System Of Wheat Intensification Research Articles

System of wheat intensification (SWI): Effects on lodging resistance, photosynthetic efficiency, soil biomes, and water productivity.

Intense cultivation with narrow row spacing in wheat, a common practice in the Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia, renders the crop more susceptible to lodging during physiological maturity. This susceptibility, compounded by the use of traditional crop cultivars, has led to a substantial decline in overall crop productivity. In response to these challenges, a two-year field study on the system of wheat intensification (SWI) was conducted. The study involved three different cultivation methods in horizontal plots and four wheat genotypes in vertical plots, organized in a strip plot design. Our results exhibited that adoption of SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm resulted in significantly higher intercellular CO2 concentration (5.9-6.3%), transpiration rate (13.2-15.8%), stomatal conductance (55-59%), net photosynthetic rate (126-160%), and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) interception (1.6-25.2%) over the existing conventional method (plant geometry 22.5 cm × continuous plant to plant spacing) of wheat cultivation. The lodging resistance capacity of both the lower and upper 3rd nodes was significantly higher in the SWI compared to other cultivation methods. Among different genotypes, HD 2967 demonstrated the highest recorded value for lodging resistance capacity, followed by HD 2851, HD 3086, and HD 2894. In addition, adoption of the SWI at 20 cm × 20 cm enhanced crop grain yield by 36.9-41.6%, and biological yield by 27.5-29.8%. Significantly higher soil dehydrogenase activity (12.06 μg TPF g-1 soil hr-1), arylsulfatase activity (82.8 μg p-nitro phenol g-1 soil hr-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (3.11 n moles ethylene g-1 soil hr-1), total polysaccharides, soil microbial biomass carbon, and soil chlorophyll content were also noted under SWI over conventional method of the production. Further, increased root volumes, surface root density and higher NPK uptake were recorded under SWI at 20×20 cm in comparison to rest of the treatments. Among the tested wheat genotypes, HD-2967 and HD-3086 had demonstrated notable increases in grain and biological yields, as well as improvements in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and chlorophyll content. Therefore, adoption of SWI at 20 cm ×20 cm (square planting) with cultivars HD 2967 might be the best strategy for enhancing crop productivity and resource-use efficiency under the similar wheat growing conditions of India and similar agro-ecotypes of the globe.

System of Wheat Intensification: An Innovative and Futuristic Approach to Augment Yield of Wheat Crop

There is a new method of wheat production called the System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) that manages seed treatment, seed rate, spacing, weeding, and watering. The SWI and traditional methods of wheat sowing differ from each other in terms of potential yield. In comparison to the traditional method of wheat sowing, SWI allows seed treatment, which increases the number of tillers, the number of grains in spike, and the weight of the grain. Wheat seeding in the traditional approach is done at a much closer distance than in the SWI method, which results in faulty germination as a result of increased competition between the plants. In SWI, proper root formation in the early stages of crop growth can be encouraged by increasing the space between plants and rows, as well as increasing the density of plants. For small and medium-sized farmers, it is a great way to boost productivity and income while reducing food poverty at the same time. Using organic manure instead of chemical fertilizer is a new strategy that helps support sustainable agriculture. To help the poorest farmers and enhance their productivity and profit, SWI should be recommended.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of wheat under system of wheat intensification

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and yield of wheat under system of wheat intensification

Comparative analysis of machine-planted and manual-planted wheat on crop and water productivity, and profitability under system of wheat intensification management

System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) can outperform conventional wheat cultivation. However, the manual planting (dibbling) of two seeds in each hill, with hills laid out in a 20 × 20 cm square pattern essential for SWI, is a laborious task and requires more time, manpower, energy, and monetary expenditure. To deal with these constraints, a scientific team of Agricultural Engineers and Agronomists at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, developed a single-row manual SWI-planter (SRMSWIP) to make SWI planting easier, faster, and more economical. The SRMSWIP was field-evaluated for wheat var. HD-2967 during the winter season of 2015–2016 in a randomized complete design block thrice-replicated study with eight treatments. These treatments comprised (i) sowing with SRMSWIP using treated seeds (MSWIT); (ii) sowing with SRMSWIP using non-treated seed (MSWINT); (iii) manual sowing with SWI-management using treated seeds (MLSWIT); (iv) manual sowing with SWI-management using non-treated seeds (MLSWINT); (v) recommended planting with SWI-management using treated seeds (RPSWIT); (vi) recommended planting with No-SWI management using non-treated seeds (RPNoSWIT); (vii) check-row with SWI-management using treated (CRSWIT), and (viii) check-row with SWI-management using non-treated seeds (CRSWINT). The results showed that SWI-management increased the grain yield by 0.61–1.52 t/ha, with an overall average increase of 1.12 t/ha over control plots. The greatest increase (~25%) in grain yield was achieved with the mechanical seeder and seed treatment. At the same time, straw yield was lower by 0.09–0.66 t ha−1 under SWI-management, with one treatment exception. The increase in grain yield is attributable to SWI methods that led to an increase in the harvest index, i.e., in the wheat plant phenotypes. The water productivity and production efficiency were higher under SWI compared to conventional seed drilling with or without SWI-management. The gross returns using SWI planting ranged between Rs.123,526/ha in MLSWINT to Rs. 139,210/ha in MSWIT vs. Rs. 117,113/ha in RPNoSWIT. However, SWI with manual sowing (MLSWIT and MLSWINT) increased the cost of cultivation (COC) by Rs. 9,623/ha over RPNoSWIT. This increase in COC was lowered to Rs. 5,475/ha when planting was performed using SRMSWIP. Thus, owing to higher gross returns, SWI planting and management, barring MLSWINT, resulted in net returns of an increment of Rs. 7,615–16,372/ha over conventional planting without SWI-management. The B:C in MSWIT and MSWINT was significantly higher than RPSWI. The monetary efficiency (ME) was highest with MSWIT (Rs. 702/ha/day). Overall, the SRMSWIP may facilitate wheat sowing using SWI methods, with greater feasibility and economic viability achieved. The promotion of this low-cost SRMSWIP may be a boon in enhancing the adoptability of SWI-technology among wheat growers, particularly small and marginal farmers in India and adjoining regions.

Comparing System of Wheat Intensification with Normal Practices Under Different Levels of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer in Southeast Region of Afghanistan

A field experiment was conducted to study the influence of NPK and FYM under normal practice and system of wheat intensification (SWI). The soil of the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.4); and available N (117.3 kg ha-1), medium in available P (13.85 kg ha-1) and high in available K (270 kg ha-1). Mazar 99 variety of wheat was chosen for the study. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 24 treatments combination and three replications on a plot size of 1.5 x 3 m. Different cropping system (Broadcast method of sowing and system of wheat intensification) and different levels of NPK (50, 75 and 100%) were taken in main plot. Different levels of farm yard manure (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) were assigned to sub plot in a split plot design. Application of 100 percent RDF under system of wheat intensification significantly influenced growth and growth attributes of wheat at different crop growth stages. Application of 100% RDF under system of wheat intensification (SWI) registered significantly higher plant height (23.4, 52.3, 77.7 and 82.9 cm), and dry matter accumulation (60, 257, 753 and 964 gram) at tillering, blooming, flowering and maturity stages and number of leaves (1130.0, 1722.3 and 2020.8) and number of tillers (187.9, 280.2 and 310) of wheat was also registered higher in same treatments at tillering, blooming and flowering stages of wheat respectively as compared to rest of the treatments.
 Different treatments of cropping system and different levels of RDF and FYM significantly influenced yield and yield attributes of wheat. Among the cropping system, M4 (100% RDF + SWI) registered significantly higher grain yield (3794.3 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6096.8 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. Application of 100 percent farm yard manure recorded significant and maximum grain yield (3553.7 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. While, the minimum grain yield (3060.8 kg ha-1) was recorded in S1 due to application of 0% FYM. Similarly, application of 100 percent farm yard manure recorded significantly higher straw yield (5935.5 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. However, the lower grain yield (3060.8 kg ha-1) and straw yield (5373.4 kg ha-1) was observed in S1 due to application of zero percent farm yard manure. The interaction of 100% RDF + SWI with 100 % FYM showed highest grain yield (4060.0 kg ha-1) and straw yield (6450.0 kg ha-1) as compared to rest of the treatments. vOn the basis of economic analysis it is concluded that wheat cv. ‘Mazar 99’ sown under system of wheat intensification treated by 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (120-60-60 kg NPK/ha) accompanied with 20% N through FYM proved to be the most remunerative dose which will increase the grain yield of wheat by 33 percent as compared to M1S1 due to application of 100% RDF + 0% FYM under broadcast method of sowing. However, SWI will increase the net return by 36 percent as compared to broadcast method of sowing.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Microbial Inoculations on Augmenting the Energy Efficiency and Nutritional Status of Rice and Wheat in Cropping System Mode

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years with the aim to quantify the role of different nutrient management variables such as microbial inoculation, zinc (Zn) fertilization and optimal and sub-optimal fertilization of nitrogen and phosphorus on the energetic and nutritional status of the rice–wheat cropping system (RWCS). The said nutrient management variables were applied over six different crop establishment methods (CEMs) in RWCS viz. puddled transplanted rice (PTR), system of rice intensification (SRI) and aerobic rice system (ARS) in rice and conventional drill-sown wheat (CDW), system of wheat intensification (SWI) and zero-tillage wheat (ZTW) in wheat. Two microbial consortia viz. Anabaena sp. (CR1) + Providencia sp. (PR3) consortia (MC1) and Anabaena-Pseudomonas biofilmed formulations (MC2) were used in this study, while recommended dose of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) (RDN) (120 kg N ha−1 and 25.8 kg P ha−1), 75% RDN and Zn fertilization (soil applied 5 kg Zn ha−1 through zinc sulphate heptahydrate) were the other variables. The contribution of microbial consortia, Zn fertilization and RDN (over 75% RDN) to net energy production of RWCS was 12.9–16.1 × 103 MJ ha−1, 10.1–11.0 × 103 MJ ha−1 and 11.7–15.3 × 103 MJ ha−1. Among the CEMs, the highest gross and net energy production was recorded in ARS–ZTW with lowest energy required for production of one tonne of system yield (2366–2523 MJ). The system protein yield varies from 494.1 to 957.7 kg ha−1 with highest protein yield in 75% RDN + MC2 + Zn applied ARS–ZTW. Among micronutrients, the uptake of Zn and iron (Fe) is sensitive to all studied variables, while manganese (Mn) and cupper (Cu) uptake was found significantly affected by CEMs alone. The combination of 75% RDN + MC2 + Zn in ARS–ZTW was found superior in all respects with 288.3 and 286.9 MJ ha−1 net energy production and 2320 and 2473 MJ energy required for production of one tonne system yield in the first and second year of study, respectively.

Response of different methods of sowing and organic manures on growth and yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

To study the retaliation performances of various methodologies of sowing by accompanying organic manures on growth, yield, and all other yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop. A field experiment was executed during the Rabi season of 2020-21 at the crop research farm of SHUATS, Prayagraj.The experiment was laid out in the most commonly encountered Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications of each treatment for all traits. Given this experiment three methods of sowing, i.e. M1 (Broadcasting), M2 (Line sowing), M3 (System of Wheat Intensification) as well as three organic manures i.e. O1 (Farmyard manure 12 t/ha), O2 (Poultry manure 5 t/ha), O3 (Vermicompost 4 t/ha) and two liquid manures Panchagavya 3% and Jeevamrutha 500 l/ha. And the liquid manures were foliar sprayed at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing (DAS). Results were revealed that the maximum number of tillers (10.53), Dry weight (18.00 g/plant), Effective tillers (10.43), Spike length (11.73 cm), and Grains per spike (58.38) were found to be significantly higher with the application of treatment SWI + Poultry manure (5 t/ha) + Panchagavya 3% FS + Jeevamrutha 500/h FS as compared to the other treatments. Maximum values were ensured with Plant height (78.30 cm), test weight (36.73 g), Grain yield (3.16 t/ha), Straw yield (4.48 t/ha), and harvest index (41.39 %). Hence with the current experiment’s outputs, this study concluded that Line sowing + Poultry manure (5 t/ha) + Panchagavya 3% FS + Jeevamrutha 500 l/ha FS were produced more grains and productivity as compared to other organic treatment combinations.

Impact of Safe Rock® Minerals, Mineral Fertilizers, and Manure on the Quantity and Quality of the Wheat Yield in the Rice-Wheat Cropping System.

Rice–wheat (RW) rotation is the largest agriculture production system in South Asia with a multifaceted role in maintaining the livelihood of people. The customary practices and indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers have culminated in the decline of its productivity and profitability during the past two decades, thus affecting the sustainability of wheat. Safe Rock® Minerals (SRM) is a multi-nutrient rich natural rock mineral with great potential to manage soil degradation, reducing the input of fertilizers, improving soil fertility, and plant health. Thus, a field trial was conducted at the research farm of ICAR—Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi from 2016 to 2018 to evaluate the impact of Safe Rock® Minerals (SRM) on biometric parameters, productivity, quality, and nutrient uptake by conventional wheat and System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) in the wheat–rice cropping system. The results indicate that SWI performed better in terms of growth, yield, and quality parameters than conventional wheat. Among nutrient management practices; the highest growth, yield, and yield attributes of wheat were achieved with the use of SRM application 250 kg ha−1 + 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF). SRM application also increased grain protein content significantly. In conclusion, the integrated use of SRM with organic manures can serve as an eco-friendly approach for sustainable wheat production.

Novel resource conservation technologies for increasing the production and productivity of rice-wheat cropping system in Indo-Gangetic plains of India

The rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is the predominant cropping system, covering about 13.5 million hectares area in South Asia, out of which 10.3 million hectares is in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. Rice and wheat crops are the main staple food for the people of the country and considered as the backbone for food grain security. Contributing 70 per cent to total cereal production in India due to its wider adoption, it has depleted soil organic carbon status, ground water, decreased soil fertility and has overall reduced factor productivity. Efforts to sustain higher productivity with focused approach on reversing the trend in natural resource degradation by adopting resource conservation technologies (RCTs) like direct seeded rice (DSR), system of rice intensification (SRI), aerobic rice, brown manuring, crop residue incorporation, furrow irrigated raised bed system (FIRBS), zero tillage (ZT) and leaf colour chart (LCC) that not only improved the production and productivity but also maintained the soil health. The RCTs helped in soil and water conservation, weed control and nutrient supplementation with brown manuring, reduction in seepage, deep drainage losses and water saving (10-30%) with AWD, reduced global warming potential of rice-wheat system by 41 per cent as compared to conventional system under DSR-ZT wheat. Apart from this, new emerging technologies like system of wheat intensification (SWI), LCC application for nitrogen management, bed transplanting in rice followed by laser levelling in wheat with zero tillage wheat with incorporation of rice residues over conventional transplanting also showed promising results. Thus, adoption of RCTs led to sustainable improvement in RWCS by improving soil health, nutrient and water use efficiency with higher sustained yields along with reduction in cost of cultivation and also helped to minimize environmental pollution.

An impact of agronomic practices of sustainable rice-wheat crop intensification on food security, economic adaptability, and environmental mitigation across eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains.

In the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (EIGP), conventional rice-wheat system has led to a decline in productivity, input-use efficiency, and profitability. To address these, a four-year field study was conducted to evaluate the performance of tillage and crop establishment (TCE) methods in rice-wheat-greengram rotation. The treatments included: 1) random puddled transplanted rice (RPTR) - conventional-till broadcast wheat (BCW) - zero-till greengram (ZTG); 2) line PTR (LPTR) - conventional-till drill sown wheat (CTW) - ZTG; 3) machine transplanted rice in puddled soil (CTMTR) - zero tillage wheat (ZTW) - ZTG; 4) machine transplanted rice in zero-till wet soil (ZTMTR) - ZTW - ZTG; 5) system of rice intensification (SRI) - system of wheat intensification (SWI) - ZTG; 6) direct-seeded rice (DSR) - ZTW - ZTG; and 7) zero-till DSR - ZTW - ZTG. During the initial two years, conventional rice system (PTR) recorded a 16.2 % higher rice grain yield than DSR system. Whereas in the fourth year, the rice yields under DSR and PTR were comparable. As compared to SRI/SWI, the average wheat yield in ZT system was significantly high, whereas in rice, SRI/SWI system was comparable with CT system. ZTW after non-puddled rice was at par to CTW after PTR. The ZT wheat produced 4.6 % more yield than CT system. DSR production system consumed 6.8 % less water compared to transplanted system. On the system basis, 10.8 % higher net returns were recorded with CA-based system compared to conventional system. The system energy productivity under CA-based production system was 14-36 % higher than PTR-based systems. CA-based system also led to 8-10 % lower global warming potential (GWP) than conventional methods. The current study indicated that as compared to conventional system, a significant gain in productivity, profitability and energy-use efficiency, and reduction in the environmental mitigation are possible with emerging alternative TCE methods. Long-term expansion and further refinement of these technologies in local areas need to be explored for the second green revolution.

Influence of Crop Establishment Techniques, Fertilization and Microbial Consortia on Potassium Nutrition of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted for 2 years (2013-14 and 2014-15) during winter (Rabi) season at Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India with an objective to study the significance of two microbial consortia inoculations, zinc (Zn) fertilization (5 kg Zn ha-1 through ZnSO4∙7H2O soil application in each crop at sowing) and three rates of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on potassium (K) concentration, uptake and as well as ammonium acetate (NH4OAC)-extractable K content in soil at different growth stages in wheat. The microbial consortia used were Anabaena sp. (CR1) + Providencia sp. (PR3) and Anabaena-Pseudomonas biofilmed bio-fertilizer; while rate of fertilization were 0, 75% and 100% of recommended rate of nutrients (RDN) (120 kg N ha-1 and 25.8 kg P ha-1). The concentration and uptake of K was significantly higher in zero tillage wheat (ZTW) than conventional drill-sown wheat (CDW) and system of wheat intensification (SWI) at all observations except at 30 days after sowing. The application of 100% RDN and Zn fertilization have significant and positive effect on K uptake. The microbial consortia increase K concentration and uptake by 0.09-0.12 mg kg-1 and 9.9-12.7 kg ha-1 in straw and 0.08-0.11 mg kg-1 and 3.8-5.6 kg ha-1 in grain. The soil ammonium acetate (NH4OAC)-extractable K decreased by 87-108 kg ha-1 and 19-44 kg ha-1 in first and second year, respectively over initial soil K even after application of recommended rate of K (49.8 kg ha-1). Our study concludes the significant increase in K uptake due to ZTW and use of microbial consortia and there is the need for redeciding K fertilization in wheat for sustained productivity.

Enhancing phosphorus and iron nutrition of wheat through crop establishment techniques and microbial inoculations in conjunction with fertilization

ABSTRACT Feld experiments were undertaken at the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi in the winter seasons of 2013–14 and 2014–15. The objective of the study was to evaluate the significance of three crop establishment methods viz., conventional drill sown wheat, the system of wheat intensification, and zero tillage wheat and rates of nitrogen, phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) fertilization in conjunction with use of microbial consortia for P and iron (Fe) nutrition of wheat. The variations in P and Fe concentration and uptake in the wheat plant as well as soil NaHCO3-extractable P at different growth stages and alkaline phosphatase activity were selected to deduce the contribution of variables in the nutrition of wheat. The concentration and uptake of P and Fe were found significantly higher in zero tillage wheat with 1.3–1.4 kg ha–1 and 195–203 g ha–1 higher total P and Fe uptake, than conventional drill-sown wheat and system of wheat intensification. Application of 100% recommended dose of nutrients (RDN) (25.8 kg P ha–1 and 120 kg N ha–1) led to significantly higher P concentration and uptake than 75% RDN and absolute control. The application of Anabaena sp. (CR1) + Providencia sp (PR3) consortium and Anabaena–Pseudomonas (An-Ps) biofilmed formulation significantly increased P concentration in grain and straw, with an enhancement in total P uptake by 0.9–1.9 kg ha–1 and significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity. A positive balance (0.2–2.4 kg ha–1) of soil NaHCO3-extractable P was recorded with the application of microbial consortia. Our study signifies the promise of microbial inoculation, along with recommended N and P fertilization and zero tillage for enhancing P and Fe nutrition of wheat.

Intercomparison of crop establishment methods for improving yield and profitability in the rice-wheat system of Eastern India

Conventionally managed rice-wheat systems of the eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains (E-IGP) that rely on soil puddling for rice and intensive tillage for wheat are low-yielding and resource-inefficient, leading to low profitability. While a host of alternative tillage and crop establishment (TCE) methods have been advocated as solutions for sustainably enhancing productivity and profitability, few systematic comparisons of these methods are reported. To address this gap, a three-year field study was conducted in Bihar, India with the goal of identifying TCE methods for rice-wheat systems that are high yielding, less resource-intensive, and more profitable. The following systems were evaluated: 1) puddled transplanted rice (PTR) followed by (fb) conventional tillage wheat (CTW) or zero-tillage wheat (ZTW); 2) machine transplanted rice in non-puddled soil (MTR) fb ZTW; 3) the system of rice intensification (SRI) fb system of wheat intensification (SWI); and 4) dry-seeded rice (DSR) fb ZTW. Rice cultivar duration (short versus medium-duration) was incorporated as a subplot treatment in all systems. Rice yields were similar with all methods, except DSR yield was 11 % lower and MTR yield was 7% higher than PTR in the third year. Cost of production was US$ 149 and 77 ha−1 lower in DSR and MTR, respectively, and US$ 84 ha-1 higher in SRI than PTR. The gross margin and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio was highest in MTR followed by DSR and lowest in SRI. In wheat, ZT resulted in a higher yield than CTW, especially when ZTW was cultivated after non-puddled rice (e.g., DSR or MTR). ZTW reduced production costs by US$ 69 ha-1, whereas SWI increased it by US$ 139 ha-1 relative to CTW. The higher yield and lower cost of production resulted in a higher gross margin (US$ 82−355 ha−1 and US$ 129−409 ha−1 higher than CTW and SWI, respectively) and a higher B:C ratio in ZTW treatments than CTW and SWI. At the system level, MTR or DSR followed by ZTW had both superior crop yields and consistently higher gross margins (US $133 to 382 ha-1) than other practices. On the other hand, the SRI fb SWI system had no yield advantage and poorer economic performance than conventional practices. In all systems, the inclusion of a medium-duration rice hybrid resulted in higher rice and system yields. These results suggest that significant gains in profitability are possible with emerging TCE practices in rice-wheat systems, but alternatives such as the SRI and SWI will likely erode farmer incomes.

Study on adoption of cimate-smart system of wheat intensification (SWI) technology among the farmers of Bihar

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is world’s most widely cultivated food crop. At initial decades of 21st century, one probability of a great famine appeared in the world due to long drought in tropics and subtropics and at the same time it appeared more dangerously because of the climate change threat. System of Wheat Intensification (SWI) which is based on the principles of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a new wheat cultivation technique which might act as a significantly new weapon as a part of climate-smart farming. It is one of the promising technologies to increase productivity which ultimately contributes to the household level food security of rural marginal farmers. The present study was conducted in Samastipur district of Bihar state in India. 4 panchayats (Thahara, Morsand, Indarwara, Sarangpur) were selected from 2 blocks of Samastipur based on assumption that these blocks have the largest number of adopters of SWI technology. The total number of respondents (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) selected for the study was 60. Frequency, percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and t-test were used as the statistical tools. As the result, it was found that majority of the adopters (50%) had medium level of adoption followed by high level of adoption (40%) whereas; majority of the non-adopters (60%) had low level of adoption. The adopters have significantly higher mean adoption scores (46.96) than that of non-adopters (29.73). The computed t-value (13.61) was found to be highly significant which referred a significant difference in the mean adoption scores of adopters and non-adopters. Moreover, it was discerned that maximum number of respondents in partial adoption was due to lack of information source (80%) and maximum number of respondents in non-adoption was due to non-availability of labourers as well as lack of delivery system at village level (100%).

Questioning Seeding Rates and its Influence on Phenotypic Expression of Wheat Populations for Participatory Plant Breeding—First Findings from Field Research across Organic Farms in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Belgium and The Netherlands, bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) is getting attention within a growing movement looking for more sustainability of wheat cropping and breadmaking. The few varieties available are pure lines that do not match the wide range of environments and organic farming practices, so that yields and milling quality are often disappointing. Composite Cross Populations (CCP) have been created with the idea of evolutionary plant breeding through on-farm mass selection and seed saving. In 2015–2016, one such CCP of winter wheat was cropped side by side with a pure line variety in four organic farms with different wheat cropping practices, as a first step to answer some of the concerns arising from farmers’ networks we work with. Seeding rates ranged from the standard high to the very low ones practiced under the System of Wheat Intensification (SWI). Multivariate data analysis confirmed greater differentiation of the CCP both compared with pure line varieties and within populations on farms where inter-plant competition was less intense. Low seeding rates thus seem to enhance the phenotypic expression potential of a CCP, yet this is a neglected fact among participatory plant breeders. Since both CCP and SWI have great potential for ecological intensification within organic farming, we argue that more work is needed on finding new ways of combining innovation in farming practices and on-farm plant breeding, which also implies new ways of organising research.

Design, development and performance evaluation of manual planter for system of wheat intensification

System of wheat intensification (SWI), a new planting method, has shown promising results. Manual planting in SWI is cumbersome, labored and time-consuming. Hence, a manually operated planter for SWI was designed and developed at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, for precise planting of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seed. Field experiment was conducted to optimize design parameters i.e. plant spacing, number of seed/hill, treated/untreated and result was compared for conventional wheat cultivation with and without SWI management during winter season of 2015-16. The estimated labour requirements for manual planting under SWI method was 4–5 times more than the traditional drilling of wheat. The bulk density, true density, 1,000 seed weight, max. and min. dimensions and sphericity of the wheat seed were computed as 768 kg/m3, 1376 kg/m3, 39.9 g, 6.0 and 2.6 mm and 3.7, respectively. Based on these physical properties of wheat seed, a vertical cell type metering unit for single-row SWI planter was designed and fabricated. The metering unit of the planter was evaluated on a sticky belt at different speeds for distribution uniformity of seed per hill. It dropped 2-seeds per hill for 56% hills (points), 3 and 1 seeds per hill in 20% hills and missed-out seeds for 4–5% hills. The developed SWI planter was evaluated at IARI-Agronomy research field and its performance was compared with manual sowing and manual SWI planting. Number of hills germinated was found to be 22–24/m2. The distribution of plant per hill was found 69% double, 23% single, 5% triple and 3% nil. Overall, germination of seed, plant growth and yield were significantly better (> 25% higher) in the plots sown by SWI planter compared to conventional wheat sowing.

Influence of natural saferock mineral on soil micro-bilogical parameters under rice-wheat cropping system

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of SafeRock Minerals (SRM) application on soil microbiological parameters in rice-wheat cropping system. The experiments consisted of two methods of rice and wheat establishment and six different levels of crop nutrition including SRM with mineral fertilizers and organic manure (FYM). The rice was grown in kharif (June to October) season through aerobic direct seeded condition and flooded transplanted system. During rabi (October to April) season wheat was cultivated by two establishment methods viz. system of wheat intensification (SWI) and conventional wheat. The high yielding varieties of Basmati rice (Pusa Basmati 1509) and wheat (HD 2967) were used in the experiment. The results revealed that the soils of rice and wheat crops showed significant improvement in available N, P and K and soil microbial parameters (enzymatic activities and microbial biomass carbon) due to the integrated application of 250 kg/ha SRM + 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and 250 kg/ha SRM + 50% RDF (chemical) + 25% RDF (organic) and 250 kg/ha SRM + 50% organic-FYM (10.0 t/ha) over the sole SRM application under both the methods of stand establishment of rice as well as wheat.

Productivity and profitability of soybean (Glycine max) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes grown in sequence under system of crop intensification

The field experiment was conducted at the ICAR‒Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during kharif and rabi seasons of 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study the productivity and profitability of soybean (Glycine max L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes grown under system of Crop Intensification (SCI). Three cultivation methods, conventional, SCI (45 × 45 cm) and SCI (30 × 30 cm) for soybean and conventional, viz. and system of Wheat Intensification (SWI) (20 × 20 cm) and SWI (20 × 10 cm) for wheat were assigned to horizontal-plots and four varieties for each of soybean (Pusa 9712, PS 1347, DS 12-13 and DS 12-5) and wheat (HD 2967, HD 3086, HD 2851 and HD 2894) were assigned to vertical-plots in a strip-plot design and replicated thrice. Soybean and wheat sown under SCI produced larger yield attributes, yields and economic returns compared to conventional method. Significantly higher pods/plant, seeds/pod and 100–seed weight of soybean were obtained from SCI (45 × 45 cm) and SCI (30 × 30 cm) than the conventional. Highest soybean seed yield and net returns were obtained with SCI (30×30cm) than the other cultivation methods. The soybean DS 12-13 and DS 12-5 performed better than the other varietieswith respect to yield attributes, yield and net return. Higher effective tillers/m2, grains/spike, 1000-grain weight; grain,straw and biological yields; net returns and benefit-cost ratio of wheat were found under SWI (20 × 20 cm) compared to conventional method of sowing. Amongst wheat varieties, yield attributes, yield and economic returns were obtained with HD 2967 over remaining varieties. The highest system productivity in terms of wheat-equivalent yield (WEY) (11.62 t/ha and 12.02 t/ha) was recorded at both geometries of SCI and SWI than the conventional method.

Role of zinc, nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization, and use of microbial inoculation in zinc nutrition of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under different crop establishment methods

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2013-14 and 2014-15 at the Research Farm of ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi to study the role of N, P and Zn fertilization, and microbial inoculation on concentration and uptake of zinc (Zn) in wheat plant ('HD 2967') at different growth stages, and DTPA-extractable Zn content in soil under three different crop establishment methods (CEMs), viz. conventional drill-sown wheat (CDW), system of wheat intensification (SWI) and zero tillage wheat (ZTW). Experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three CEMs as main plot, viz. CDW, SWI and ZTW. In subplot, two rate of N and P application [100% recommended dose of nutrients (N120P25.8) (RDN) and 75% RDN] and two microbial inoculations (MI), viz. Anabaenasp. (CR1) + Providencia sp. (PR3) (MI1) and Anabaena-Pseudomonas biofilmed formulation (MI2) was applied with 75% RDN making total four combination which were applied with and without Zn (5 kg Zn/ha through zinc sulphate heptahydrate) along with absolute control. Zinc fertilization increased Zn concentration in wheat grain by 3 and 2.9- 3.2 mg/kg when Zn was applied with 100% RDN and 75% RDN + MI1 and 75% RDN + MI2, respectively which showed the role of Zn fertilization in Zn nutrition of wheat. Application of 100% RDN increased total Zn uptake by 78 and 180 g/ha over 75% RDN and control in Zn applied treatments which showed the role of N and P application on Zn nutrition of wheat. Application of MI1 and MI2 with 75% RDN increased grain Zn concentration by 2.3 and2.5 mg/kg indicating their role in Zn nutrition of wheat. Among CEMs, ZTW was found superior and increased Zn concentration in wheat grain by 4.7 and 4.5 mg/kg over CDW and SWI, respectively. Soil DTPA-extractable Zn content was increased in all Zn applied treatments at harvest over initial level which indicates the positive effect of Zn fertilization on soil Zn status. Our study showed that application of recommended dose of Zn alone was not good enough to have proper Zn nutrition of wheat and to increase concentration and uptake of Zn in wheat plant and grain, but application of N and P at recommended rate and selecting suitable CEM is equally important.

Planning of agricultural inputs in Ur watershed to maximize net benefit under limited resources

Two models (CROPWAT and LINGO) were used to optimize the resource allocation and achieving higher efficiency in agricultural productivity. Quantitative evaluation of hydro-meteorology parameters was carried out for crop water and irrigation requirement planning using CROPWAT model. Whereas, LINGO model applied to determine the optimum land and water resources allocation to major crops of kharif and rabi season in the Ur watershed using agriculture data such as net income per ha which was calculated based on various sub factures, viz. cost of fertilizers and pesticides, cost of seeds, yield of crops, daily wages of labour and machine charges, selling base price of commodities. Results revealed that the crop water requirement in kharif season was 593 cm and in rabi season 421 cm, whereas irrigation requirement was 71.16 cm and 294.7 cm respectively. Because, the crop grown during kharif season require less irrigation water. Therefore only supplemental irrigation requirement have to be planned for kharif crops. But in rabi season, more irrigation water is required to bring whole area under cultivation. That’s why the scenarios were considered based on available resources of watershed to fulfill the demand. Output of the CROPWAT model was used as input of the LINGO model for formulation of the linear programming equations under different scenario. There were three scenarios considered in each cropping seasons, viz. in kharif season (i) Existing scenario; (ii) Some need based crop scenario; (iii) Limitation with cash crop scenario; and in rabi season (i) Existing scenario with conventional method of wheat growing; (ii) Scenario under System of Wheat Intensification; (iii) Scenario under increasing 10% irrigation water. It was observed that the combination of both the models is appropriate for finding the optimal land and water resources allocation to the major crops in kharif and rabi season for maximizing net income of the watershed.