence of planting methods on growth and productivity of pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.]. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 8 treatment combinations and replicated thrice. Pooled data indicated that transplanted pigeonpea at 60 cm × 30 cm geometry gave significantly higher pigeonpea seed and stalk yield (2,353 and 6,533 kg/ha respectively), and it was followed by 60 cm × 60 cm spacing (2,072 and 5,852 kg/ha respectively). The above-mentioned treatments also recorded significantly higher total uptake of nitrogen (129.18 and 123.39 kg/ha respectively), phosphorus (36.84 and 32.40 kg/ha respectively) and potassium (62.57 and 57.58 kg/ha respectively), whereas, higher available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (246.64, 35.87 and 155.65 kg/ ha respectively) were recorded in 180 cm × 30 cm. Further higher nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content in arecanut leaf (Areca catechu L.) was observed in 60 cm × 60 cm (1.72 %), 120 cm × 30 cm (0.260 and 1.20 %) as compared to other planting geometry in young arecanut garden.

Foliar Application of Amino Acids and Nutrients as a Tool to Mitigate Water Stress and Stabilize Sugarcane Yield and Bioenergy Generation

Extended periods of water stress negatively affect sugarcane crop production. The foliar application of supplements containing specific nutrients and/or organic molecules such as amino acids can improve sugarcane metabolism, stalk and sugar yields, and the quality of the extracted juice. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the foliar application of an abiotic stress protection complement (ASPC) composed of 18 amino acids and 5 macronutrients. The experiments were carried out in the field with two treatments and twelve replicates. The two treatments were no application of ASPC (control) and foliar application of ASPC. The foliar application of ASPC increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH) was higher in ASPC-treated plants than in control plants, reflecting higher antioxidant enzyme activity and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The level of H2O2 was 11.27 nM g−1 protein in plants treated with ASPC but 23.71 nM g−1 protein in control plants. Moreover, the application of ASPC increased stalk yield and sucrose accumulation, thus increasing the quality of the raw material. By positively stabilizing the cellular redox balance in sugarcane plants, ASPC application also increased energy generation. Therefore, applying ASPC is an effective strategy for relieving water stress while improving crop productivity.

Performance of castor-based intercropping in semi-arid zone of Haryana

To enhance the productivity of castor per unit area and over time, a study was conducted during the kharif 2020-21 season at the Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal,. The study aimed to evaluate the compatibility, production potential, and optimal row proportions of component crops in intercropping systems involving castor. The field investigation was carried out to identify suitable intercrops for maximizing castor yield and analyse the economic viability of various treatments under two different row spacing for castor: 150 cm and 200 cm. The results indicated that the highest castor seed and stalk yield were achieved in sole castor (3,879 kg/ha and 5,656 kg/ha, respectively) with 200 cm row spacing, a similar performance was observed with a 150 cm row spacing. Further, intercropping of castor (150 cm) + mungbean (1:2) recorded higher seed yield (3,547 kg/ha) and stalk yield (5,248 kg/ha), highest castor equivalent yield (4,220 kg/ha) and land equivalent ratio (1.53) and resulted in higher economic returns with a benefit-cost ratio of 3.78.