Stover Yield Research Articles

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.

Effect of date of sowing and level of phosphorus on growth and yield of summer mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) in Red and Lateritic soils of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of two sowing dates (16th March and 26th March) and five phosphorus levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P2 O5 / ha) in mungbean during pre-kharif (summer) season of 2022 at Instructional Farm of Seacom Skills University, Kendradangal, Birbhum, West Bengal, India. The research work revealed that growth parameters were significantly higher under 26th March sowing over 16th March. Among the P levels, higher dose of P improved growth parameters. In case of yield attributes maximum number of pods/plant (9.6), pod length (6.9 cm) and seeds/pod (10.3) were recorded in 26th March sown crop of mungbean. Maximum seed yield (705 kg/ ha) and stover yield (1609 kg/ha) also recorded in 26th March sowing. Different P dose showed significant variations for yield traits and maximum pods/plant (11.45), pod length (7.96 cm) and seeds/pod (11.23) recorded with 80 kg P2 O5 / ha. Highest seed yield (812 kg/ha) and stover yield (1710 kg/ha) were obtained with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha. The gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio was maximum when the crop sown on 26th March with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha. Hence, mungbean sown on 26th March 2022 along with 80 kg P2 O5 /ha application could be more effective in augmenting growth, yield and economics in the red and lateritic soils of West Bengal.

Effect of phosphorus and sulphur on productivity and profitability of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, ITM University, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) to evaluate the effect of phosphorus and sulphur levels on productivity and profitability of blackgram. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with four phosphorus levels viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P/ha, along with three sulphur levels, viz., 10, 20 and 30 kg S/ha, which were replicated thrice. Results revealed that among the P levels, the application of 60 kg P/ha recorded significantly higher number of pods/plant (25.9), number of seeds per pod (5.4), test weight (37.30 g), seed yield/plant (8.26 g), seed yield (1412 kg/ha), stover yield (3542 kg/ha), and biological yield (4954 kg/ha). While among the sulphur levels, application of 30 kg S/ha recorded significantly higher number of pods/plant (23.6), number of seeds/pod (5.1), test weight (36.33 g), seed yield/plant (7.84 g), seed yield (1255 kg/ha), Stover yield (3185 kg/ha), and biological yield (4441 kg/ha). Combined application of 60 kg P/ha and 30 kg S/ha produced significantly highest net returns and benefit-cost ratio. Thus, application of 60 kg P and 30 kg S/ha was found to be the more promising treatment for enhancing the yield in blackgram.

Effect of foliar application of micronutrients on summer mungbean varieties on alluvial soil of West Bengal

A field experiment was carried out during the summer seasons of 2020 and 2021 at Jaguli Instructional Farm, BCKV, Nadia (West Bengal), in the Gangetic alluvial soil, to assess the effect of varieties and micronutrient foliar spray on growth parameters, yield components, yield and economics of mungbean. Results revealed that different varieties significantly promoted growth parameters and variety Meha was found to be superior. Growth parameters was significantly higher under molybdenum foliar spray over other micronutrients foliar spray. The maximum number of pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and test weight were found in plants receiving sodium molybdenum foliar spray at 0.05%. Maximum seed yield and stover yield were also recorded in the same treatment where 0.05% sodium molybdenum spraying was done at pre flowering and pod development stage. Variety showed significant variation in pods per plant, pod length, seeds per pod and test weight and were maximum in variety Meha. Both seed and stover yield were highest in case of variety Meha over others. The gross returns, net returns and benefit: cost ratio were maximum in Meha variety with foliar application of sodium molybdenum. Hence, variety Meha with foliar spray of molybdenum could be more effective in augmenting mungbean growth, yield and economics in the Gangetic plains of West Bengal in the summer season.

Influence of Different Spacings under Varying Fertility Levels on Protein Content, Protein Yield and Available NPK in Soil of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata L.)

The present study highlights the influence of different spacings under varying fertility levels on protein content, protein yield and available npk in soil of summer greengram (vigna radiata l.). Due to its importance in Indian agricultural and ability to provide vital amino acids and protein, food beans are a staple of the Indian diet. In the summer of 2020, a field experiment on loamy sand soil was conducted at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. Twelve treatment combinations comprising of four spacings S1 (30 × 10 cm), S2 (30 × 20 cm), S3 (45 × 10 cm) and S4 (45 × 20 cm) and three fertility levels viz., F1 (75% RDF), F2 (100% RDF) and F3 (125% RDF) were evaluated in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results revealed that significantly higher protein yield (256.10 kg/ha) under 30 × 10 cm spacing as compared to other treatments. Among the fertility levels significantly higher protein content (24.17%), protein yield (260.27 kg/ha) and Higher value of available N and P2O5 status in soil after harvest was observed in treatment (F3) 125% RDF of summer greengram. Thus, from the foregoing results of one year experiment, it can be concluded that for securing higher seed yield, stover yield, protein yield and higher available N, P2O5 in soil after harvest of summer greengram should be sown at 30 cm × 10 cm spacing and fertilized with 100% RDF (20-40-00 N-P2O5-K2O kg/ha) under loamy sand soil.

Growth, Yield and water use efficiency of Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) as influenced by Phosphorus, Micronutrients and organics in new alluvial zone of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted to study the crop growth, yield and WUE of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) as influenced by phosphorus, micronutrients and organics in rice soils during rabi season of 2020-21 at the Teaching Farm, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mondouri, Nadia under New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal. The experiment was carried out taking ten different nutrient management practices with three replications in randomized block design to evaluate the performance of lathyrus. The results of the experiment revealed that lathyrus plot fertilized with the recommended dose of fertilizer along with foliar application of Borax @ 0.5% recorded the highest plant height, number of branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation, number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight. Maximum seed yield (1450 kg ha-1), stover yield (2513 kg ha-1) and highest WUE (10.00 kg ha-1 mm-1) were recorded by the plot treated with RDF+ Borax @ 0.5%.With respect to quality parameters, the seed protein content was highest (31.18%) in the plot fertilized with RDF along with ammonium molybdate @ 0.1%. Therefore, it may be concluded from the results of the experiment that the combined use of RDF with Borax @ 0.5% application in grass pea is one of the best option for better production in terms of quality and quantity for cultivation in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal.

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.

Effect of micronutrients, rhizobium, salicylic acid, and effective microorganisms in plant growth and yield characteristics of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in Rupandehi, Nepal

Nepal has a very diverse topography and ecosystem, with mountains in the north and lush plains in the south. Despite the diverse ecology, the production of green gram is still in its minority. This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of micronutrients (Zn, B, Mo, Co, and Mn), rhizobium, effective micro-organisms, and salicylic acid in plant growth, yield, and yield attributes of green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in Rupandehi district of Nepal in March 2021. Pratikshya variety of green gram was used as a test crop. Different levels of ZnSO4 and Borax, Ammonium Molybdate, Cobalt Nitrate, MnSO4, effective microorganism, Mixture, Salicylic acid, and Rhizobia along with control constituted treatments. Various application methods were used for applying treatments including soil incorporation, seed priming, inoculation, and foliar application. The results revealed that leaf area index, number of branches, number of pods per plant, and yield were significantly different (P < 0.05). Among various treatments, the mixture was found most effective in the case of grain yield (1048.1 kg ha−1), stover yield (2472.7 kg ha−1), biological yield (3520.8 kg ha−1), harvest index (31.2%), and the number of primary branches (4.9). Likewise, the number of secondary branches (6.86) was better with Borax@10 kg ha−1. There was no significant difference in the plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, pod weight, number of grains per pod, and test weight between different treatments. ZnSO4 @ 25 kg ha−1 was found to have an impact on the number of mature, immature, and total pods per plant. Overall, the study concluded that the mixture of all micronutrients performed better in terms of grain yield while zinc sulphate had great potential for plant growth parameters which could improve the farmers’ livelihood. It is recommended to conduct multi-location trials in a larger domain.

Sustainable intensification of climate-resilient maize–chickpea system in semi-arid tropics through assessing factor productivity

Global trends show that the rapid increase in maize production is associated more with the expansion of maize growing areas than with rapid increases in yield. This is possible through achieving possible higher productivity through maize production practices intensification to meet the sustainable production. Therefore, a field experiment on “Ecological intensification of climate-resilient maize–chickpea cropping system” was conducted during consecutive three years from 2017–2018 to 2019–2020 at Main Agricultural Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. Results of three years pooled data revealed that ecological intensification (EI) treatment which comprises of all best management practices resulted in higher grain yield (7560 kg/ha) and stover yield compared to farmers’ practice (FP) and all other treatments which were deficit in one or other crop management practices. Similarly, in the succeeding winter season, significantly higher chickpea yield (797 kg/ha) was recorded in EI. Further EI practice recorded significant amount of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and iron after completion of third cycle of experimentation (0.60%, 235.3 kg/ha,21.0 kg/ha,363.2 kg/ha,0.52 ppm and 5.2 ppm respectively). Soil enzymatic activity was also improved in EI practice over the years and improvement in each year was significant. Lower input energy use was in FP (17,855.2 MJ/ha). Whereas total output energy produced was the highest in EI practice (220,590 MJ ha−1) and lower output energy was recorded in EI–integrated nutrient management (INM) (149,255 MJ/ha). Lower energy productivity was noticed in EI-INM. Lower specific energy was recorded in FP and was followed by EI practice. Whereas higher specific energy was noticed is EI–INM. Each individual year and pooled data showed that EI practice recorded higher net return and benefit–cost ratio. The lower net returns were obtained in EI-integrated weed management (Rs. 51354.7/ha), EI-recommended irrigation management (Rs. 56,015.3/ha), integrated pest management (Rs. 59,569.7/ha) and farmers’ practice (Rs. 67,357.7/ha) which were on par with others.

Influence of Microbial Inoculants and their Consortia on Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Maize Grown on Vertisol

The present field experiment was undertaken at Wheat and Maize Research Unit, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani during Kharif season of 2022. Ten different treatment combinations were used in the experiment which included different microbial inoculants and their consortia ie Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium (Consortia -I), Azospirillum + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-II), Azospirillum + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia-III), Azospirillum + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅠⅤ ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Frateuria aurantia (Consortia-Ⅴ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤI ), Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Pseudomonas strita (Consortia- ⅤII ), and control replicated thrice in RBD (Randomized Block Design). Seed treatment of maize was done with microbial inoculants consortia @ 10 ml kg -1 seed before sowing with recommended dose of fertilizers. Among all the treatments, Azospirillum + Bacillus megaterium + Thiobacillus thioxidans (Consortia- ⅤII) noted significantly higher grain and stover yield of maize (8156.00 and 9836.66 kg ha -1 respectively). Furthermore, total uptake of NPK was found significantly higher (395, 99.99 and 170.65 kg ha -1) with consortia VII. Study concludes that recommended dose of fertilizers with microbial consortia helped in improving yield and nutrient content in plants and grain of maize grown in Vertisol.

Maximizing productivity, profitability and water use efficiency in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) through hydrogel and salicylic acid

Addressing water scarcity in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan presents a substantial challenge to improve the productivity of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.]. The limited availability of water in these areas results in reduced yields of Indian mustard. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted during rabi (winter) seasons of 2018–19, 2019–20 and 2020–21 at the research farm of Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan, to evaluate the impact of hydrogel and foliar application of salicylic acid on the growth, yield, economic returns and water use efficiency of Indian mustard. The results revealed that the application of hydrogel at a rate of 5.0 kg/ha, in combination with salicylic acid at a concentration of 200 ppm during the flowering and siliqua formation stages through foliar spray, had a significant and highly effective impact. This treatment displayed superior performance across a range of parameters, including growth characteristics, yield attributes, seed yield (1840 kg/ha), stover yield (3847 kg/ha), water use efficiency (8.53 kg/ha-mm), protein content (18.6%), oil content (39.13%), net returns (₹51,710/ha) and benefit-cost ratio (2.03). Furthermore, treatments involved 5.0 kg/ha of hydrogel in conjunction with 100 ppm of salicylic acid, as well as 2.5 kg/ha of hydrogel with 200 ppm of salicylic acid, produced similar results. The combined findings of this experiment endorse the application of hydrogel and salicylic acid as a sustainable and effective strategy for enhancing the productivity, profitability and water use efficiency of Indian mustard in the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan.

Impact of Different Sources and Levels of Biochar on Maize Growth and Yield in a Vertisol

Biochar preparation is one of the beneficial technologies for crop residue management. The production and use of biochar have many opportunities for soil improvement and agricultural productivity. A field experiment was laid out in Factorial RBD, to assess the potential effect of biochar derived from maize cob rind, coconut shell and Prosopis sps on growth and yield of maize grown in Kharif season 2022. Treatments comprised of first factor as biochar sources viz., maize cob rind biochar, Prosopis sps biochar and coconut shell biochar, second factor as application rates viz., 7.5, 10 and 15 t ha-1 along with RPP without FYM, RPP and absolute control with three replications. Among the different biochar sources PSB recorded significantly higher total dry matter (188.21 g plant-1), grain weight per cob (174.44 g cob-1), grain yield (59.60 q ha-1) and Stover yield (81.22 q ha-1). Among the different rates of biochar application, significantly higher total dry matter (196.00 g plant-1), grain weight per cob (183.02 g cob-1), grain yield (57.55 q ha-1), stover yield (88.94) were recorded with biochars application of 15 t ha-1. However, lower values were recorded in absolute control. Among the Interaction effect between the sources and rate of biochar application was found to be non- significant with yield and soil parameters. Therefore, effect of biochar on the availability of soil nutrients is associated with the nature of the biochar feedstock, the rate of application and the soil characteristics.

Effect of 2, 4-D sodium salt on weeds, growth and yields in rabi maize (Zea mays L.)

A field investigation was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 2021 at Agricultural Research Farm of Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the efficacy of doses of 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP on weeds, productivity and economics of rabi maize (Zea mays L.). Application of 2, 4- D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,250 g/ha at 25 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in to lesser weed density and weed dry weight of Physalis minima Roem. &amp; Schult, Chenopodium album (L.), Melilotus indicus (L.) and Cichorium intybus (L.) as compared to 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,000 g/ha and 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 750 g/ha at 60 DAS, with higher weed control efficiency (77.3 %) and lesser weed index (34.9 %). At 60 DAS, 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP (applied @1250 g/ha at 25 DAS) produced higher plant height, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, leaf area index and plant dry-matter over other treatments except weed free and two hand weeding at 20 and 40 DAS. Application of 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,250 g/ha at 25 DAS recorded higher number of cobs, number of kernels, number of kernels/row and seed index as compared to 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,000 g/ha, and 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 750 g/ha. Higher kernel (3.7 t/ha) and stover yield (4.7 t/ha) of maize was recorded due to application of 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,250 g/ha at 25 DAS with higher harvest index (44.5%) and monetary returns (62.5 × 103 `/ha) as compared to 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 1,000 g/ha, and 2, 4-D sodium salt 80% WP @ 750 g/ha.

Comparative analysis of the growth, yield attributes and grain yield of kharif maize (Zea mays) under varying doses of biochar, fertility levels, and biofertilizer treatments

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at the research farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, Uttar Pardesh, to evaluate the effect of graded doses of biochar and fertility levels with and without biofertilizer under partially reclaimed sodic soils on maize (Zea mays L.) performance. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) which with 3 replications. Experiment comprised of 8 treatments, viz. T1 , Control; T2 , 100% RDF 100 : 60 : 40 N, P2 O5 and K2 O; T3 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar; T4 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer; T5 , 50% RDF + 2.5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn; T6 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar; T7 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer; T8 , 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn. The study’s comparative analysis revealed the positive effects of applying biochar, optimal fertility levels, and biofertilizers on the yield attributes and grain yield of kharif maize. Notably, treatment T8 showed significant improvements, with a 53% increase in cob length, 34% increase in cob girth, 83% increase in the number of grains per row, 138.4% increase in grain yield, and 134% increase in stover yield compared to the control treatment. These findings demonstrate the successful impact of application of 100% RDF + 5 t/ha biochar + ZMB Biofertilizer + Zn in enhancing various aspects of maize growth and yield, surpassing the outcomes achieved with the control treatment and may be recommended for achieving high-quality maize production in partially reclaimed sodic soils of eastern Uttar Pradesh and comparable agro-ecoregions.

Effect of Boron and Zinc Fertilization on Yield of Mustard (cv. BARI sarisha-14)

Bangladesh has to import a significant quantity of mustard seeds to meet its growing demand due to the seeds' high oil content and the oilcake, which is rich in protein and used as animal feed. The impact of zinc and boron on mustard (cv. BARI sarisha-14) output was investigated in a field experiment that was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, from October 2017 to March 2018. There are five levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 kilograms per hectare) and boron (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kilogram per hectare) in this experiment. Three replications of the experiment, each with a plot size of three meters by two meters, were set up using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD Height of the plant, number of branches per plant, total number of pods per plant, number of effective pods per plant, number of ineffective pods per plant, length of pod (cm), number of seeds per pod, weight of 1000 grains, seed yield, Stover yield, biological yield, harvest index and controlled treatment performed the lowest for these attributes were found when 2.5 kilogram per hectare of zinc were given. The treatment of 1.5 kilogram per hectare boron produced the highest plant height, number of branches per plant, total number of pods, number of effective pods per plant, number of non-effective pods per plant, length of pod (cm), number of seeds per pod, weight of 1000 grains, seed yield, stover yield, biological yield, and harvest index, while the controlled treatment produced the lowest performance. It is noticeable from the growth, yield, post-harvest procedures, and analytical results that the Zn 2.5 kilogram per hectare and B 1 kilogram per hectare combinations were appropriate for mustard farming

Response of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to Different Bio-Regulators under Varying Fertility Levels

A field experiment on “Response of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) to different bio-regulators under varying fertility levels” was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar during rabi 2017-18. With regard to the effect of different bio-regulators on mustard, all growth attributes studied during the course of investigation such as dry matter accumulation per plant, number of primary branches and secondary branches per plant showed significant improvement due to application of cycocel (CCC) @ 1500 ppm (B3). Whereas significantly the lowest plant height was exhibited under treatment B3. Similarly, treatments B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) and B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm) remained comparable and exhibited significantly higher values of yield components and quality parameters viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, protein content and oil yield. Application of cycocel @ 1500 ppm (B3) also significantly increased N and S content in seed and stover and also resulted in significant improvement in uptake of N, P, S and Zn in seed, stover and total uptake followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). However, harvest index, phosphorus and zinc content in seed and stover as well as available nutrients status in the soil (N, P2O5, S and Zn) did not influenced due to application of different bio-regulators. Treatment B3 (Cycocel @ 1500 ppm) realized the highest net return (₹ 64,090/ha) followed by treatment B1 (Brassinosteroid @ 0.5 ppm). The results of the present investigation indicated that all the growth attributes in terms of plant height, number of primary and secondary branches per plant; yield attributes viz., number of seeds per siliqua, number of siliquae per plant, test weight, seed yield per plant, seed, stover yield and quality parameters viz., oil content, oil yield and protein content showed significant improvement due to application of balanced fertilization treatment N4 (N50P50S40Zn1.7), though it was at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) registered significantly higher N, P2O5, S and Zn content (%) in seed and stover and seed, stover and total uptake by mustard followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40). Similarly, application of N50P50S40Zn1.7 (N4) noted significantly higher available N (180.38 kg/ha), P2O5(39.68 kg/ha), S (8.49 mg/kg) and Zn (0.46 mg/kg), being at par with treatment N3 (N50P50S40) except available Zn status in soil. From economic point of view, the maximum net return (₹ 64,897/ha) and benefit cost ratio (3.13) were received with application of 50 kg N + 50 kg P2O5+ 40 kg S + 1.7 kg Zn/ha (N4) followed by treatment N3 (N50P50S40).