Table Land Zone Of Odisha Research Articles

Productivity and energy-efficiency indices for diversified rice (Oryza sativa) based cropping systems in West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

A long-term field experiment was conducted at Chiplima, Odisha, under irrigated medium land condition during 2006–07 to 2012–13, to evaluate the production potential and economics of 10 rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based crop ping systems. Rice–maize (Zea mays L.)–cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and rice–groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)–bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] cropping systems recorded significantly higher average rice equivalent yield (19.55 and 18.57 t/ha, respectively) than the other systems evaluated, the relative production efficiency being 85.8 and 76.5% over the rice–groundnut system. Rice-based 3-cropping systems hav ing groundnut as winter (rabi) crop had higher land-use efficiency (83%). Rice–maize–cowpea recorded the high est irrigation water-use efficiency (230 kg REY/ha), whereas rice–groundnut–bottle gourd recorded the highest ap parent nutrient use efficiency (60.8 kg REY/kg NPK applied). Rice–maize–cowpea also recorded the highest en ergy-use efficiency (5.89), energy-output efficiency (1,240 MJ/ha/day) and energy productivity (0.34 kg REY/MJ). Rice–maize–cowpea had the highest employment generation efficiency (124.7%), followed by rice–groundnut bottle gourd (120.5%) and rice–groundnut–cowpea (120.0%). Rice–maize–cowpea gave the highest net returns of 135,087/ha, followed by rice–groundnut–bottle gourd system ( 111,777/ha). Rice–maize–cowpea system showed the highest system profitability ( 370/ha/day) and crop profitability ( 500/ha/day). This system also gave the highest benefit: cost ratio (2.56), with highest relative production efficiency (85.8%) and relative economic effi ciency (168.5%) compared to rice–groundnut system.

Influence of plant growth regulators on fruit drop, fruit retention and fruit yield of mango (Mangifera indica l.) cv. Amrapali under west central table land zone of Odisha

Farmers in the western region of Odisha are grappling with issues related to low fruit set, fruit drop, and erratic yield in mango cultivation. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a pivotal role in addressing fruit drop at different developmental stages by modulating the nutritional and hormonal status of the plant. This study aims to investigate the impact of specific PGRs on fruit drop, fruit retention, and overall yield of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Amrapali in the West Central Table Land zone of Odisha. The experimental setup was implemented at the research plot of the College of Horticulture, Chiplima, Sambalpur, following a randomized block design with ten treatments, each replicated three times. The treatments involved various concentrations of three PGRs: NAA, GA3, and 2,4-D, applied during the pea and marble stages of fruit growth. The outcomes indicated that the application of 30 ppm GA3 significantly mitigated fruit drop, with comparable efficacy observed for 30 ppm 2,4-D. GA3 positively influenced fruit retention, particularly Treatment T7 (30 ppm GA3), exhibiting the highest retention percentages at 30, 60, and 90 days post-spraying. Furthermore, GA3 at 30 ppm resulted in the maximum average fruit weight and volume. The highest number of harvested fruits per plant and maximum yield per plant were recorded in Treatment T7. These findings underscore the potential of GA3 in alleviating fruit drop, enhancing fruit retention, and improving overall yield in mango cultivation, specifically for the Amrapali variety in the West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha.

Foliar application of Boron and Molybdenum in cauliflower under west central table land zone of Odisha

Foliar application of Boron and Molybdenum in cauliflower under west central table land zone of Odisha

Phosphorus management and suitability of rice cultivar on system yield augmentation under rice-fallow area of Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

A field experiment was carried out during 2018-19 and 2019-20 to study the effect of phosphorus doses and rice varieties on system efficiency in rice-green gram cropping system under Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha. The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three replications. Four main plots viz., P1: P100 of soil test dose (STD)to rice and no P to green gram, P2: P100 of STD to both the crops separately, P3 : P50 of STD to rice &P100 of STD to green gram, P4: P100 of STD of both the crops applied to rice only, were allotted to the main plots and three rice varieties viz., V1 - Mandakini, V2 - Lalat and V3 - Pratikhya to the sub plots. Application of P100 of STD to both the crops separately (P2)resulted in the highest pooled system yield of 6.87 tha-1 however amongst rice cultivars highest system yield of 6.51 t ha-1 was recorded with treatment where green gram was sown after rice cultivar "Mandakini". Similarly, thesame system P-management practice (P2) and the sowing window of rice cultivars (Mandakini) recorded the highest system nutrient uptake, gross and net returns and B: C ratio. But the available soil nutrient status was the maximum with P1 where P100 of STD as basal was applied to riceand green gram was sown after rice cv. 'Mandakini'. However, the available P of the system in the post harvest soil was estimated higher in treatment P2.

Improvement on Growth, Yield, Economics and Soil Fertility Status of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Under Integrated Nutrient Management

An On-farm Trial (OFT) was conducted during rabi season of 2016–17 at farmers’ field in Ragudiapada village of Angul district in Odisha, India using randomized block design with ten replications to study the improvement on growth, yield, economics and soil fertility status of blackgram under integrated nutrient management. The results indicated that 75% STBFR+FYM @ 2.0 t ha-1 incubated with PSB @ 5 kg ha-1+seed inoculation of Rhizobium culture @ 20 g kg-1 of seed+sodium molybdate @ 0.3 g kg-1 of seed recorded significantly higher plant height(43.52 cm),branches plant-1 (4.85), nodules plant-1 (22.75), pods plant-1 (21.2), seeds pod-1 (6.19), grain yield (6.45 q ha-1) and harvest index (37.2%). The same treatment fetched higher gross return of ` 32787 ha-1 with a benefit– cost ratio of 1.67 and additional net return of ` 4861 ha-1 as compared STBF. With regards to soil fertility after crop harvest, the same treatment resulted in the highest soil available nitrogen (220.8 kg ha-1), phosphorus (12.07 kg ha-1) and potassium (193.05 kg ha-1) which was 14.3, 11.8,9.7% higher over the initial soil status, respectively. Thus, 75% STBFR+FYM @ 2.0 t ha-1incubated with PSB @ 5 kg ha-1+seed inoculation of Rhizobium culture @ 20g kg-1 of seed+sodium molybdate @ 0.3 g kg-1 of seed is the proven technology which is effective for higher crop growth, yield, profitability and soil fertility status of blackgram under mid central table land zone of Odisha.

Evaluation of fertilizer doses under different planting methods of rice (Oryza sativa) in west central table land zone of Odisha

A field experiment was conducted during 2017–18 and 2018–19 at Chiplima, Sambalpur under West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha, to evaluate fertilizer doses under different planting methods in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The values of growth contributing characters like plant height, effective tillers/plant, and leaf-area index increased significantly under mechanical transplanting followed by system rice intensification (SRI) and drum seeding methods. The maximum grain yield, straw yield and benefit : cost (B: C) ratio were recorded with mechanical transplanting (6.5, 7.5 t/ha and 2.6) followed by SRI technique (6.3, 7.2 t/ha and 2.3) and were lowest with manual method of random transplanting (4.6, 5.3 t/ha and 1.8). Application of 120-60-60 kg N-P2O5 -K2 O/ha increased the panicle length (24.8 cm), filled grains/panicle (155), grain (8 t/ha) and straw (9.2 t/ha) yield and nutrient uptake by grain (113.3, 32.5 and 116.6 kg N, P and K/ha), being higher than the values obtained under soil test based fertilizer application, i.e. 100-50-40 kg N-P2 O5 -K2 O/ha.

Management of sulphur for yield augmentation in rice (Oryza sativa) under rice fallow system

Sulphur (S) is ranked as 4th most essential nutrient after nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium which plays a vital role in crop production. Its uses have declined in recent years. S-deficiency in soils of Odisha has increased from 36% during 2008–09 to 44% in 2018–19. A field experiment was conducted at farmers’ field in Ankurda village, Goindia block of Dhenkanal district, for two years (2018–19 and 2019–20) in order to study the effect of different sources of sulphur in rice (Oryza sativa L.) (cv. Swarna Sub 1) under mid-central table land zone of Odisha. The experiment was conducted in RBD with 10 treatments and 3 replications. Four different sources of sulphur (SSP, calcium sulphate, elemental S0 and navaratna as (20-20-0-13) were used with two methods, viz. basal and top dressing to rice crop during rainy (kharif) season. A mixture source was formulated with (CaSO4 + SSP) @1:1 ratio which was applied as basal only. Among the sources of sulphur applied, highest biomass yield was recorded with spilt method of ES which followed the order as: ESo>mixture source>navaratna>SSP>gypsum. Due to S fertilization, the biomass yield increased by 16% over the control (T1). Spilt application of sulphur fertilizer exerted a beneficial effect on yield attributing character, higher grain and straw yield, nutrient uptake, sulphur use efficiency and sulphur harvest index, quality parameters and B:C ratio of Swarna Sub-1 in comparison to basal application of fertilizers during rainy (kharif) season.

Influence of phosphorus management on yield, nutrient uptake, post-harvest soil properties and economics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in acid Alfisols

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of phosphorus (P) on kharif rice(Oryza sativa L.) in rice-greengram cropping system in Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha. The experiment was conducted in split-plot design with three replications. Four main plots viz., P1-100% soil test dose (STD) for P as basal to rice, P2- 100% STD for P to both the crops, P3-50 % STD for P to rice and 100% STD for P to greengram, P4 - No P to rice and 100% STD for P to both the crops was applied to greengram, were allotted to the main plots and three rice varieties viz., V1-Mandakini, V2-Lalat and V3- Pratikhya were considered in the sub plots. Application of 100% STD for P to both the crops (P2) resulted in the highest grain and straw yield of 3980 and 4715 kg/ha, respectively. Rice variety ‘Pratikshya’ produced the highest grain and straw yields of 3808 and 4399 kg/ha, respectively. Similarly, the same P management practice and rice cv. ‘Pratikshya’ recorded the highest chlorophyll content (3.54 mg/g of fresh leaf weight), nutrient uptake (N 68.9 kg/ha , P 27.2 kg/ha , K 88.2 kg/ha ) gross and net returns and B: C ratio (1.94). However, the post harvest soil nutrients status were maximum with P2 where rice cv. ‘Mandakini’ was taken.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield, Economics and Post-harvest Soil Properties of Sweet Corn Grown under Mid-Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

Sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata), popularly known as sugar corn or pole corn is a specialty maize having high sugar content at milk or early dough stage. As the corn is considered as an exhaustive crop, requires more nutrient, so integrated nutrient management practices play an important role in sustaining productivity of sweet corn. A field experiment was conducted during 2019 and 2020 in order to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on sweet corn yield and post harvest soil properties. Different growth parameters like plant height (206 cm), cob length (28.5 cm), cob girth (16.43 cm), no of seed rows per cob (18.80), no of grains per row (47.55) and green cob wt. (335.43g) were found highest in integrated package where bio fertilizer consortia, B and Zn were applied along with STD fertilization (T6). Total harvested yield of sweet corn including stover (2.58 to 2.98 t ha-1) and kernel (1.33 to 2.37t ha-1) varied from 3.91 to 5.35 t ha-1 in different treatments and was observed highest in T6 (5.35 t ha-1). Harvest index (44.29%), B: C ratio (3.15) and 1000 kernel weight (198.90 g) was also recorded highest in treatment T6. The post- harvest soil properties were also recorded highest in T6 where bio fertilizer consortia, B and Zn were applied along with STD fertilization in the INM package.

On-farm Evaluation of Balanced Fertilization in Rice-groundnut Cropping System for Productivity, Nutrient Use Efficiency and Profitability

Background: Increasing cost of fertilizers warrants the necessity of finding methods for increasing the use efficiency of nitrogen in a cropping system. Data from on-farm research on evaluation of use efficiency of applied nutrients using check plot or omission plot technique has been lacking. Methods: A researcher designed and farmer managed experiment was conducted in Angul district under Mid Central Table Land Zone of Odisha to study the on-farm crop response to plant nutrients by involving 12 farmers during 2015-16 and another 12 farmers during 2016-17 in rice (Oryza sativa L.)- groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system with seven treatments, viz. control (no fertilizer application), recommended N alone (N-0-0-0), NP (N-P-0-0), NK (N-0-K-0), NPK (N-P-K-0), NPK+ZnSO4/CaSO4 (N-P-K- ZnSO4 in rice and N-P-K- CaSO4 in groundnut) and farmers’ practice (FP). Result: The highest system rice equivalent yield (REY) (12.63 t/ha) was recorded with the recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K @ 80, 17.5 and 33 kg/ha)+25 kg ZnSO4/ha to rice and recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N-P-K @ 40, 17.5 and 33 kg/ha)+250 kg CaSO4/ha to groundnut followed by recommended NPK alone to both the crops without ZnSO4/CaSO4 (12.18 t/ha). Partial factor productivity (PFP) of N in rice-groundnut system can be increased to 42% over sole N application through application of recommended quantity of NPK. The agronomic efficiency (AE) of N increased by 122, 87 and 186% in rice groundnut cropping system by applying recommended doses of N with P, K and PK over N alone, respectively. Application of recommended quantity of NPK+ZnSO4 to rice and NPK+CaSO4 to succeeding groundnut crop recorded highest system net return of Rs. 92690/ha followed by application of recommended NPK only to both the crops (Rs.89950/ha). Application of balanced fertilizer improved the status of organic carbon and available N, P and K at the end of the cropping season in both the years compared to control.

Evaluation of Suitable IPM Module for Management of YMV Disease in Mungbean under West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha

Background: YMV disease in mungbean is one of the major disease causing heavy losses annually throughout the country. As the disease is transmitted by insect vector, management of vector is important to check the YMV disease that can minimise the losses. The present investigation was aimed to evaluate different IPM modules for management of YMV disease of mungbean. Methods: Field experiments were carried out during Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at the Research Farm of Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station, Chiplima, Sambalpur, Odisha, India. Population of whitefly was recorded on three leaves selected from top, middle and bottom canopy of the plant. Disease severity was recorded by using 0-9 scale. Result: The IPM module i.e. seed treatment with Thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 5 gm kg-1 of seed, installation of yellow sticky trap @ 50 ha-1 and spraying of Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.3 gm l-1 of water was found as the most effective among all other modules. Pooled analysis of two years data revealed that 65.5% YMV disease control and 59.3% reduction of white fly population over control were performed by the said IPM module. A maximum increase in yield (84.8%) and highest cost benefit ratio (1.77) were also achieved with the module.

Relative efficiency of different sources of sulphur on yield and soil nutrient status in kharif rice (Oryza sativa)

A field experiment was carried out in order to study the relative efficacy of different sources of sulphur in kharif rice (Cv. Swarna Sub 1) under mid-central table land zone of Odisha. It was carried out in RBD with 10 treatments and 3 replications. Four different sources of sulphur (Single Super Phosphate, Calcium Sulphate, Elemental S0 and Navaratna as (20-20-0-13) were used with two methods of application as basal & top dressing to rice crop during Kharif season. The treatment details consists as T1 = Control (No Sulphur), T2 = Basal application (B.A) of 30 kg S ha-1 through Calcium Sulphate (CaSO4), T3 = Basal application of 30 kg S ha-1 through Elemental S ( ES ) , T4 = Basal application of 30 kg S ha-1 (through SSP) , T5 = Basal application of 30 kg S ha-1 (through 20-20-0-13) , T6 = Twice application of 15 kg S ha-1 as basal and top dressing through CaSO4, T7= Twice application of 15 kg S ha-1 as Basal application & top dressing through ES , T8 = Twice application of 15 kg S ha-1 through SSP each at Basal application & top dressing, T9 = Twice application of 15 kg S ha-1 as Basal application and top dressing through (20-20-0-13) & T10 = Basal application of 30 kg S ha-1 through CaSO4 and SSP @1:1 ratio . Significantly highest pooled mean grain yield (5.41 t ha-1) and straw yield of (5.62 t ha-1) were recorded with T7, whereas the lowest values were recorded with (control) T1 (4.1 t ha-1 & 4.31 t ha-1 respectively). Among different sources of sulphur, the grain yield of rice varied significantly and it followed the trend as Elemental Sulphur (ES) > CaSO4 > SSP > (20-20-0-13). Spilt application of sulphur fertilizer showed a beneficial effect on S uptake and translocation of micronutrients like Fe, Mn, and Zn. The sulphur economic yield efficiency ratio also inversely varied with S applications.

Effect of sources and doses of Sulphur and Boron application on Yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)

The field experiment was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Mahisapat of Dhenkanal district during kharif season of 2014 and 2015 to study the “Effect of different sources and doses of Sulphur and Boron application on Yield, nutrient content and nutrient uptake of Groundnut under Mid Central Table Land zone of Odisha”. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications comprising of seven treatments T1 - Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR), T2 - STBFR + Sulphur @ 20kg /ha from Gypsum Source, T3 – STBFR + Sulphur @ 40kg /ha from Gypsum Source, T4 - STBFR + Sulphur @ 20kg /ha from Gypsum Source + spraying of Borax @ 0.3% twice before and after flowering, T5 - STBFR + Sulphur @ 20kg /ha from Bentonite Sulphur Source, T6 - STBFR + Sulphur @ 40kg /ha from Bentonite Sulphur Source, T7 - STBFR + Sulphur @ 20kg /ha from Bentonite Sulphur Source + Spraying of Borax @ 0.3% twice before and after flowering. It was revealed that T7 recorded significantly higher pod yield (17.14 q ha-1), 100 kernel weight (38.93 g) and shelling percent (66.00) followed by T4 with pod yield (15.80 q ha-1), 100 kernel weight (37.60 g) and shelling percent (65.10). T7 was superior over T1 with the yield advantage of 24.2 % and B: C (2.10). The Concentration of nutrient N, P, K, S and B in the harvested pod was also found highest in T7 i.e. 4.34 %, 0.70% , 0.88 %, 0.39% and 17.77 mgkg-1 followed by T4 having concentration of 4.26% ,0.66 % , 0.83 %, 0.35% and 17.23 mgkg-1 respectively. The same treatment T7 also recorded higher uptake of N, P ,K, S and B in pod with 79.47, 9.20 ,19.83,6.23 kg ha-1 and 31.43 g ha-1 respectively.

Effect of lime coating and molybdenum on the yield and nutrient uptake of green gram (Vigna radiata L.) under mid central table land zone of Odisha

The field experiment was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Mahisapat of Dhenkanal district during kharif season of 2017 and 2018 to study the response of lime coating and molybdenum influencing the yield and nutrient uptake of green gram under Mid Central Tale Land zone of Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications comprising of six treatments. The detailed of the treatments are as follows. T1-Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR), T2- Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Rhizobium inoculation@ 20gkg-1 of seed + PSB @4 kgha-1, T3- Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Rhizobium inoculation@ 20gkg-1 of seed + PSB @4 kgha-1 + FYM @5 tha-1, T4- Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Rhizobium inoculation@ 20g kg-1 of seed + PSB @4 kg ha-1 + FYM @5 t ha-1 +Lime 0.2 LR, T5- Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Rhizobium inoculation@ 20g kg-1 of seed + PSB @4 kgha-1 + FYM @5 tha-1 + seed coating with lime, T6- Soil Test Based Fertilizer Recommendation (STBFR) + Rhizobium inoculation@ 20gkg-1 of seed + PSB @4 kgha-1 + FYM @5 tha-1 + Molybdenum (1g Ammonium Molybdate per 2.5 kg of seed as seed treatment) + seed coating with lime. It was revealed that T6 recorded significantly higher seed yield (877.50 kg ha-1), 1000 seed weight (37.93 g) and No. of seeds per pod (12.43) followed by T5 with seed yield (827.50 kg ha-1), 1000 seed weight (37.58 g) and no. of seeds per pod (8.92). T6 was superior over T1 with the yield advantage of 34.5 % and B: C (1.76). The Concentration of nutrient N,P,K in the harvested seed was also found highest in T6 i.e. 5.27 %, 0.51% and 1.53 % followed by T5 having concentration of 5.07%,0.47 % and 1.47 % respectively. The same treatment T6 recorded higher uptake of N, P and K with 35.35, 6.62 and 20.47 kg ha-1 in the harvested seed, respectively.

Response of paper mill sludge and press mud as soil ameliorants on productivity and nutrient uptake in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under mid central table land zone of Odisha

The field experiment was carried out at Regional Research and Technology Transfer Station (OUAT), Mahisapat of Dhenkanal district during kharif season of 2016 and 2017 to study the response of press mud as soil ameliorant on productivity of groundnut under Mid Central Tale Land zone of Odisha. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications comprising of six treatments T1-Soil Test Dose (STD), T2-STD+FYM @ 5 t ha-1, T3-STD + PMS 0.2 LR, T4-STD + PMS 0.2 LR + FYM @5 t ha-1, T5-STD+ Press mud 0.2 LR, T6- STD +Press mud 0.2 LR +FYM @)5 t ha-1. It was revealed that T4 recorded significantly higher pod yield (19.45 q ha-1), 100 kernel weight (37.08 g) and shelling percent (67.33) followed by T3 with pod yield (17.58 q ha-1), 100 kernel weight (36.88 g) and shelling percent (67.18). T4 was superior over T1 with the yield advantage of 41.4% and B: C (2.26). The same treatment recorded higher uptake of N, P and K with 111.5, 12.22 and 106.25 kg ha-1, respectively.

Effect of weather parameters on the initiation and progression of sheath blight of rice

Sheath blight disease is one of the major fungal diseases of rice. Studies on the role of different weather parameters in the initiation and progression of the disease was carried out taking seven weather parameters as independent variables and cumulative and periodical increment in percent disease index as dependent variables. The main aim was to find out the most critical and contributory weather parameter (s) towards development of the disease in west central table land zone of Odisha. The study revealed that a heavy rainfall was conducive for initiation of the disease followed by low and intermittent rainfall of 13 to 38 mm, which was found favourable for progression of the disease. A maximum temperature range of 310C to 340C, minimum temperature range of 170C to 230C with 70 to 83 per cent evening relative humidity were found favourable for disease development and spread.

On farm assessment of short duration rice variety Satyabhama in midcentral table land zone of Odisha

The trial was carried out through on farm testing during kharif season of 2014 and 2015 under mid central table land zone of Odisha with an objective to evaluate the performances of newly released short duration rice variety Satyabhama as compared to the farmer's practice (Khandagiri). Satyabhama matured at 112.3 days, recorded-higher plant height (101.3 cm), effective tillers hill −1(16.2), panicle length (24.1 cm), filled grains panicle 1(142.3) with spikelet fertility (94.79%), 1000-grain weight (23.4 g), crop growth rate at 40–65 DAS (12.78 g m−2 day−1) and 65–90 DAS (8.60 g m−2 day−1) than Khandagiri. The same also produced grain yield 4.44 t ha −1 which is 55.79% higher than Khandagiri with harvest index (47.06%). The variety gave higher net return ` 32720.40 ha−1 with a benefit-cost ratio 2.00 and monetary productivity ` 582.53 ha −1day−1 as compared to farmers practice and thus the existing variety Khandagiri can be replaced by Satyabhama for higher productivity and income.

Progress of rice research in the west central table land zone of Odisha in India.

Progress of rice research in the west central table land zone of Odisha in India.

Integrated weed management under modified water regimes in System of Rice Intensification

A field study was conducted at Chiplima and Sambalpur under West Central Table Land Zone of Odisha during the winter (Rabi) seasons of 2013 and 2014 to evaluate different integrated weed management practices under modified water regimes in rice grown under System of Rice Intensification. Application of 5 cm depth of irrigation water before the day of weeding operation was effective in increasing yield significantly (4.72 t/ha) over saturation moisture regime (3.48 t/ha) due to low weed density, weed dry weight and highest number of ear bearing tillers per plant (24) and filled grains/panicle (72). Out of four levels of different weed management systems tested, the application of pretilachlor 750 g/ha (preemergence) fb chlorimuron-ethyl + metsulfuron-methyl 4 g/ha (post-emergence) recorded minimum weed density and weed dry weight, higher weed control efficiency and significantly higher grain yield of 5.45 t/ha. The same treatment also recorded highest net return (? 41, 441/ha) and highest B: C ratio (2.17).

Balanced fertilization in rice (Oryza sativa)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cropping system

A field experiment was conducted in farmers field of Angul district under mid-central table land zone of Odisha by involving 48 farmers during 201315, to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system to balanced nutrient application. The highest system rice-equivalent yield (REY) (10.78 t/ha) was recorded with the recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K @ 80, 17.5 and 33 kg) + 25 kg ZnSO /ha to rice and recommended doses of N, P and K @ (40, 17.5 and 33 kg/ha) + 4 250 kg CaSO /ha to groundnut followed by recommended NPK alone without ZnSO /CaSO (10.36 t/ha). The av- 4 4 4 erage increase in system REY of these 2 treatments was 73 and 66% over the control (6.23 t/ha) and 25 and 20% over the farmers practice (8.63 t/ha). Agronomic efficiency (AE) of N, P and K was 19.8, 29.0 and 17.2 kg REY/kg applied nutrient for ricegroundnut system. The agronomic efficiency of N increased by 49, 55 and 108% in rice groundnut system by applying the recommended quantity of N with recommended quantity of P, K and PK, re- spectively, instead of N alone. The AE of P and K increased by 40 and 34% in ricegroundnut system when the recommended quantity of P or K was applied with recommended quantity of NK or NP instead of with N alone. Ap- plication of NPK + ZnSO to rice and NPK + CaSO to succeeding groundnut recorded the highest system net re- 4 4 turns ( 63,123/ha) followed by application of recommended NPK to both the crops ( 60,509/ha). These 2 treat- ments also recorded higher nutrient uptake due to the high biomass production with application of balanced nutri- ents.