Sowing Time Research Articles

Changes in the corn yield structure depending on genetic characteristics, background mineral nutrition and sowing time in the Khabarovsk Krai

This study presents the results of a three-factor experiment on corn yield structure depending on the genetic characteristics and hybrids, mineral nutrition background and sowing dates. The experiment was carried out in Khabarovsk Krai in fourfold repetition on corn crops of local selection varieties Birsu, ALitet 2 and Guran 2 and hybrids of foreign selection Moldavsky 215 SV, P 7515, P 8521, P 7460; on three mineral nutrition backgrounds: № 1 (control) – N90P90K90, № 2 – N110P110K90, № 3 – N130P130K90; in 2 sowing dates with 5 days apart. The studies were carried out in 2021–2022 on the experimental field of the Far Eastern Agricultural Research Institute, the soil of the experimental section was meadow-brown, heavy loamy. The highest grain yield up to 125.3 c/ha was noted on the mineral nutrition background № 2 (N110P110K90) and № 3 (N130P130K90). Yield structure indicators depended more on varietal features of plants (46.0–73.4%) rather than on mineral nutrition background (6.2–17.8%) and sowing dates had sufficient influence (0.18–2.59%). However, the weight of 1000 grains was more influenced by additional application of nitrogen and phosphorus (40.67%) rather than varietal features (32.71%). In this study varieties of local breeding Alitet 2 and Guran 2 are recommended for cultivation in Khabarovsk Krai as they give a good grain yield, responsive to the additional application of nitrogen and phosphorus, correspond to the region conditions in terms of precocity, suitable both for harvesting silage and green fodder and for harvesting grain forage.

Impact of Climate Change on the Farming Community of Bhaktapur District of Nepal

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of climate change on the farming community in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The study considered rainfall, temperature, flood/drought, harvest and sowing time, and pest and disease incidence over 20 years as primary factors to be considered. A household survey of 120 houses was conducted following the set of questionnaires prepared. As a result, significant changes were observed in climatic aspects as well as biological aspects. The obtained result demonstrated that the precipitation observed drastic change as there was an incidence of erratic and heavy rainfall on summer days while the intensity and frequency of rainfall decreased during winter. These abnormalities certainly do not favor agriculture and farming. Similarly, the temperature of the study area has increased annually over the last two decades. The data suggests that the average annual temperature is increasing at the rate of 0.038°C per year. Moreover, the survey showed that the time of harvest and time of sowing seeds have been delayed respectively to the time a few decades back while the climatic aberrations have increased the incidence of pests and diseases. In a nutshell, the changes in climatic conditions have a drastic change in the farming system and thus the agricultural produce and productivity. The study highlights the significant impact of climate change on traditional farming practices in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It underscores how changes in rainfall patterns, temperature, and the incidence of extreme weather events like floods and droughts have disrupted agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting cycles. The research not only identifies challenges but also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on farming communities. By linking research findings to policy recommendations and practical interventions, the study offers actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and local stakeholders striving to build resilience in agricultural systems.

An Analysis of Market Arrivals and Price Behavior of Coriander in Madhya Pradesh, India

The current research embarked on analysing wholesale prices of coriander in Madhya Pradesh spanning a decade from 2012-13 to 2021-22, sourced from specific A.P.M.Cs. The examination predominantly relied on secondary data regarding coriander arrivals and prices. Results uncovered a positive regression coefficient (β) correlated with time (T), indicating a consistent upward trend in wholesale coriander prices in Madhya Pradesh. Annual prices of coriander in Ashok Nagar, Guna, and Bhopal markets exhibited two cycles, one spanning 7 years and the other 2 years. Across all selected markets, a similar irregular fluctuation pattern observed in yearly coriander prices, lacking any distinct periodicity. Seasonal analysis revealed varying patterns in coriander prices across Bhopal, Ashok Nagar, and Guna markets, with no stable trend discernible. The Seasonal price variation of coriander in these markets was lowermost in January and remained relatively less throughout the sowing time. Coriander arrivals conspicuously dispersed more evenly in Bhopal market compared to the other two. In terms of IPR (Index of Price Relative), significant price variability was observed; with Guna market exhibiting the highest and Ashok Nagar market the lowest variability. Conversely, ASPV (Average Seasonal Price Variation) showed an inverse relationship with IPR, with Ashok Nagar market experiencing the maximum price variation among all selected markets.

Demystifying the wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield penalty due to delay in sowing: Empirical evidence from eastern India

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield in Indo-Gangetic plain of eastern India is much less than its actual potential. Apart from several yield deterministic factors, late sowing of wheat is one of the major reasons for sub-optimal wheat yield. The persistent yield gap poses a threat to future food security of this region with a vast population that is growing rapidly. In the present research, an attempt was made to quantify and classify the yield losses in wheat due to late sowing which is prevalent in this part of India. On-farm participatory agronomic trial was conducted at 1073 plots in 3 districts of eastern India, 2 from Uttar Pradesh and 1 from the state of Bihar. The trial was conducted during four consecutive winter season from 2016–17 to 2019–20. Following a split-plot design, main plots were categorized based on wheat sowing time and sub-plots were classified depending on the wheat varietal class. A sample survey of randomly selected 629 wheat farmers was conducted in 2017–18 wheat season in these 3 districts. Results from the agronomic trial showed that wheat yield decreased by 58 kg/ha for every one-day delay in sowing. Moreover, the yield of long-duration improved wheat variety (HD-2967) was statistically same (P=0.479) compared to the most preferred short-duration variety (PBW-373) in a very late-sown scenario (late December). Farmers’ survey data reconfirmed that the wheat yield has a very strong negative correlation with the sowing dates, but the yield decline was statistically insignificant until mid-November. Wheat yield in this part of India can be adequately boosted if sowing time of wheat advances and adoption of long-duration improved wheat varieties improves.

Effect of phosphorus management on yield and economics under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa) and blackgram (Vigna mungo) intercropping in a rainfed acidic upland soil

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2019 at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Central Rainfed Upland Rice Research Station (CRURRS), Hazaribagh, Jharkhand to study the effect of phosphorus management on productivity and profitability under direct seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) (DSR) and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] intercropping in rainfed acidic upland soil. The experiment was laid-out in a split-plot design comprised 4 methods of cropping, viz. Sole DSR; Sole blackgram; DSR + blackgram (4:1); and DSR + blackgram (4:2) allotted to main-plots and 4 phosphorus management practices, viz. P control (P0 ); Recommended dose of phosphorus (RDP) @17.5 kg P/ha; 50% RDP + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) @500 g/ha + arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) @12.5 kg/ha; and 25% lime requirement (LR) + PSB + AMF in sub-plots. Experiment consisted of 16 treatment combinations, replicated thrice. The rice variety ‘Sahabhagi’ and blackgram variety ‘Uttara’ were used. Among the cropping systems, the highest grain yield was recorded in sole rice (3.84 t/ha) and sole blackgram (1.14 t/ha) which was significantly higher than yields under intercropping in both the ratios. Gross (`96,879/ha) and net returns (`70,603/ha) of sole blackgram were significantly higher than other cropping systems and followed by DSR + blackgram (4:2). Net benefit:cost (B:C) of sole blackgram was maximum (`2.69) and lowest in sole rice (`1.01). Among phosphorus management treatments, 50% RDP + PSB + AMF gave significantly higher net return (`49,440) and net benefit:cost (`1.68). Application of 100% RDP and 25% LR + PSB + AMF gave at par returns and net benefit:cost. It may be suggested that under rainfed uplands of eastern India, farmers may adopt either sole blackgram or intercropping of rice and blackgram in 4:2 over sole DSR for higher productivity and monetary returns. For better phosphorus management in soil they should inoculate PSB and AM fungi along with 50% RDP at the time of sowing.

Optimal sowing time to adapt soybean production to global warming with different cultivars in the Huanghuaihai Farming Region of China

ContextThe Huanghuaihuai Farming Region (HFR) is one of China’s largest soybean production zones, with climatic conditions in the HFR being near ideal. In recent decades, however, global warming has increasingly inhibited soybean production in this region. ObjectiveOur aim was to determine whether planting time and/or genetics (heat-resilient and heat-sensitive cultivars) enable adaptation of soybean cropping systems to the changing climate. MethodsTwo-year split-plot design field experiments comprising five different sowing dates and three cultivars (namely heat-resilient, heat-sensitive and widely grown ones) were conducted in the HFR in 2020 and 2021. ResultsDelayed sowing dates significantly elevated the average minimum temperature in the vegetative growth stage, fostering soybean growth and consequently truncating the vegetative growth stage. Later sowing reduced the occurrence of heat stress and minimized negative influences of heat stress on yield. Higher heat stress in the first two sowing treatments (1 June and 10 June) negatively influenced yields of Hedou14 (heat-sensitive cultivar) and Zhonghuang13 in 2020, while the highest yield was obtained for the third sowing treatment (20 June) for these two cultivars. In general, Jidou21 (heat-resilient cultivar) showed greater tolerance to increasing temperature, with higher yield at earlier sowing. Delayed sowing decreased temperature exposure and growing degree days (GDD), reducing the duration of grain filling, leaf area index and photosynthesis, in turn decreasing grain number per plant and 100-grain weight. Taken together, such factors inhibited yield of all cultivars in the year without heat stress. In contrast, high precipitation (2021) prolonged grain filling and increased yield. ConclusionsWe contend that optimizing sowing time is crucial for mitigating heat stress in heat-sensitive cultivars. We suggest that high yield is more likely to be realized when crops are exposed to GDD > 500℃·d and precipitation > 250 mm during grain filling. ImplicationsFuture studies aiming to elicit optimal sowing times for soybean should consider cultivar heat sensitivity relative to long term climatic conditions of the target agro-ecological region.

Relative Sowing Time and Spatial Arrangement in Upland Rice/Legume Intercropping Systems

Relative Sowing Time and Spatial Arrangement in Upland Rice/Legume Intercropping Systems

Seasonal climate forecast-an important tool in managing the risk of extreme weather events in Australia's wheat industry

This study aims to investigate the benefits of using the Australian Community Climate and Earth-System Simulator-Seasonal Version 2 (ACCESS-S2), a state-of-the-art seasonal climate forecast (SCF) system, to improve contingent decision-making in the Australian wheat industry. Six locations in eastern Australia, three cultivars with varying maturities, and 17 times of sowing (TOS) were considered. Seasonal hindcasts from ACCESS-S2, initialized on the 1st May for the period 1981–2018 were linked with the Agricultural Production System sIMulator (APSIM)-Wheat model (v7.10) to (1) assess the hindcast skill of ACCESS-S2 in predicting the occurrence of extreme weather events and in predicting above/below long-term median wheat yield; (2) identify optimal management strategies in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events; and (3) quantify the yield benefit of using ACCESS-S2 at the key decision-making point of sowing against a baseline management situation (i.e., without the use of SCF). Research results showed that (1) ACCESS-S2 has varying skills in predicting extreme climate indices and wheat yield across the six locations at a seasonal lead time; (2) 68 % of cases had a yield gain using SCF information; (3) across all cases, there was an average yield gain of 281 kg/ha representing an increase of 13 %; (4) benefits of using SCF were seen across predicted wet years, neutral years and dry years accounting for 69 %, 65 % and 72 % respectively, and (5) the identified optimal management options varied from location to location with earlier sowing associated with either suntop or gregory or both being the optimal strategies at most of the locations considered. Overall, there is a demonstrated benefit in utilizing ACCESS-S2 forecasts in the Australian wheat industry to improve farm management decision-making. The benefit can occur in any climate state but with dry years being more likely and significant (with an average yield increase of 97 % across the locations).

Structural and physicochemical effects on the starch quality of the high-quality wheat genotype caused by delayed sowing.

Bread wheat is one of the most important food crops associated with ensuring food security and human nutritional health. The starch quality is an important index of high-quality wheat. It is affected by a complex series of factors; among which, suitable sowing time is a key factor. To analyze the integrative effects of sowing time on the starch quality of high-quality wheat, in the present study, we selected a high-quality bread wheat cultivar Jinan 17 and investigated the effect of different sowing times on the starch properties and the related genes by analyzing X-ray diffraction patterns, apparent amylose content, thermal properties, pasting properties, in vitro starch digestibility, and qRT-PCR. Meanwhile, we also investigated the agronomic and yield performance that may be associated with the starch properties. Delayed sowing had little effect on starch crystalline morphology, but there was a tendency to reduce the formation of crystals within wheat starch granules: (1) delayed sowing for 15 days altered the thermal properties of starch, including onset, peak and termination temperatures, and enthalpy changes; (2) delayed sowing for 30 days changed the thermal characteristics of starch relatively insignificant; (3) significant differences in pasting characteristics occurred: peak viscosity and hold-through viscosity increased, while final viscosity, breakdown viscosity, and setback viscosity tended to increase and then decrease, suggesting that delayed sowing caused changes in the surface of the starch granules resulting in a decrease in digestibility. Analysis of related genes showed that several key enzymes in starch biosynthesis were significantly affected by delayed sowing, leading to a reduction in apparent straight-chain starch content. In addition to starch properties, thousand-kernel weight also increased under delayed sowing conditions compared with normal sowing. The impact of delayed sowing on starch quality is multifaceted and complex, from the fine structure, and functional properties of the starch to the regulation of key gene expression. Our study holds significant practical value for optimizing wheat planting management and maximizing the potential in both quality and yield.

Yield response and water productivity of soybean (Glycine max L.) to deficit irrigation and sowing time in south-eastern Australia

The aim of this study was to investigate irrigation strategies and sowing dates that would maximise soybean yield and water productivity. It is based on field experiments conducted during two seasons and simulation modelling. Irrigation treatments were 33%, 66%, 66% plus 100% during pod development and pod-fill stages, and 100% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). In the first season experiment, cvs. Bidgee and Snowy were sown on 15 Nov. In the second season, cv. Bidgee was sown on 15 Nov and 15 Dec. Five sowing dates (1, 15, 30 Nov and 15, 31 Dec) and eight irrigation scenarios were analysed in-silico using the crop model APSIM. For the simulations, the first four irrigation scenarios were set by applying 50%ETc during one of the four growth stages: vegetative stage, flowering stage, pod development and pod-filling stage, and maturity stage. The other five irrigation treatments were 0%ETc, 25%ETc, 50%ETc, 75%ETc, and 100%ETc throughout the growing season. Soil water content and above-ground dry matter were measured at regular time intervals. Seed yield, 100-seed weight, oil and protein contents were determined at harvest. Water deficit during pod development and pod-filling stage had significant effect on seed yield. The flowering stage was the next most sensitive stage for water deficit. During both cropping seasons, the 33% treatment yielded 51% of the fully irrigated reference. The latter had a significantly higher water productivity than all the deficit treatments. Early-sown soybean had higher yield than the late sown soybean. Sowing as late as early December was found to be still suitable for double cropping without significant yield loss. The result of this study is particularly useful for soybean farmers in water-scarce regions, such as south-eastern Australia, who practice double cropping with a tight cropping calendar.

Agronomic adaptations to heat stress: sowing summer crops early in late winter.

Abstract CONTEXT: Summer crops are exposed to heat and drought stresses at critical stages during and after flowering, and their intensity and frequency are likely to increase with climate change. Agronomic stress avoidance offers the opportunity to temporally separate critical crop stages from heat and drought events, though it might require sowing cold sensitive summer crops early in late winter into colder than recommended soil temperatures. There is a need to understand how cold is too cold to sow summer crops early in late winter as well as what are the yield benefits and risks. OBJECTIVE: Here we quantify the likely benefits and trade-offs of sowing sorghum, a summer cereal, early in late winter as an adaptation to the increased frequency and intensity of heat and water stresses during flowering and grain filling. METHODS: Two seasons of multi-environment ( n =32) genotype by management trials were conducted across sub-tropical and semi-arid regions of eastern Australia. Environments (E) consisted of the combination of seasons, sites, three times of sowing (early, spring, and summer), and the use of supplementary irrigation. At each E a factorial combination of four plant populations (M) and eight commercial sorghum hybrids (G) were sown with three replications. Crop growth and yield components were measured, and the APSIM model was used to simulate all trials and treatments to quantify risks, and derive insights into functional relationships between simulated and measured environmental co-variates, and measured crop traits. RESULTS: The tested hybrids showed small differences in cold tolerance during crop establishment. Across the tested environments the G×M combinations produced up to 60% variation in treatment yields across environment yields, that varied between <0.5 to about 10t ha -1 , this translated into a ~8-fold variation in water use efficiency. Significant G×E and M×E interactions were observed for grain yield components. No G×M or G×E×M interactions were observed on yield or yield components. Early sowing was associated to a reduced risk of heat stress, and water use transfer from vegetative to reproductive stages. Early sowing in late winter or early spring resulted in no significant yield gain or yield loss when all sites and seasons are included in the analysis, and between 1-2 t ha -1 yield gains when the hottest sites and seasons are considered separately. The likelihood and severity of terminal drought stresses was also reduced with late winter and early spring sowings, improving yield quality parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Early sowing of sorghum can reduce the likelihood of heat stresses around flowering as well as the likelihood of terminal drought stresses. Advantages include reduced yield losses in the hottest seasons, and a transfer of water use to grain filling stages that resulted in increased grain yield and improved grain quality parameters. IMPLICATIONS: Agronomic adaptations offer opportunity to quickly adapt to the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme hot events during critical crop stages. However, for the practice to be de-risked there is need to increase cold and chilling tolerance in sorghum, and or identify interventions that enhance seed germination and seedling vigour when the crop is sown early into cold soils.

Seeds of Change: Assessing Wheat Knowledge and Socio-profile in Rural Areas of Kharar, Tehsil of Punjab, India

This study investigates the socio-profile status, agricultural practices, and knowledge acquisition among farmers in rural villages of the Punjab region, India. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from farmers residing in five villages through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The demographic analysis revealed a balanced gender distribution, with a significant proportion falling within the 40-60 years age bracket, highlighting the maturity of the farming population. Educational attainment varied, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance access to higher education and vocational training programs. Findings indicated a high prevalence of smartphone usage among farmers, presenting opportunities for leveraging digital technology in agricultural extension services. Family compositions leaned towards nuclear families, while landholding patterns showcased the varied socio-profile landscape within the farming community. Peer networks and institutional support emerged as significant sources of agricultural information, underscoring the importance of collaborative approaches in knowledge dissemination. A notable increase in knowledge was observed among farmers after video presentations on wheat varieties, highlighting the efficacy of multimedia approaches in agricultural education. The study aimed to assess the impact of a video presentation on wheat cultivation on farmers' knowledge. Data from 60 farmers showed significant improvements in various aspects of wheat cultivation knowledge, including identifying suitable wheat varieties, understanding sowing and harvesting timing, and recognizing common wheat diseases. The mean percentage increase in knowledge was 103%, indicating the effectiveness of the educational program. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers' livelihoods. Continued support and education efforts are essential for sustaining and enhancing these positive outcomes. However, the preference for sowing previous year's seeds over newly released varieties indicates the persistence of traditional practices and the need for targeted interventions to promote varietal adoption. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers and development practitioners to design context-specific interventions aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring food security for rural populations in the Punjab region and beyond.

Yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil available Nutrient status of dhaincha as influenced by varied times of sowing and spacings

Yield, nutrient uptake and post-harvest soil available Nutrient status of dhaincha as influenced by varied times of sowing and spacings

Effect of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) Concentration and Seedling Media Composition on the Germination and Growth of Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) from True Shallot Seed

Shallots (Allium ascalonicum L.) is a vegetable commodity that contributes greatly to horticultural production and inflantion levels. The use of superior seeds is expected to produce maximum shallot production. The majority of Indonesian farmers use 30% of the harvested tubers as planting material, with production costs being quite expensive. Many shallot farmers also experience several problems with tuber seeds that are hollow and damaged. True Shallot Seeds can be an efficient and profitable altervative planting material. Implementing TSS shallot cultivation is considered difficult and requires longer time for sowing. Soaking seeds using Gibberelin can have a physiological effect on the germination process. Seedling media factor with a certain composition are needed to produce maximum seeds. The experiment was carried out in factorial manner using Random Design Complete with three replications. The GA3 concentration factor has four treatment levels: G0 = 0 ppm/control, G1 = 2 ppm, G2 = 4 ppm, and G3 = 6 ppm. The seedling media composition factors has four treatment levels: M0 = soil + compost/control (1:1), M1 = cocopeat + compost (1:1), M2 = husk charcoal + compost (1:1), and M3 = sand + compost (1:1). The data analysis used was Analysis of Variance, if there were significant differences between the treatments, a further tes was carried out using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at the 5% level. The result showed that the interaction between GA3 concentration treatment and seedling media composition and the single factor GA3 concentration had no significant effect on all observed variables. The composition of the seedling media has a significant effect on the speed of seed growth, seed height, root length, and seed wet weight with optimum results for germination and vegetative growth of TSS seeds, namely the compositionof soil+compost/control (M0) seedling media on the variables of seed growth speed (%/etmal), seed height (cm), and seed wet weight (gram).

Developing causal loop diagrams for the perusal of soil health in agricultural practices – A case study of rice nursery cultivation practices in India

CONTEXTSoil is a key component of the agriculture–livestock–forestry nexus. However, it has been reported that 40% of the agricultural soil is being degraded globally; in India, 70% of the agricultural soil is undergoing degradation despite various efforts to improve soil health. Hence, the current study takes a paradigmatic shift by applying the approach of systems thinking for understanding soil health. OBJECTIVEThis study aims to present an alternative methodology to study the impact of agriculture practices on soil health with a systems approach. METHODSA practice of soil parching for rice nursery cultivation, called raab, representing the agriculture–livestock–forestry nexus, was taken as a case study. The study included field visits to rice farms in Maharashtra, India, soil sample collection at three stages of raab practice, and soil samples from non-raab fields. Thirty-one soil samples were tested for four properties: pH, electrical conductivity, available potassium, and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) in raab and non-raab nursery fields. Further, a causal loop diagram of the soil ecosystem was developed based on farmer interactions, soil testing results, and literature to identify the key system archetype in this case study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONStatistical analysis of the results showed a significant difference in soil properties at different stages of cultivation and in comparison to the control group. The mean pH of raab fields had increased due to the raab practice from 5.76 to 7.01, and the mean electrical conductivity increased from 0.218 dS/m to 0.745 dS/m. The mean available potassium increased from 229.9 kg/ha to 1239 kg/ha in the raab fields, while direct nursery fields had a mean of 487 kg/ha at the time of sowing. The mean POXC increased from 0.02 to 0.04 mol of MnO4− reduced. The causal loop diagram developed had 17 loops, 15 of which were favorable-reinforcing loops, and two were unfavorable-balancing loops. The system archetype of “Limits to growth” was identified in this study, based on which recommendations are suggested for maintaining soil health. SIGNIFICANCEThe systemic approach aids in decision-making regarding sustainable agriculture practices considering soil ecological processes with judicious use of resources available from the forest and livestock. The direct impact of soil health on five UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the indirect impact on seven other SDGs underscores the global significance of the novel approach discussed in this study.

Markov Chain analysis of rainfall of Coimbatore

Rainfall is considered one of the most important weather parameters which helps in deciding the time of sowing, pest and disease management and harvesting. Markov chain analysis deals with predicting future values based on past values. In the present study, Markov Chain analysis was used to predict the future probability of monthly rainfall and examine the pattern and distribution of rainfall using daily rainfall data from the year 1982 to 2016 (34 years) in the Coimbatore district. This study mainly analysed the probability of rainfall in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu based on Markov chain process. Based on the National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology, the intensity of rainfall per day was categorized and a day is considered as no rain if rainfall was less than 0.1 mm, low rain if rainfall was between 0.1 mm to 10 mm, moderate rain if rainfall was between 10 mm to 20 mm and heavy rain if rainfall was above 20 mm. By calculating the transition probability matrices and steady-state probability matrices for each month based on the conditional probability of rain on a particular day given that rain on the previous day which is to predict the state of rainfall on the next day. This study reported that the availability of water for crop production is higher during the winter, pre-monsoon, the onset of the southwest monsoon, and at the end of the northeast monsoon. There may be a scarcity of water from August to November for agricultural activities. Based on this study, farmers can plan for a better cropping system in advance to get a better yield.

Estimating Impact of Conventional and System of Rice Intensification (SRI) Methods of Rice Production Management on Sustainable Livelihood Generation in the Context of Climate Change in Maharashtra, India: A Factor Analysis

The global agricultural community has been preparing to face the imminent threat posed by climate change as projections by scientific communities complement the fact that food production will be affected adversely in the near future. The Indian subcontinent has not been explicit about the effects of natural disasters like floods and cyclones caused due to climatic changes. The aberrant weather patterns along with the inconsistent output of monsoon create unprecedented challenges for the rice-dominated farming system to thrive. It directly impacts the livelihood of the farmers making them economically vulnerable. Thus, it has become necessary for the research community to explore different causal dimensions related to rice production and suggest remedies for the constantly changing agroecosystem. This study aimed to investigate different indicators of impact on sustainable livelihood generation through rice production management in light of climate change in both conventional as well as SRI methods of rice production. An ex post facto research design was adopted for conducting the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the state, district, and talukas keeping in view the backwardness and agricultural status of the area of the study. Using a simple random sampling method, two hundred (200) respondents were selected from two talukas of the Bhandara district of Maharashtra. In case of results found in conventional method of rice production, the variables, Water management, Farm size, Education, Irrigation index%, Selling% and Risk orientation have contributed 9.996 per cent of variance and clubbed into Factor 1. On the other hand, in the case of SRI method, Factor 1 has the following variables i.e., Farm size, Family income primary, Education, Primary occupation, Mass media exposure, Family education status and Sowing time which has contributed 9.54 per cent of variance and has been renamed as ‘Family capability’.

Evaluating the Impact of Sowing Time on Phenology and Yield Attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm Accessions under Normal and Late Sown Conditions

Evaluating the Impact of Sowing Time on Phenology and Yield Attributes in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Germplasm Accessions under Normal and Late Sown Conditions

Improving the elements of cultivating technology for Sarepta mustard (Brassica juncea L.) on leached blackearth of Western Ciscaucasia

Increasing interest among agricultural producers in Sarepta spring mustard as a promising, multi-purpose crop requires improving the elements of its cultivation technology to obtain consistently high yields. The current study was carried out in 2021–2022 on the experimental fields of the central experimental base of the FSBSI “FRC “All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Oil Crops by the name of Pustovoit V. S.”. The purpose of the research was to study and scientifically substantiate individual elements of the technology (sowing time, seed sowing rate and level of mineral nutrition) for Sarepta mustard’s cultivation on seed productivity of the crop grown on leached blackearth (chernozem) of Western Ciscaucasia. There has been established that the highest yield (1.42 t/ha) and oil yield (0.60 t/ha) of the crop is obtained at an early sowing time (the first term (early) is in the 2nd decade of April) with a minimum seed sowing rate (1.3 million units/ha). Sarepta spring mustard’s single feeding of with ammonium nitrate at a dose of N60 in the seedling phase has helped to obtain maximum yield of 2.08 t/ha and 0.87 t/ha of oil. But the largest oil content in seeds (47.1 %) was identified in the variant with the application of nitrogen fertilizer at a dose of N30 fractionally in equal parts, i.e. in the stages of germination (N15) and booting (N15). Foliar treatment of Sarepta spring mustard with helium mixtures (Micro gel at a dose of 1 l/ha and Brassica gel at a dose of 2 l/ha) in the booting stage allowed obtaining the highest yield of 1.85 t/ha, with 47.9 % of oil in seeds and 0.80 t/ha of oil yield.

The Effect of Location, Cultivar, and Sowing Time on the Growth and Productivity of Buckwheat in Egypt

The present study was conducted in Egypt at two different locations Bilbeis City Site (BCS) and Sadat City Site (SCS) during two successive seasons (2018/2019 - 2019/2020) planting cultivars Tartary buckwheat (FT) and common buckwheat (FE) in three planting times (mid-Nov., mid-Jan., and mid-March) to investigating the effect of location, cultivar, and sowing time on the growth and productivity under the Egyptian environmental conditions. The study followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and compared two buckwheat cultivars, FT and FE to separate locations and different planting times in Egypt. Our results showed that planting buckwheat in BCS consistently outperformed those in SCS in terms of growth and productivity attributes. Species FT showed superior growth metrics and productivity over FE in both sites and seasons. In terms of sowing times, mid-March demonstrated optimal productivity with yields of 596 kg/hectare and 576 kg/hectare across two seasons. The study underscores the combined influence of location, cultivar, and sowing time on the growth and productivity of buckwheat in Egypt, reiterating the need for tailored agricultural practices specific to each region and cultivar for enhanced yield of this promising undertilized and neglected crop in Egypt.