Straw Yield Research Articles

A Comparative Evaluation of Biostimulants on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) in the Red Lateritic Region of West Bengal, India

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.), an ancient crop cultivated in India since 2300 BC, is highly valued in traditional production systems for its role in alleviating malnutrition, with a rich nutritional profile comprising 9.2% protein, 1.29% fat, 76.32% carbohydrates, and the highest calcium (344 mg%) and potassium (408 mg%) content among all cereals and millets. The present experiment entitled on “A Comparative Evaluation of Various Biostimulants on Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) Growth and Yield in the Red Lateritic Region of West Bengal” was conducted during kharif season of 2022 at Farmers’ field, Chandrakona, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design replicated thrice consisting of 6 treatments [T1: RDF (Recommended Dose of Fertlizes) + Seaweed Extracts at 0.2%, T2: RDF + Moringa Extracts at 2%, T3: RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2%) T4: RDF + Fulvic acid substances at 0.2%, T5: RDF + Panchagavya at 3%, T6: RDF (N: P: K- 30:15:15 kg ha-1)]. The objective of this study is to find out the effect of foliar nutrition on growth and yield attribute of Finger millets. The grain and straw yield of finger millet as influenced by different treatments are found to be significant. Foliar spray of nutrition has resulted variable yield differences among the treatments. The highest grain yield 26.19 q.ha-1 and straw yield 34.70 q.ha-1 were recorded by RDF + Protein Hydrolysates & Amino acids at 0.2% followed by T1 with the values of 25.12 q.ha-1 and 31.56 q.ha-1 respectively. From the above investigation it was evident that the foliar application of various biostimulants on finger millets had a positive impact on growth and yield, especially in nutrient-stressed soils. In this context, the present study aims to assess the feasibility and performance of finger millet cultivation with minimal nutrient input and the application of biostimulants in various combinations.

Assessing the Impact of Saline Irrigation Water on Durum Wheat (cv. Faraj) Grown on Sandy and Clay Soils

In Morocco, saline irrigation significantly affects soil quality and reduces crop yields. This study evaluates the effect of salt stress on soil properties and the overall performance of the durum wheat variety “Faraj”, aiming to optimize production under saline conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 season, using a completely randomized design (CRD) to assess soil properties, plant growth, and yield. Five salinity levels (0.2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS m−1) were applied to two soil types: silty-clay (S1) and sandy (S2). Results showed significant changes in soil properties, including increased pH, electrical conductivity, and accumulation of potassium, calcium, and magnesium in soil. Grain yield decreased significantly with increasing salinity, from 1.12 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S1, and from 0.56 t ha−1 in freshwater to 0.12 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1 in S2. Straw yield was less affected, with values of 1.24 and 1.16 t ha−1 for S1 and S2 at 12 dS m−1, decreasing to 0.80 and 0.55 t ha−1 at 16 dS m−1. The “Faraj” variety shows good tolerance to salinity up to 8 dS m−1 for grain yield and 12 dS m−1 for straw yield, making it particularly suitable for moderately saline environments.

Co-application of organic amendments and natural biostimulants on plants enhances wheat production and defense system under salt-alkali stress

Soil alkalinity and salinity are major challenges to wheat production in arid regions. Eco-friendly amendments (organic matter and bio-stimulants) offer promising solutions, but their combined effects are underexplored. This study assessed the effects of organic amendments (vermicompost, compost, and chicken manure) combined with foliar bio-stimulants (licorice root, ginger rhizome, moringa leaf extract (MLE), and potassium humate) on wheat under salt and alkalinity stress. Organic amendments combined with bio-stimulants significantly improved wheat yields by enhancing chlorophyll content, proline levels, photosynthetic pigments, water uptake, and enzyme activities. Vermicompost outperformed compost and chicken manure in improving plant physico-biochemical properties. The combination of vermicompost and MLE was most effective in increasing plant height, leaf area, and photosynthetic rate by 97, 126, and 136%, respectively, while also enhancing catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase by 65, 97, and 185%, respectively. Consequently, this resulted in 64% increase in straw yield and 27% increase in grain yield compared to controls. Additionally, nutrient uptake (N, P, and K) significantly increased, while sodium uptake decreased. Integrating vermicompost with MLE can significantly enhance wheat productivity under abiotic stress, offering a sustainable solution to improve crop resilience in arid environments. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and optimize bio-stimulant use in agriculture.

Impact of seed rate and time of sowing on rice fallow crops and their sustainable production system in machine-harvested rice fields

A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Agronomy, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai to study the performance of rice fallow crops in machine-harvested rice fields. The primary objective of this study was to determine the optimal seed rate and the time of sowing rice fallow crops in machine-harvested rice fields. Rice fallow crop cultivation is the most significant low-cost production system in the delta region. However, the sustainability of the system is uncertain in the context of mechanical harvesting of rice using heavy machinery. The crops selected for the experimental trial were black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper.), sesame (Sesamum indicum), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum). The field experiment was conducted using a strip plot design. Rice fallow crops were arranged in vertical plots, while various seed rates and sowing timings were arranged in horizontal plots. The results indicated that the sowing time and seed rate significantly influenced the growth and development of rice fallow crops in machine-harvested rice fields. On the day of rice harvest, a 20% increase in seed rate (36 kg ha−1) resulted in greater grain and straw yield among the black gram treatments. The increased seed rate compensated for the damage caused by mechanical harvesting on the day of the harvest when a combine harvester was utilized, increasing the yield and sustainability of the rice fallow crops.

Effect of Different Organic Ammendments on Growth and Yield Attributes of Linseed [Linum usitatissimum (L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023-24 at the experimental farm of the model Organic Farm Department of Organic Agriculture and Natural Farming, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment consisting of eleven treatment combinations which was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Surbhi variety of the linseed was used in the experiment. It was found that among the different treatments higher plant height (66.0 cm) at harvest, dry matter accumulation (371.2 gm-2), higher crop growth rate (3.24 g m-2 day-1) at 150 DAS, the lowest days taken to 50% flowering and Days taken to physiological maturity, seed yield (11.16 q ha-1) and straw yield of (27.51 q ha-1) was recorded with the application of 50% FYM + 50% vermicompost to supply 100% of recommended N (T10). Whereas, the lowest plant height (44.9 cm), dry matter accumulation (252.1 gm-2), lowest crop growth rate of 2.20 g m-2 day-1 seed yield (7.26 q ha-1) and straw yield (19.00 q ha-1) in absolute control (T11).

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Conservation Agriculture Boosts Soil Health, Wheat Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency After Two Decades of Practice in Semi-Arid Tunisia

Amelioration of Iron Deficiency in Direct Seeded Aerobic Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) with Iron Seed Priming in Textually Different Soils

ABSTRACT Deficiency of iron (Fe) in direct seeded aerobic rice (DSR) is a severe issue resulting in improper growth and low yield due to poor crop establishment. The Fe seed priming has potential to ensure enhanced growth and optimal Fe concentration in aerobic rice. Hence, field experiments were conducted in sandy loam and sandy clay loam soils with eight treatments i.e. T1-Control, T2-foliar application of ferrous sulfate (FeSO4.7 h2O-1.0%), T3-seed priming (FeSO4.7 h2O-0.5%Fe), T4-seed priming (FeSO4.7 h2O-1.0%Fe), T5-seed priming with ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid chelated iron (Fe-EDTA-0.25% Fe), T6-seed priming (EDTA-0.5% Fe), T7-seed priming with iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs-0.025%Fe) and T8-seed priming (FeO NPs-0.05%Fe). The Fe seed priming resulted in considerable improvement in rice growth with maximum grain and straw yield of 6.23 and 11.9 t ha−1 in treatment T4, respectively. However, the treatment T6 showed significant increase in Fe concentration in paddy grain and straw over control. Similarly, higher Fe content in paddy foliage at 35and 70 days after sowing was observed in treatment T6.The percent increase in grain and straw yield of DSR was more in sandy loam soil than sandy clay loam soils. The Fe content in grain, straw and paddy foliage was higher in sandy clay loam soils than sandy loam soils. The sandy loam soil was more responsive than sandy clay loam soils. Thus, present study concluded that Fe seed priming with FeSO4.7 h2O (1.0%) is best forproper growth, adequate Fe content during growth stages and also to reduce the Fe deficiency in DSR.

Impact of Halophilic Bioformulations on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Paddy Grown Under Sodic Soils

ABSTRACT Soil degradation through sodicity is a universal concern. Regular biofertilizers are ineffective under sodic soils, owing to the inability of microbes to tolerate salt stress. To overcome this, attempts have been made to develop bioformulation based on halophiles that can replace regular biofertilizer applications in salt-affected soils. Therefore, to study the efficacy of halophilic biofertilizers, i.e. Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zinc and Halo-Mix, on the growth and productivity of paddy (var. PR-113), a pot-culture experiment was undertaken during the summer season of 2019–2020 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, Chatha, India. Application of these bioformulations showed a significant decrease in soil pH, EC and sodium content of sodic soil, with mean values of 8.94, 0.46 dS m−1 and 209.6 mg kg−1, respectively. These halophilic bioformulations showed a significant increase in plant growth, yield and yield attributes in terms of plant height, dry matter accumulation (DMA), leaf area index, number of effective panicles per m2, length of panicle, number of grains per panicle, grain yield, straw yield and 1000-grain weight. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake in rice grain was significantly higher in crops grown with the inoculation of halophilic formulations under sodic soil, which was 40.30 kg ha−1, 8.27 kg ha−1 and 6.41 kg ha−1, respectively, as compared to the corresponding control. Thus, the exploitation of Halo-Azo, Halo-PSB, Halo-Zinc and Halo-Mix as biofertilizers has enormous potential in improving the crop productivity under sodic soil conditions, owing to their cost-effectiveness.

Drought stress tolerance in vetch plants (Vicia sp.): agronomic evidence and physiological signatures

Abstract This study aimed to investigate vetch genotypes’ responses to moderate and severe drought stress and identify stress tolerance markers in arid conditions. Ten vetch genotypes (Vicia dassycarpa Ten., V. pannonica Crantz., V. michauxii Spereng., V. sativa-Ardebil, V. sativa-Dashtyar, V. sativa-Fereydonshahr, V. sativa-Mashhad, V. sativa-Semirom, V. sativa-Shahrekord and V. villosa Roth.) were cultivated under three water-deficit conditions: control, moderate and severe drought stress. These conditions represented maximum allowable depletion levels of 30, 50 and 85% of soil available water, applied after the six-leaf stage in the 2019–20 and 2020–21 growing seasons. The findings highlight the vetch's response to drought stress is influenced by stress severity and genotype. The result indicated a wide range of genetic diversity in agro-physiological traits among the studied vicia germplasm. Vicia dassycarpa Ten. shows highest straw yield and shorter days to flowering and maturity. Vicia michauxii Spreng. demonstrates high grain yield and advantageous traits like increased water content, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and membrane stability index. It has lower soluble carbohydrate, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and proline content. Additionally, V. michauxii Spreng. exhibits superior agronomic traits such as more seeds per pod, per plant and higher 1000 seeds weight, serving as reliable markers for drought tolerance. The results emphasize V. dassycarpa Ten. for fodder and V. michauxii Spreng. for grain production in water-limited regions. Further research on gene expression related to drought tolerance traits should enhance our understanding of vetch.

Evaluating the Effects of Fertilizer Deep Placement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Wet Direct-Seeded Rice During the Wet Season in Assam, India

Mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHGs), improving nutrient-use efficiency (NUE), and maximizing yield in rainfed lowland rice cultivation poses significant challenges. To address this, a two-year field experiment (2020 and 2021) was conducted in Assam, India, to examine the impact of different fertilizer-management practices on grain yield, NUE, and GHGs in wet direct-seeded rice (Wet-DSR) during the kharif season. The experiment included eight treatments: control; farmer’s practice (30-18.4-36 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1); state recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) @ 60-20-40 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1 with N applied in three splits @ 30-15-15 kg ha−1 as basal, at active tillering (AT), and panicle initiation (PI); best fertilizer management practices (BMPs): 60-20-40 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1 with N applied in three equal splits as basal, at AT, and PI; and fertilizer deep placement (FDP) of 120%, 100%, 80%, and 60% N combined with 100% PK of RDF. The experiment was arranged out in a randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatment. The highest grain yield (4933 kg ha−1) and straw yield (6520 kg ha−1) were achieved with the deep placement of 120% N + 100% PK of RDF. FDP with 80% N + 100% PK reduced 38% N2O emissions compared to AAU’s RDF and BMPs, where fertilizer was broadcasted. This is mainly due to the lower dose of nitrogen fertilizer and the application of fertilizer in a reduced zone of soil. When considering both productivity and environmental impact, applying 80% N with 100% PK through FDP was identified as the most effective practice.

Morphological and Productivity Response of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to Nano Biofertilization

Background: Chickpea productivity in the last decade has been declined due to improper management of inorganic and organic nutrient sources and it has been contended that the usual native soil rhizobial populations are insufficient/ineffective in N2 – fixation. Rhizobium based biofertilizers may substitute nitrogenous chemical fertilizers and provide a suitable way of achieving sustainable production. The effective use of exogeneous application of nano emulsion biofertilizer can enhance yield by reducing flower drop, regulating pod formation besides improving soil quality. In view of above consideration, the present investigation entitled “Morphological and productivity response of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) to nano biofertilization” was carried out. Methods: The field experiment was conducted on sandy clayey loam soil during two consecutive Rabi seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (Factor) with three replications, assigning 45 treatments consisting of five soil applications (100% RDF; 100% RDF + FYM; 100% RDF + Vermicompost; 75% RDF + FYM; and 75% RDF + Vermicompost) as first factor and three foliar applications (Nano DAP; Nano Urea and Nano emulsion biofertilizer) as second factor treatments. Result: Application of Nano emulsion biofertilizer to chickpea variety (NBeG-49) at harvest had shown significant higher plant height (35.03 cm), dry matter production (3251.43 kg ha-1), leaf area index (0.90), crop growth rate (1.59 gm-2 day-1), relative growth rate (26.3 mg g-1 day-1), chlorophyll (SPAD value) (58.22), number of pods/plant (24.93), seed yield (1111.60 kg ha-1), straw yield (2501.10 kg ha-1) and nitrogen uptake (70.56 kg ha-1), phosphorus uptake (203.21 kg ha-1) and potassium uptake (54.30 kg ha-1).

Maximizing Productivity and Profitability of Rice through Crop Establishment Methods and Weed Management Practices in Winter Rice-Garden Pea Relay Cropping System

A field experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field at Pirakata Brahmin Gaon under the jurisdiction of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jorhat to study resource conservation through crop establishment methods and weed management practices in winter rice (Oryza sativa. L.) - garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense) relay cropping system during 2019-20 & 2020-21. The treatment consisted of four crop establishment methods of winter rice (T) viz., T1: WDSR (Broadcasting), T2: WDSR (Modified Drum Seeder with furrow opener), T3: PTR (Farmers’ Practice), T4: PTR (Mechanized Transplanting by paddy transplanter) where WDSR: Wet Direct Seeded Rice, PTR: Puddled Transplanted Rice along with three weed management practices of rice (W) viz., W0: Weedy check, W1: Pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence fb bispyribac-sodium 0.025 kg/ha (20 DAS/DAT) as post-emergence, W2: Pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence fb manual weeding (30 DAS/DAT). The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. The soil of the experimental site was sandy clay loam in texture, medium acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon and available N and low in available P2O5 and K2O. The study revealed that the establishment method that T2, T3 and T4 had higher growth and yield parameters of the crop as compared to T1: WDSR (B) which resulted in higher grain and straw yield of winter rice as well as uptake of nutrients. The highest grain yield of 49.79 and 50.13 q/ha of winter rice was recorded under T4: PTR (MTR) followed by 46.62 and 47.8 q/ha in T2: WDSR (Drum seeder) during 2019 and 2020, respectively. The percent increase in grain yield of winter rice in W1 and W2 as compared to W0 (control) was 82.97, 84.52 in 2019 and 81.62, 81.58, respectively in 2020. The treatment combination T4W2 recorded the highest grain and straw yield of winter rice which was statistically at par with T4W1, T2W1 and T2W2. The higher B:C of 2.27 and 2.14 was recorded in T2W1 with higher gross return and net return followed by T2W2 (2.18 and 2.08 during 2019 and 2020, respectively).

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes

The field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at research farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to examine the water productivity and crop response under soil moisture and crop water stress based irrigation scheduling at variable nitrogen regimes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Experiment was conducted in a split-plot design (SPD) design comprised of 3 irrigation regimes in main plots and 5 graded nitrogen (N) levels in sub-plots, replicated thrice. Irrigation scheduling regimes included I1 (50% available soil moisture depletion-ASMD); I2 (CWSI i.e. crop water stress index based); and I3 (Conventional crop growth stage based). The 5 graded N levels included 0 (N0); 50 (N1); 100 (N2); 150 (N3); and 200 (N4) kg N/ha. Results showed that 50% DASM based irrigation significantly increased grain yield (11.28 and 6.30%), straw yield (5.33 and 5.70%), dry matter accumulation (5.65 and 5.44%), water productivity (11.37 and 6.19%), root length (15.89 and 44.48%), root weight (11.63 and 12.77%) and grain N uptake (20.88 and 14.52%) compared to conventional crop stage based irrigation during 2021–22 and 2022–23, respectively. Among the graded N application, maximum grain yield (4.78 and 4.82 t/ha) and crop water productivity (13.91 and 15.09 kg/ha-mm) were recorded with treatment N4 (200 kg N/ha), but remained statistically at par with N3 (150 kg N/ha) due to the marginal increment beyond 150 kg N/ha. Overall, soil moisture based irrigation at 50% MAD with 150 kg/ha N application proved to be the most effective and economical approach to enhance dry-matter accumulation, yield and water productivity with saving from harmful environmental effects ascending from excessive nitrogen use.

Drone-assisted herbicide optimization for energy efficiency, weed control and economics in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa)

The experiment was conducted during summer and rainy (kharif) seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Agricultural Research Station (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu), Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu to evaluate the efficiency, economics and energetics of drone-based herbicide spray (fluid) application in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa L.). During the experiment the application of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides was done using drone and knapsack sprayer to assess the weed control efficiency (WCE). Treatments included 3 herbicide combinations, viz. pyrazosulfuron ethyl as pre-emergence (PE); pyrazosulfuron ethyl as pre-emergence (PE) fb bispyribac sodium as PoE; and pyrazosulfuron ethyl as PE fb metsulfuron methyl + chlorimuron ethyl as PoE; and 4 spray fluids applied using drone and knapsack sprayer (25, 37.5, 75 and 500 litre/ha). Weed free and unweeded check plot were used as reference for calculating WCE. Application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium using knapsack sprayer reduced weed density from 77.74–86.45% and weed dry weight from 89.60–91.40% over unweeded plot. Moreover, it was found on par with drone application of 37.5 litre/ha using herbicides during both the seasons. Interaction effect between herbicides and drone spray fluids was found to be non-significant. Pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium application through knapsack sprayer (500 litre/ha) and drone (37.5 litre/ha) produced higher grain yield and straw yield. Higher net return, benefit: cost ratio (2.49 and 2.40), energy-use efficiency (13.44 and 13.40 MJ) and energy productivity (0.414 and 0.416 kg/MJ) were noticed with drone application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium using 37.5 litre/ha spray fluid in both the seasons. From the experiment, drone application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl fb bispyribac sodium with spray volume of 37.5 litre/ha was found as an effective strategy to manage weeds in transplanted rice and more advantageous in terms of energy-use efficiency and profitability.

Effect of FYM and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Soil Properties of Red Alfisol

The soil multi-nutrient deficiency is not only a problem for soil quality, but also for crop productivity. In problematic soils, in particular acid soils, where low nutrient availability is a concern for general soil use, organic fertilizers are important. The importance of FYM is not limited to their role as accessibility, cost-effectiveness, soil nutrient reservoirs, moisture and ameliorating soil properties that determine soil fertility and productivity status. A pot experiment was conducted on wheat crop at Banaras Hindu University, India, to investigate the effect of FYM and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soil properties of red Alfisol. The results revealed that maximum number of tiller pot-1 (17.0), plant height (78.0 cm), grain yield (27.4 g pot-1), straw yield (9.98 g pot-1), biological yield (67.5 g pot-1), harvest index (40.6%), were recorded in 1.5RF+FYM1applied pots. The correlation study revealed a significant positive correlation of soil organic carbon with biological yield, and soil available N, P and K. The integration of FYM along with 1.5 times RF significantly enhanced wheat productivity, quality, and soil nutrient availability, indicating the potential of this integrated approach for restoring soil fertility in degraded soils to sustainable crop production in red Alfisol.

Genetic Studies on Variability, Heritability and Genetic Gain of Yield and Yield Related Traits in Foxtail Millets (Setaria italic L.)

The present work comprised of 40 foxtail millet advanced breeding lines obtained from small millet scheme, MARS, Dharwad. These lines with checks viz., DHFT-109-3 and HMT-100-1 were evaluated in replicated yield trial at millet scheme, MARS, Dharwad, during rabi 2020-21 for assessing genetic variability, heritability, and genetic gain among 17 traits. Wide range of variation provides an ample scope for selection of superior and desired advanced breeding lines by the plant breeders for further improvement of these characters. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits under study. In the present study foxtail millet advanced breeding lines exhibited moderate PCV and GCV for the most important economic traits viz., panicle length (18.01 and 15.85 % 15.85% and18.01%), panicle girth (15.25% and 15.45%), productive tiller per plant (18.44% and 19.40%) and straw yield per hectare (19.92% and 21.39%). The high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for characters viz., specific leaf area (21.08% and 22.44%), specific leaf weight (20.52% and 26.72%), grain yield per plant (9.32% and 10.99 %), grain yield per plot (8.85 % and 10.49%) and straw yield per ha (19.92 and 21.39). Most of the traits viz., plant height(79 %), flag leaf length(98%), flag leaf width ( 80%), number of productive tillers per plant (90%), panicle length(98%), panicle girth (97 %), SPAD at 50 per cent flowering (92%), test weight (63%), specific leaf area (88%), specific leaf weight (87%), grain yield per plant(71%) and straw yield per hectare (87%) showed the high estimates of broad sense heritability (h2 b) indicating the reliability of the estimates for variation between advanced breeding lines and effectiveness of selection.

Effect of Different Organic Liquid Formulations on the Growth and Yield of Soybean: A Case Study from North Konkan Region of Maharashtra

This case study investigates the influence of the six different organic formulations on the growth and yield parameters of soybean (Glycine max L.), which is a popular vegetable oilseed in India. A Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications was considered to carry out the field experiment during rabi seasons of year 2022-23. Well-formulated organic liquids, namely Jeevamrut, Panchgavya, Vermiwash, Cowdung wash, Cow urine, and a Control, were applied as part of an integrated nutrient management (INM) approach. Key observations were recorded for various parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, length of pod, number of seeds per pod, test weight, pod yield, seed yield, and straw yield. The study indicate that Panchgavya (T2) was most effective among the treatments, showing highest seed yield of 1223 kg/ha and a corresponding straw yield of 2144.5 kg/ha. The outcomes of the study would be beneficial for other crops currently facing many challenges related to quality and yield due to the use of chemical-based treatments.

Comparative Analysis of Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Boro Rice under Long-term Inorganic and Organic Fertilization Practices

An experiment was conducted during Boro rice in the permanent experimental field of the Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh to investigae the long term outcome of manure and fertilizers on the yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of BRRI dhan29 in floodplain (Subtropical) soil (Aeric Haplaquepts). The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were ten treatment combinations viz, control; Nitrogen (N); (Nitrogen Phosphorus) NP; Nitrogen Potassium (NK); Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium (NPK); Nitrogen Zinc (NZn); Nitrogen Sulphur (NS); Nitrogen Sulphur Zinc (NSZn), Nitrogen Phosphorus Potassium Sulphur Zinc (NPKSZn) and NPK+FYM. The yield contributing characters and yield of BRRI dhan29 significantly increased due to different treatments. Grain and straw yields were highly influenced by the application of nutrients in various combinations. The longest panicle length (25.3 cm), the highest 1000 grain weight (22.7 g), the maximum grain yield (6.29 t ha-1), the highest nitrogen uptake in grain (70.4 kg ha-1) were found for the NPKSZn treatment. Grain yield increased by 24.8%, 85.8%, 40.7%, 68.9%, 29.2%, 33.2%, 107.1%, 28.9% and 78.9% due to N, NP, NK, NPK, NS, NSZn, NPKSZn, NZn and NPK+FYM treatments respectively and the corresponding straw yields attainment by 49.6%, 51.1%, 82.0%, 95.3%, 37.8%, 34.4%, 82.7%, 41.8% and 90.2%. The maximum value of apparent nitrogen use efficiency was obtained with NPKSZn (54.06%) treatment which evidently suggested its resultness for the long term fertilized soil.

Agronomic and Economic Evaluation of Common Bean-Tef in Double Cropping System

Double-cropping of cereals with legumes is a usual practice by small-holder farmers in southern parts of Ethiopia but crop compatibility and sequencing are the major problems for their soil fertility as well as profitability. Thus, it was important to conduct research on double cropping systems that can make the farmers more profitable on small land to reduce crop failure with current climate change. Thus, an experiment was done to evaluate the effects of these crops as double cropping on the productivity of tef and to evaluate the agronomic and economic value of common bean-tef in double cropping system for an improved production system at Shashemene district during the cropping season of 2022 and 2023 using RCBD design. The experiment consisting of twelve treatments including one common bean and three N rate with three tef varieties was sowed as the preceding and succeeding crop respectively and three sole tef varieties used as a control. The preceding crop the Hawassa dume common bean variety had 8 ton/ha dry biomass and 35 Qt/ha grain yield. The variance analysis showed that all the growth and yield parameters of tef except harvest index were significant such as Plant Height, Panicle Length, Straw Yield, Biomass yield, Grain Yield (p<0.05).

Effect of Level of Sulphur and Phosphorus on Yield and Quality of Soybean Grown in Inceptisol

The field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2017 at Post Graduate Research Farm, Rajarshee Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, College of Agriculture Kolhapur, with the view to study the effect of levels of sulphur and phosphorus on yield and quality of soybean grown in inceptisol. The soil of the experimental site was slightly alkaline in reaction, very low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and medium in available potassium and deficient in available sulphur. The field experiment was carried out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications and sixteen treatments comprising four levels of sulphur (0, 20, 40, and 60 kg ha-1) through elemental sulphur and four levels of phosphorus (0, 75, 100, and 125 kg ha-1) through DAP. The result indicated that the significantly highest grain yield (27.20 q ha-1, 25.04 q ha-1 respectively) was recorded by application of sulphur and phosphorus at 60 kg ha-1 (S4) and 100 kg ha-1 (P3) than rest of the sulphur and the phosphorus levels. The application of (S4, P3) at 60 kg ha-1 and 100 kg P ha-1 showed significantly highest straw yield (38.85 q ha-1, 35.50 q ha-1 respectively) than rest of the combination of sulphur and Phosphorus levels. The quality parameter records highest percent of 1000 grain weight, oil content and oil yield were found in 60 kg S along with 100 kg P ha-1 while the lowest seed yield, 1000 grain weight and oil content were found in control. Therefore, application of 60 kg S with 100 kg P appeared as the promising practice for obtaining higher seed yield and better quality of Soybean.