Stover Yield Research Articles

Effect of tillage practices and phosphorus doses on the performance of mungbean (Vigna radiata) in semi-arid Kandahar region of Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted in Kandahar, Afghanistan during summer (June-August) season of 2017 to assess the impact of different tillage practices and phosphorus doses on yield and economics of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.)]. Experiment consisted 12 treatment combinations of 3-tillage practices in main plots, viz., raised bed, zero tillage and conventional tillage and 4-phosphorus doses in sub-plots, viz. 0 (control), 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. Research findings of the study showed that yield attributes, seed and stover yields, harvest index and economics of mungbean were not significantly influenced by different tillage practices. Application of P resulted significantly higher growth and yield parameters compared to absolute control. Application of 80 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest seed yield (0.98 t/ha) and 60 kg P2 O5 /ha gave the highest stover yield (3.92 t/ha). In terms of economics, the highest net returns (58,238 AFN/ha) was recorded with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha, and the B: C ratio was the highest (2.24) with 40 kg P2 O5 /ha.

Efficacy of Different Levels of Hydrogel and Crop Geometric Strategies in Overcoming the Pessimistic Effect of Abiotic Stress on Growth and Yield Attributes of Spring Maize (Zea mays L.)

Background: Climate change is a major issue across the globe. The erratic weather conditions fluctuate to create uncertain and stressful abiotic conditions. With escalating abiotic stress analogous to the decline in freshwater accessibility and soil properties, global food security is at stake. Methods: The experiment was implemented in the spring seasons of 2022 and 2023 to assess the impact of different levels of hydrogel and crop geometric strategies on the growth and yield attributes of spring maize. The field trial was executed in split-plot design with three levels of hydrogel i.e., 0 (@ 0 kg/ha), 50% (@ 1.5 kg/ha) and 100% (@ 3 kg/ha); four crop geometric strategies i.e., normal spacing (70 x 25 cm); paired-row spacing (55-85 x 25 cm); normal spacing with seed capsule (70 x 25 cm) and paired-row spacing with seed capsule (55-85 x 25 cm). Here we correlate the outcomes with the factors in incapacitating the pessimistic effects of abiotic stress on spring maize. Result: The results revealed that the attributes were significantly affected by the employment of the combination hydrogel @ 3 kg/ha + paired-row spacing with seed capsule at (55-85 x 25 cm) which was also found effective in overcoming the abiotic stress. There was a significant enhancement of growth attributes as well as grain yield by 28.1% and 29.3%; stover yield by 24.4% and 19.9% compared to control in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Chemical weed management in wheat (Triticum aestivum) using ready-mix and tank-mix herbicides

A field experiment was conducted at the Bichpuri, Agra, Uttar Pradesh during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2011–12 and 2012–13, to evaluate the effect of different grass and broad-leaf herbicides as sole and ready-mix application on weed control in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Ready-mix application of herbicides proved better than their alone application in suppressing weed number and dry weight. Application of sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (25 + 4 g/ha) resulted in the highest weed-control efficiency (WCE) as well as herbicide efficiency (HEI) and lowest weed index of 94.8%, 2.97 and 3.3 respectively. The highest grain and stover yield of 4.05 and 6.39 t/ha were obtained from weed-free treatment, although this remained statistically at par with sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron (25 + 4 g/ha) and both the treatments resulted in an increase of 34.6 and 30.2% in grain yield as compared to weedy check respectively. The highest net returns ( 43,200/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.40) were obtained with ready-mix application sulfosulfuron metsulfuron (25 + 4 g/ha) among the tested herbicide treatments.

Evaluating Little Millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) Based Intercropping System on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Status of Soil under Rainfed Condition

Aims: To determine the suitable component crop and its row pattern for enhancing growth and yield of little millet under intercropping system. Study Design: Randomized complete Block Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was carried out during the rabi season from October 2023 – January 2024 at Instructional north farm in Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This field experiment consists of 3 replications with eleven treatments viz., T1 – Little millet sole crop, T2 – Little millet + black gram (4:1), T3 – Little millet + black gram (6:1), T4 – Little millet + green gram (4:1), T5 – Little millet + green gram (6:1), T6 – Little millet + redgram (4:1), T7 – Little millet + redgram (6:1), T8 – Little millet + cowpea (4:1), T9 – Little millet + cowpea (6:1), T10 – Little millet + bengal gram (4:1), T11 – Little millet + bengal gram (6:1). Results: The results of the experiment showed that T2 little millet + black gram (4:1) recorded the higher growth parameters like plant height (127.6 and 133.6 cm at 60 DAS and at harvest stage) and LAI of 5.23 and 4.84 at 60 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively and also produced higher yield parameters like no.of tillers plant-1 (9) and no.of productive tillers (8) with higher grain and stover yield of 1326 and 4109 kg ha-1 and it is statistically parallel with T4 little millet + green gram (4:1). And also, nutrient uptake was highest (N – 40.8, P – 5.7 and K – 33.5 kg ha-1) in little millet + black gram (6:1). Regarding the post harvest soil fertility status, little millet + cowpea (4:1) registered the highest available NPK (339, 47.6 and 197 kg ha-1). Therefore, intercropping of black gram or green gram with little millet under rainfed condition would be the ideal recommendation.

Influence of Biochar Fortified with Fungi (Termitomyces) on Carbon Stock, Flux, and Yield of Groundnut

The study was conducted to investigate carbon stock, flux, and sequestration potential as well as the response of groundnut (yield) to different fortification approaches. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using four treatment combinations, fortified biochar with T. albuminosus (B + T), biochar (B), T. albuminosus, and control laid in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The result showed increased carbon sequestration, stock, and a subsequent decrease in carbon emission in treatment B + T relative to other treatments. Untreated samples recorded the lowest values with 3.69 g kg-1 sequestered carbon 24.97 kg ha- stock 4.92% carbon emission and a net flux of -20.70. The highest groundnut yield was also recorded in the B + T treatment with a value of 1131.10 kg ha-1. However, biochar treatment recorded the highest biomass and stover yield 5.62 t ha-1 and 3.82 t ha-1 respectively. In conclusion, the Fortification of biochar with T. albuminosus proved efficient in improving carbon sequestration, increasing carbon stock, and reducing emission as well as other nutrients in soils under cultivation. Also, using B + T as an amendment under optimal growth conditions is recommended for better groundnut production. The study's constraints lie in its execution within controlled greenhouse settings, potentially limiting its applicability to real-world field conditions. Thus, caution should be exercised when extending these findings to field applications, ensuring the validation of the approach's effectiveness.

Enhancing drought tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) through microbial inoculants under varying irrigation regimes

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at College of Agriculture, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan to identify the appropriate bacterial strains and irrigation levels to enhance drought tolerance and productivity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design assigning irrigation treatments (no irrigation, 50% deficit irrigation and normal level of irrigation) in main plots and microbes (MRD-17, MKS-6, Biophos and Biophos+, CRIDAMI-I, CRIDA MI-II and control) in sub plots. Results demonstrated that normal level of irrigation (2 irrigations) yielded superior outcomes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1542 kg/ha), stover yield (3677 kg/ha), relative water content (70.72%), protein content (18.1%), oil content (38.7%), water use efficiency (7.50 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹52529/ha) and B:C ratio (2.07). This was significantly higher compared to 50% deficit irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Among microbial inoculants, CRIDA MI-II exhibited the highest impact on growth and yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1312 kg/ha), stover yield (3262 kg/ha), protein content (17.2%), water use efficiency (5.88 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹42294/ha) and B:C ratio (1.72). Notably, it was statistically comparable to the effects of CRIDA MI-I and Biophos and Biophos+ across most parameters. The comprehensive results of this study advocated the strategic implementation of both optimal irrigation practices and microbial inoculants as a sustainable approach to enhance productivity and drought tolerance in Indian mustard, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

Enhancing drought tolerance in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) through microbial inoculants under varying irrigation regimes

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2020–21, 2021–22 and 2022–23 at College of Agriculture, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan to identify the appropriate bacterial strains and irrigation levels to enhance drought tolerance and productivity in Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design assigning irrigation treatments (no irrigation, 50% deficit irrigation and normal level of irrigation) in main plots and microbes (MRD-17, MKS-6, Biophos and Biophos+, CRIDAMI-I, CRIDA MI-II and control) in sub plots. Results demonstrated that normal level of irrigation (2 irrigations) yielded superior outcomes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation, yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1542 kg/ha), stover yield (3677 kg/ha), relative water content (70.72%), protein content (18.1%), oil content (38.7%), water use efficiency (7.50 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹52529/ha) and B:C ratio (2.07). This was significantly higher compared to 50% deficit irrigation and no irrigation treatments. Among microbial inoculants, CRIDA MI-II exhibited the highest impact on growth and yield attributes, viz. seed yield (1312 kg/ha), stover yield (3262 kg/ha), protein content (17.2%), water use efficiency (5.88 kg/ha-mm), net returns (₹42294/ha) and B:C ratio (1.72). Notably, it was statistically comparable to the effects of CRIDA MI-I and Biophos and Biophos+ across most parameters. The comprehensive results of this study advocated the strategic implementation of both optimal irrigation practices and microbial inoculants as a sustainable approach to enhance productivity and drought tolerance in Indian mustard, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

Evaluation of Different Organic Manure on Nutrient Content, Uptake and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea L) Crop

A field experiment was conducted during 2020-21 at Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Rabi season to evaluate the “effect of different organic manure on nutrient content, uptake and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L) crop.”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with Eight treatments and three replications. Eight treatments viz. Control, 100% VC (8 tonnes per hectare), 100% FYM (10 tonnes per hectare),100% PM (10 tonnes per hectare),50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit), 50% FYM + 25% VC + 25% PM, 25% FYM + 50% VC + 25% PM along with different management practices were implemented. The result revealed that the highest nutrient content (%) by seed (3.15 N, 0.511 P, 0.560 K) and Stover (0.601 N, 0.180 P, 1.48 K) and the highest nutrient uptake (kg ha-1) of all the three nutrients by seed (56.54 N, 9.17 P, 10.05 K) and stover (28.80 N, 8.63 P, 70.92 K) were recorded with combined effect of FYM, VC with application of Jeevamrit viz., and 50% NPKS through FYM+ 50% N through VC which was statistically at par toT6. Reduction in nutrient supply resulted significantly lower uptake of N, P and K in the treatment which received only 100% FYM. Similarly, the maximum seed (17.95 q ha-1) and Stover (47.92 q ha-1) yield of mustard was recorded in the T5 treatment (50% FYM + 50% VC + Natural liquid manure Jeevamrit) treatment received 50% recommended doses of NPKS through FYM and 50% N through VC which was at par to T6 in which 50% FYM + 50% PM + Natural liquid manure (Jeevamrit) was applied. However, the lowest value found in control treatment (T6).

Impact of Combining Microbial Enriched Organic Manures with Inorganic Nutrients on Physiological Characteristics and Productivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.)

The present investigation was undertaken to validate the integrated use of inorganic fertilizers and biofertilizers inoculated in organic manures on the physiological attributes and of pearl millet in the School of Agricultural Science, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications, during the rabi season of 2023-24. Results outlined that the integrated nutrient management practice of applying Azospirillum & PSB enriched vermicompost @ 6 t ha-1 + 100% Recommended dose of N, P2O5 & K2O has significantly increased the physiological attributes (leaf area index, crop growth rate, chlorophyll index), and yield (grain yield and stover yield) of pearl millet. This was statistically on par with the treatment Azospirillum & PSB enriched FYM @12.5 t ha-1 + 100% RDF dose of N, P2O5 & K2O.

Study of Physiological Growth Indices and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Soil and Foliar Application Through Integrated Nutrient Management Practices

An investigation was conducted in Rabi season of 2023-24 at the instructional farm of Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, to evaluate the performance of physiological indices on chickpeas under soil and foliar application. The experiment was established on a Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD). The treatments were soil application of NPK 100 percent (A1), NPK 100 percent + FYM 10 t ha-1 (A2), NPK 100 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1 (A3), NPK 75 percent + FYM 10 t ha-1 (A4) and NPK 75 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1 (A5) combined with foliar applications, viz., Nano-DAP (B1) and Nano-Urea (B2). The results of the study revealed that morpho-physiological attributes of chickpeas were statistically increased by the application of soil (NPK 75 percent + Vermicompost 5 t ha-1) combined with foliar (Nano-urea) nutrient management practices resulting in maximum grain yield of 15.64 q ha-1 and stover yield of 30.49 q ha-1. The results of this study underscore the importance of integrated nutrient management practices involving soil and foliar applications in enhancing the physiological indices of chickpeas.

Effect of Lime Application for Neutralizing Fertilizer Acidity on Growth and Yield of Maize in Alfisols

A field experiment was conducted at College of Agriculture, V. C. Farm, Mandya during Kharif 2021-22 to evaluate the effect of lime application for neutralizing fertilizer acidity on growth and yield of maize in Alfisols. There were eight treatments that include 500 kg lime (T3) and 250 kg granular dolomite (T4) + FYM and recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), 100% RDF and FYM + 100 and 50% fertilizer acidity neutralization with lime (T5 and T6) and granular dolomite (T7 and T8), absolute control (T1) and FYM + 100 % RDF (T2). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The results revealed that application of lime @ equivalent to 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with 100% RDF and FYM (T5) recorded significantly higher plant height (221.56 cm), number of leaves (13.01 plant-1), leaf area (6389 cm2 plant-1) and total dry matter accumulation plant-1 (168.74 g plant-1) which was on par with T8, T6, T7 and T4. Similarly, significantly higher yield parameters like cob length (21.98 cm), cob girth (20.01 cm), number of rows cob-1 (16.86), number of kernels row-1 (36.98) and test weight (35.98 g) were recorded in T5 when compared to T2, T3 and T1. Kernel and stover yield (81.57 and 90.67 q ha-1, respectively) was observed to be significantly higher in T5 treatment which was on par with T6 which clearly indicated that 100% neutralization of fertilizer acidity with lime along with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer and FYM is necessary for obtaining higher growth and yield of maize.

Influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under the Eastern Zone of UP, India

The present study highlights the influence of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Economics and Yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.): A Field Experiment yield of Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L)". var. "ISF-764" was tested at Crop Research Farm during Rabi 2021–23. Ministry of Agriculture Sciences and technology United University, Prayagraj in the U.P. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) India ranks second in terms of planted area after food crops and is the world's fourth-largest producer of oilseeds in terms of output. The soil of the experimental plot had a sandy loam texture, was almost pH-neutral (7.5), had low organic carbon content (0.50%), and was readily available. N (228.59 kg/ha), available P (29.80 kg/ha) and available K (125.21 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with nine treatments consists three level of S 20,30,40 kg/ha and three level of P 30,40,50 kg/ha with control (Farmer practice) were replicated thrice. Results obtained that higher plant height (173.33 cm), Number of branches (19.27), dry weight (117.89 g/day), yield attributes and yield viz., seed yield (2.20 t/ha), stover yield (2.98 t/ha) and Hi (42.44 %) were recorded with the application of 40 kg/ha S + 50 kg/ha P, economics viz. however, higher gross return (113804.07 INR/ha), net return (77799.97 INR/ha) and B:C ratio (2.16) was observed when 40 kg/ha S and 50 kg/ha P were applied. Application of 40 kg/ha S with 50 kg/ha P was therefore more productive and financially viable. It is concluded that treatment T9 with application of S 40 kg/ha + P 50 kg/ha was found to be the best that recorded highest plant height, number of capitulam / plant , dry weight (g), panicle length, number of panicles, number of grains per panicle, seed yield, straw yield, test weight and harvest index.

Yield Performance of Some White Maize Varieties in Response to Planting Spacings at Sher-E-Bangla Agricultural University Farm in Bangladesh

The experiment were conducted at the Agronomy Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in Bangladesh to investigate the effect of white maize variety and planting spacing on growth, yield and yield attributes. The treatments were two hybrid white maize variety viz. V1 = PSC-121 and V2 = KS-510 and three planting spacing viz. S1 = 50 cm x 25 cm, S2 = 60 cm x 25 cm and S3 = 70 cm x 25 cm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that variety and plant spacing had significant effect on the studied characters and yield. The highest plant height, longest cob, highest number of kernel cob-1, the highest 100-grain weight, maximum grain yield and stover yield were observed in hybrid white maize PSC-121. On the other hand, the shortest plant, lowest number of grains cob-1, 100-grain weight, grain yield and stover yield were observed in hybrid white maize KS-510. The longest plant, highest number of kernel cob-1, the highest 100 grain weight was recorded in the spacing of 70 cm × 25 cm but lowest grain yield (7.52 t ha-1) and stover yield (9.362 t ha-1). In contrast, the spacing 50 cm × 25 cm produced the lowest values of the above mentioned plant parameters but showed the highest grain yield (9.20 t ha-1) and stover yield (11.64 t ha-1). In regard to interaction effect of variety and spacing, V1S1 (PSC-121 with 50 cm x 25 cm) interaction produced the highest grain yield (9.60 t ha-1), biological yield (21.621 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.01%). On the other hand, V2S3 (KS-510 with 70 cm x 25 cm) interaction achieved the lowest grain yield (7.36 t ha-1), biological yield (16.94 t ha-1) and harvest index (43.151%). Based on the experimental results, it may be concluded that maize (cv. hybrid white maize PSC-121) can be cultivated with a spacing of 50 cm × 25 cm for appreciable grain yield due to higher number of plant per unit area.

Response of Summer Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to Inorganic Fertilizers and Foliar Application of Bio-Enhancers

A field experiment on “Response of summer cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) to inorganic fertilizers and foliar application of bio-enhancers” was carried out during summer 2022 on loamy sand soil of Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The experiment was laid out in RBD with factorial concept with three replications. The result revealed that significantly higher plant height, Number of pods per plant, number of root nodules per plant, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, seed yield, stover yield and protein content, were recorded with 100% RDF. It also gave the higher net return and B:C ratio. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, root nodules/plant, fresh and dry weight of root nodules, seed yield and stover yield with an application of panchagavya as foliar spray @ 3% at 30 and 45 DAS. The same bio-enhancer application recorded maximum net return as well as B:C ratio.

Response of Maize (Zea mays L.) to Nitrogen Levels, Conventional and Enriched Organic Manures on Yield and Major Nutrient Uptake in a Vertisol

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2015-16 at Mulmuthla village of Dharwad taluk in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India. Research conducted to study the effect of enriched FYM and vermicompost and nitrogen levels on yield and majornutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L.) in a Vertisol. The split plot design with four replication and twelve treatment combinations. Application of nitrogen at 200 kg ha-1+ Zn+Fe enriched vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 was found superior in terms of grain yield (79.93 q ha-1), stover yield (88.77 q ha-1) and test weight (100 seeds) (39.67 g) over other treatments. Similarly, the highest NPK uptake (232.33, 48.73 and 175.59 kg ha-1) was recorded with the application of 200 kg N + Zn+Fe enriched vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1. So the study of effect of different combinations of nutrients like nitrogen, enriched FYM, FYM, enriched vermicompost, vermicompost and their interactions over yielding ability of maize can help in developing a best source of nutrients for maize yield and uptake.

Effect of Sali rice-relay system on growth and yield of succeeding fodder maize + green gram intercropping system in rice-fallows of Assam

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the Sali rice-relay system on the growth and yield of fodder maize + green gram intercropping during summer. The treatments comprised three dates of rice transplanting with four relay crops lentil, pea, toria, and niger. Significantly higher values of green fodder yield of maize were recorded when summer intercrops were grown after rice-lentil (205 and 196 q/ha in both the years) and rice-pea (198 and 189 q/ha in both the years) relay sequence as compared to rice-toria and rice-niger system. However, a significantly higher number of pods/plants, seed yield, and stover yield of green gram were found after the rice-toria and rice-niger relay sequence as compared to that of the rice-lentil and rice-pea systems. The effect of relay crops was also found significant on REY of fodder maize and green gram. The highest value of REY of maize fodder was found after the rice-lentil (16 q/ha) and rice-pea (15.42 q/ha) relay sequence, while the highest values of REY of green gram was recorded after rice-toria (37.26 q/ ha) and rice-niger (37.02 q/ha).

Effect of Application of Secondary Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Quality of Maize (Zea mays L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022 at the Agriculture and Horticulture Research Station, Honnavile, Shivamogga on sandy clay loam soil to study the response of maize to secondary nutrients application. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and consisted of nine treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of package of practice (POP) (T1), POP + soil application of two levels of calcium, i.e., 25 and 50 kg ha-1 through lime (T2 and T3), dolomite (T4 and T5, which amount to 15.02 and 30.04 kg ha-1 of magnesium, respectively) and gypsum (T6 and T7, which amount to 19.96 and 39.91 kg ha-1 of sulphur, respectively). Treatments T8 and T9 consisted of POP + combined application of all three secondary nutrients through lime, magnesium sulphate and bentonite sulphur to meet the same level of nutrient as treatments T2 to T7. Among the treatments, application of POP + calcium @ 25 kg ha-1 through lime + 15.02 kg ha-1 of Mg + 19.6 kg ha-1 of S (T8) showed significantly higher values for growth parameters viz., plant height (196.65 cm), leaf area (4804.70 cm2), leaf area index (5.55) total dry matter (273.80 g plant-1) and yield parameters viz., cob length (16.93 cm), number of grains cob-1 (511.08), kernel yield (6772 kg ha-1) and stover yield (8221 kg ha-1). Similarly the same treatment recorded significantly higher grain protein content (8.99%) compared to other treatments. However the test weight, harvest index and oil content of maize remained unaffected due the applied secondary nutrients.

Synergistic effects of low temperature and alkali on the anaerobic digestion of corn stover

Combined with the climatic conditions in cold areas, the effect of the NaOH-pretreatment at low temperature on the methane yield of corn stover was studied by anaerobic digestion at batch mode. For the alkali/freezing pretreatment, the sample reached a maximum specific methane yield of 280.48 ± 21.75 mL/g VS at the conditions of freezing time of 15 days and 2.0 % NaOH. Lower temperature-alkali pretreatment had an obvious effect on the structure of samples, with significant changes in the contents of elemental C, N, cellulose, and lignin, as well as an increase in crystallinity. In addition, a higher energy conversion efficiency (77.9 %) was obtained for the sample pretreated by alkaline/freezing. The results showed that the methane yield after pretreatment followed by alkali/freezing treatment > water/freezing treatment > freezing treatment. Therefore, alkali/freezing pretreatment is an effective method to improve the performance of the anaerobic digestion of corn stover. This study could provide a pathway for developing a low-temperature pretreatment by combining with the climate characteristics of cold areas.

Effects of organic nutrient management on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)-linseed (Linum usitatissimum) sequence

The experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 at the Instructional-cum Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam to study the impact of different combinations of organic nutrient sources on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) (rainy-kharif) and their residual effect on linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) (winter- rabi) crop for developing a double cropping sequence for rice growers of Assam with organic management. The experiment comprised three aromatic rice cultivars, viz. Kola joha, Keteki joha and Chakhao poireiton and five combinations of organic nutrient sources. Out of the organic nutrient sources, application of N @30 kg/ha through vermicompost along with pre-season green manuring of Sesbania bispinosa and root dip treatment of rice seedlings with Azospirillium and phosphorus solubilising bacteria @3.5 kg/ha each (N3) resulted the highest number of panicles/ m2 (216.72 in 2019 and 223.96 in 2020), highest yield of rice (30.26 q/ha in 2019, 32.58 q/ha in 2020 grain yield and 65.99 q/ha in 2019, 68.98 q/ha in 2020 straw yield). The highest seed yield (394.52 kg/ha in 2019, 416.97 kg/ha in 2020) and stover yield (890.09 kg/ha in 2019, 896.63 kg/ha in 2020) of succeeding relay sown linseed were recorded with the N3 treatment. The highest available N (250.10 kg/ha), P2O5 (20.40 kg/ha) and K2O (140.06 kg/ha), organic C (0.65%), soil organic carbon (SOC) stock (13.29 t/ha), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (183.43 µg/g of soil) in soil were recorded with the N3 treatment after harvest of linseed in 2020. The study affirmed the suitability of rice-linseed cropping sequence for efficient utilization and conservation of resources.

Growth Yield and Yield Attributes of Some White Maize Varieties as Influenced by Planting Configuration

A field experiment was conducted at Agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka during the period from November to April (winter season) 2015-2016. This study investigated the combined effects of four Chinese white maize varieties (V1 = Changnau-1, V2 = Q-Xiangnau-1, V3 = Changnau-6, V4 = Youngnau-7) and two planting configurations (S1 =70 cm x 25 cm and S2 = 60 cm x 25 cm) on their growth, yield, and yield attributes. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Significant variations were observed among the varieties for all measured parameters. Changnau-6 (V3) produced the longest cob (17.54 cm), maximum grains cob-1 (418.36), highest grain yield (8.3670 t ha-1), stover yield (9.6921 t ha-1) and biological yield (18.059 t ha-1) while Youngnau-7 (V4) had the shortest cob (12.683 cm), maximum grains cob-1 (247.53), lowest grain yield (4.8469 t ha-1), stover yield (7.957 t ha-1), biological yield (10.982 t ha-1) shortest maturation time. Planting at 70 cm x 25 cm (S1) spacing resulted in taller plants, more leaves, and longer cobs compared to 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) spacing, but yielded less grain, stover, and biomass. The interaction between variety and planting configuration further influenced the traits. Changnau-1 (V1) planted at 70 cm x 25 cm (S1) had the highest plant height, number of leaves, and days to maturity, while Changnau-6 (V3) planted at 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) achieved the highest grain yield (8.7645 t ha-1), stover yield (10.089 t ha-1) biological yield (18.853 t ha-1) and harvest index (46.487 %). Overall, the choice of variety and planting configuration significantly impacted the growth, yield, and yield attributes of white maize. Changnau-6 (V3) variety with 60 cm x 25 cm (S2) plant spacing was found to be the most promising combination for maximizing grain yield and harvest index under the conditions of this field trial.