Treatment T1 Research Articles

Proximate analysis of Pleurotus florida influenced by magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in submerged and solid-state cultivation

Pleurotus florida is a widely consumed and easily cultivated mushroom, valued for its high nutritional content. This study aimed to enhance its mineral content through substrate fortification, specifically using magnesium sulfate, to create more nutrient-rich food products. Since minerals are crucial for mushroom growth, supplementing substrates can significantly improve both incubation and fructification, addressing the need for higher-quality mushrooms in functional foods and dietary supplements. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the Mushroom Technology Laboratory, School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, India, to examine the effects of Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on P. florida during the rainy season (July–October 2022) in both submerged and solid-state cultivation. Different concentration of MgSO4 (Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, 800 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg) was supplemented to PDA media and paddy straw for cultivation of P.floridamushroom. The study assessed fruiting body production, mycelial biomass yield, protein content, and antioxidant activity. Results showed that MgSO4 significantly increased biomass production (28.67mg/100ml and 89.06g/500g of substrate for T3 for both mycelia and fruiting body), antioxidant activity (88.90 and 96.86% for control), and bioactive content (protein 20.28and 20.72 mg/100g for both mycelia and fruiting body respectively at treatment T4), notably affecting the mushrooms' metabolic profile (p less than 0.05). These findings suggest that mineral-fortified P. florida mushrooms are rich in essential nutrients and have potential as valuable pharmaceutical products.

Data Mining for the Characterization of a Paper Prototype Obtained with Bacterial Cellulose Derived from Banana and Pineapple By-Products

The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of two of the most prevalent agricultural residues in Ecuador, banana peels and pineapple peels, as a carbon source in the culture medium of Komagataeibacter hansenii for the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) and BC-based paper. This analysis includes an assessment of the productivity parameters of the obtained BC and the quality parameters of the BC-based paper, employing multivariate statistical methodologies. The experimental design consisted of fifteen treatments: T1 served as the control using the standard HS medium, while treatments T2–T8 used banana peel extracts (BPE), and treatments T9–T15 used pineapple peel extracts (PPE) at concentrations from 10% to 40% (v/v). Extracts were prepared with tailored pretreatments for each type of peel to optimize bioactive compound recovery. Standardized fermentation and purification conditions were applied, and once the cellulose was obtained, additives and coating agents were incorporated to produce paper samples from each treatment. The results indicated that higher BPE concentrations (T5, T6, T7, and T8) correlated significantly with increased Weight and Yield of BC, as well as improved grammage and water content in the BC-based paper. This highlights that efficient paper production is influenced by the quality of the bacterial cellulose used, with BPE-based media yielding optimal results due to their nutrient composition, which promotes bacterial growth and metabolic activity. This approach suggests a pathway for advancing sustainable and economical paper production.

Onion growth, yield and water productivity as influenced by irrigation levels under drip irrigation and plastic mulch

In the current agricultural circumstances, when farmers are struggling to find enough water for irrigation and want to maximize their production by enhancing water productivity, drip irrigation is one of the most important methods. By reducing water and nutrient losses, the application of plastic mulch combined with drip watering can maximize onion yield. A field study was carried out in the Precision Farming Development Center's experimental field at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India, from November to March of two consecutive seasons (2022–23 and 2023–24) to evaluate the optimum water needed to achieve the maximum yield under subsurface drip irrigation. The objective of the study was to determine the optimum crop water requirement for onion under plastic mulch and subsurface drip irrigation. The growth, yield, quality and water productivity response of onion under different level of irrigation using subsurface drip and plastic mulch also studied. The result showed that biometric parameters for onion under 100% irrigation water requirement along with plastic mulch (T2) was greater among all the treatments for both years with plant height (71 cm), number of leaves (13.3), bulb diameter (6.6 cm), bulb weight (126 g) and onion marketable yield (36.7 t/ha). These results were followed by treatment with 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch. However, the biometric, yield and quality parameters of treatment 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch were not statistically significant with the treatment 100% of water requirement using drip along with mulch. Therefore, study concluded that the treatment with 80% of water requirement using drip along with mulch might be recommended to achieve statistically on par onion yield in comparison to the yield of treatment T2 using optimum crop water requirement under subsurface drip irrigation and plastic mulch.

Comparative Effects of Organic Nutrient Sources on Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Quality and Soil Properties

A field experiment was conducted during summer season of the year 2020-21 on organic certified plot A-7 at Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. Different sources of organic manures were tested using randomized block design with four replications. The treatment T7 (50% N through FYM followed by Seed treatment of Rhizobium) recorded significantly higher available nitrogen content (212 kg/ha) in soil and also same behaviour observed in available phosphorus content in soil. The treatment T9 (50% N through castor cake followed by Seed treatment of Rhizobium) recorded significantly higher available phosphorus content in soil. Significantly higher value of EC of soil (0.18) was found in treatment T1, which was significantly higher EC of soil (0.11) which was recorded with treatment T9. Higher organic carbon (0.65%) of soil after harvest of green gram was observed in treatment T8. Significantly higher nitrogen content in seed of green gram was obtained with application of treatments T10. Treatment T2 [Rhizobium (5.0 mL/kg seed treatment and 1.0 L/ha soil application)] recorded significantly higher Rhizobium population in soil at harvest of green gram. Subsequent, treatment T6 (100 % N through neem cake) recorded significantly higher phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) population in soil as compared to control. The maximum net return 63287 INR/ha was obtained with application of treatment T10 (50% N through NC + Rhizobium seed treatment) followed by treatment T7 (50% N through FYM + Rhizobium seed treatment) with net realization of 54063 INR/ha. With respect to benefit cost ratio, the highest 3.62 BCR was achieved with Treatment T7, which closely followed by treatment T2 (Rhizobium seed treatment + 1.0 L/ha soil application) having BCR of 3.52.

Economic Viability of Organic Fertilization in Forage Oats (Avena sativa L.) in the Mexicali Valley

O Objective: To economically evaluate the use of chemical, organic and organic-mineral fertilizers in of forage oat production in the Mexicali Valley; and to determine the profitability of each fertilization type. Design/methodology/approach: Three treatments were established, one chemically fertilized (T1), one with organic fertilization (T2), and one with organic-mineral fertilization (T3) with two replications under a completely randomized design. Cash flow, financial costs and economic costs were calculated. Results: Fertilization costs accounted for between 37% and 52% of the cost structure. Treatments T2 and T3 did not cover production costs. Only treatment T1 treatment demonstrated the ability to cover both production and financial costs. None of the treatments covered economic costs. Limitations on study/implications: It is suggested to replicate the economic viability analyses in consecutive productive cycles, as other studies have shown positive impacts on soil fertility. Findings/conclusions: The organic and organic-mineral fertilization systems (T2 and T3) were not profitable in the short term. The chemical fertilization system (T1) demonstrated the ability to cover, in addition to production costs, the depreciation costs of fixed assets. However, none of the treatments showed the ability to compensate the risk of investing in the activity.

Impact of Neem-Coated Urea on NO₃-N and NH₄-N Availability and Growth Performance of Maize in Saline and Non-Saline Soils

This study investigates the effects of neem-coated granular urea on nitrogen volatilization and leaching in maize (Zea mays L.), focusing on nutrient availability (NO3-N and NH4-N) in both normal and saline soils. The pot experiment was conducted in a glass-panelled wire house CRD design with three replications. The experimental treatments included T1 (control without fertilizer), T2 (0.05 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻¹ + recommended P and K), T3 (0.08 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha⁻1 + recommended P and K), T4 (0.01 % neem-coated granular urea @ 200 kg ha-1 + recommended P and K), and T5 (recommended NPK: 200 kg N ha⁻¹, 90 kg P₂O₅ ha⁻¹, and 60 kg K₂O ha⁻¹). Soil samples were taken prior to planting, one month later, and following harvest in order to examine key chemical components. The results demonstrated that maize growth and nutrient uptake were significantly enhanced by T3 (0.08 % neem-coated urea). Under T3, there was an increase of 34.32 % in shoot length, 50.48 % in fresh weight, and 22.40 % in dry weight. There were notable increases in root length, fresh weight, and dry weight of 36.68 %, 21.32 %, and 46.53 %, respectively. Additionally, in comparison to the control, the T3 treatment increased the plant membrane stability index (MSI), chlorophyll content, and nitrate retention by 21.32 %, 22.13 %, and 17.29 %, respectively. Treatment T3 enhanced potassium content, phosphorus absorption, and nitrogen concentration. According to data, applying 0.08 % neem-coated urea along with recommended levels of potassium and phosphate enhances maize growth, and overall crop productivity. This makes it a feasible substitute for long-term and effective fertilizer application in both normal and salinized soils.

Effect of Integrated Sources of Nutrients on Growth, Yield and Economics of Cowpea (Vigna unguculata L.) var Ankur Gomati

A field experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 7 treatments and 3 replications to study the effect of fertilizers, organic manures, biochar and crop residues on growth. yield and economics of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) in Inceptisols of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India in 2022. A research variety Ankur Gomati was taken for this research trial. Recommended doses of fertilizers (N, P2O5 and K2O @ 25, 75 and 60 kg ha-1) was applied with inorganic fertilizers (Zn and B), organic manures (FYM, vermicompost, neem cake and poultry manure), biochar and crop residues (rice straw and wheat straw). Growth parameters such as the maximum plant height 46.96 cm, 70.21 cm and 92.22 cm, maximum number of branch plant-1 5.82, 7.56 and 9.79, highest number of leaf plant-1 28.32, 30.56 and 32.22, highest length of leaf as 5.37 cm, 7.31 cm and 9.18 cm were recorded in T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1 + Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1] at 30 DAS, 55 DAS and 70 DAS respectively. And yield parameters such as high pod length as 21.72 cm and 20.01 cm, highest number of pods plant-1 35.52 and 35.75, highest number of seed pod-1 10.01 and 10.21 and highest test weight 27.12 g and 26.23 g were recorded in T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1] at 55 DAS and 70 DAS respectively. Highest yield 160.12 q ha-1 were obtained in treatment T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1]. Maximum gross return ₹ 2,41,680 was recorded in treatment T7 [RDF + Poultry Manure @2 t ha-1 + Biochar @2.5 t ha-1 + Vermicompost @2 t ha-1+ Neem Cake @500 kg ha-1]. Maximum B:C ratio (2.80) was recorded in T4 [RDF + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + Rice Straw @ 6 t ha-1]. But maximum net return (₹ 1,47,624.1) was recorded in treatment T4 [RDF + Vermicompost @ 2 t ha-1 + Rice Straw @ 6 t ha-1]. The yield and growth parameters also significantly increased with the application of the combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers.

Sustainable Application of NATIVO 300 SC Fungicide (Tebuconazole 200 g/L +Trifloxystrobin 100 g/L) in the Control of Brown Spot (Bipolaris oryzae) in Strict Rainfed Rice Cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire

Rice brown spot is a devastating disease caused by Bipolaris oryzae. Various fungicide formulations are used against this phytomycosis, which occurs in all ecologies in Côte d'Ivoire. This study aimed to rationalize the application of a fungicide effective against brown spot in strict rainfed rice cultivation. The experimental design was a Fisher block with three replications. It was carried out in strict rainfed ecology at Biankouma between July and November 2023. The fungicide used was NATIVO 300 SC (Tebuconazole 200 g/L + Trifloxstrobin 100 g/ L). Five different treatments were tested (T0: no fungicide treatment; T1: NATIVO 300 SC at a dose of 350 ml.ha-1, every 10 days interval from the initial appearance of brown spot symptoms until 50% heading stage; T2 : NATIVO 300 SC at a dose of 350 ml.ha-1, at the seedling (4 to 5 leaves), booting and complete heading stages; T3: NATIVO 300 SC at a dose of 350 ml.ha-1, at seedling (4 to 5 leaves), maximum tillering and complete heading stages; T4: NATIVO 300 SC at a dose of 350 ml.ha-1, at early tillering (2 to 3 stems visible), maximum tillering and complete heading stages). Data on disease severity of brown spot and agronomical parameters were recorded ans statistically analysed using SAS 9.4 software. The results proved that treatments T1 and T4 proved more effective, with leaf severity indices of 2.0±0.98 and 3.52±0.78 versus 6.52±0.66 for the control, and yield gains of 67.69 and 60.09% respectively. In conclusion, application of NATIVO 300 SC fungicide at a dose of 350 ml/ha can be recommended at the early tillering, maximum tillering and complete heading stages of rice for effective management of brown spot.

Irrigation Management in Garlic Cultivars for Improved Yield and Water Efficiency under Zero Tillage Condition

The significant increase in the scarcity of water for farming and price rise of energy required to make water available for irrigation have made it essential to improve water efficiency of crops. Therefore, an experiment was conducted at the farmer’s field of Haybatpur and Chalan Beel (Gurudaspur) of Natore for two consecutive years to develop appropriate irrigation management practice for higher yield of garlic. The experiment consisted of four treatments: farmer’s irrigation practice (T1); Four irrigation frequency (1st: Irrigation @ 20-25 days after sowing (DAS) + 2nd to 4th Irrigation @23-26 days interval) (T2); Three irrigation frequency (1st: at 20-25 DAS + 2nd: at 45-46 DAS + 3rd: at 60 DAS) plus organic matter at basal dose @ 2kg decimal-1 (T3); Three irrigation frequency (1st: at 20-25 DAS + 2nd: at 45-46 DAS + 3rd: at 60 DAS) (T4). The cultivars used were Binarosun-1 (V1) and Italy hybrid (V2). The highest yield (12.1 t ha-1 and 12.5 t ha-1 at 2021 and 2022 respectively) as well as BCR was obtained in treatment T3. Treatments were set to increase the efficiency of water use by 25-40% than conventional practices. Based on the results, three times irrigation and organic matter addition as basal dose with zero tillage practice is suggested for sustained garlic production in Natore area.

Growth and Yield Responses of Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to Tree Lopping and Organic Manure under Morus-Based Agri-Silvicultural System

Sustainable land management targets climate change by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, bolstering resilience against climate-related disasters and advocating sustainable practices. India has significantly contributed to shaping the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, in which agroforestry has emerged as a critical component. The tree-based intercropping practices implemented in agroforestry reduce competitive associations between woody and non-woody components, at the same time obtaining advantage of interactions that are beneficial. The present investigation was accomplished during the year 2019-20. The research trial was structured using a split-plot design to explore the possibilities of successfully cultivating Phaseolus vulgaris as an intercrop under Morus alba. The study incorporated 4 different levels of tree lopping (T0: 0 %; T1: 25 %; T2: 50 %; T3: 75 %) and 5 dosages of manure (S0: No manure; S1; FYM, S2: Jeevamrutha 5 %; S3: Jeevamrutha 10 %; S4: RDF+FYM). The results revealed that maximum values for above and below-ground growth parameters were recorded in treatment T3 (75 % lopping intensity) and treatment S4 (RDF + FYM). The treatments S1 (FYM) and S4 also significantly influenced soil parameters. Based on this investigation, it was inference that the integration of Phaseolus vulgaris with Morus alba provides the best possibility for diversity and enhanced profitability compared to a single species, if lopping is performed scientifically and a combination of manures are applied appropriately, besides offering numerous additional environmental gains.

Myco-assisted phytoextraction of heavy metals with vetiver grass: a green technology for cleaning tannery effluent contaminated sites.

Metal toxicity affects practically all physiological systems of plants, both directly and indirectly. Amongst various techniques developed to remediate contaminated soils, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF)-assisted phytoremediation is an emerging and unexplored eco-sustainable strategy for controlling and managing soil contamination. Hence, this study aims at exploring the myco-assisted phytoremediation of tannery effluent contaminated soil. A pot culture study was carried out using three different strains of AMF and vetiver grass with soil obtained from the tannery effluent contaminated sites of Tamil Nadu, India (Vellore (S1) and Dindigul (S2)) which were rich in chromium (S1-128mgkg-1, S2-112mgkg-1), cadmium (S1-1.17mgkg-1, S2-2mgkg-1), nickel (S1-39mgkg-1, S2-14mgkg-1) and lead (S1-56mgkg-1, S2-30mgkg-1). Results revealed that inoculation of vetiver grass with AMF including R. intraradices (T3), G. mosseae (T2) and mixed (commercial) culture (T4) in the contaminated soil has significantly increased the growth and biomass of the vetiver plants but the level of action varied with the fungus. Amongst several treatments under study, R. intraradices (T3) inoculation in vetiver yielded in shoot biomass (31.76 t ha-1) which was 8%, 18.8%, and 31.2% higher than treatments T2, T4 and T1 respectively, and the root biomass (23.71 t ha-1) was 10.6%, 15.3%, 32% higher than T2, T4 and T1 respectively. Vetiver growing in T3 has higher total C stored in its roots and shoots (24.99%) than in control soil. Furthermore, T3's overall carbon stock is 24.94% larger facilitating carbon sequestration than control's (T1). Furthermore, it was observed that AMF inoculation significantly increased the phytoextraction potential of vetiver and reduced the translocation of metals into the shoots. The treatment T3 (R. intraradices) recorded Cr (19.99mgkg-1), Cd (0.1mgkg-1), Ni (9.43mgkg-1), and Pb (9.35mgkg-1) in the root portion in S1 and was higher to the tune of 89.8%,50%, 88.5%, and 75.9% respectively, compared to the shoot portion. Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were found relatively higher in control where the plant undergone much larger stress than the other treatments. Hence, it can be concluded that AMF could possibly enhance the growth of Vetiver by improving nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) uptake capability while reducing the heavy metal uptake and accumulation in the shoots eventually protecting the plants from stress and metal toxicity.

Effect of different combinations of plant growth regulators and assessment of clonal fidelity among in vitro raised micro-shoots of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

The role of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in plant development and growth is varied. However, there is currently no reported use of SNP in single or combined treatments for in vitro propagation of pomegranates. This study elaborates the role of SNP combined with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) like kinetin (Kn) and indole acetic acid (IAA) as supplementary in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media for in vitro propagation of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa using nodal segments as explants. The results revealed that treatment T9 (1.5 mg/L SNP + 1.5 mg/L Kn) resulted in the earliest shoot induction (25.03 days), the highest shoot proliferation (86.67 %) and the maximum shoot length (3.10 cm). However, treatment T8 (1.5 mg/L SNP + 1.0 mg/L Kn) produced the highest number of shoots/explant (2.60). In regards to in vitro rooting, the treatment fortified with T14 (2.0 mg/L IAA + 0.1 mg/L SNP) yielded the highest rooting frequency (100 %) with the maximum number of roots (4.77), while the treatment T15 (2.0 mg/L IAA + 0.2 mg/L SNP) exhibited earlier root initiation (13.17 days). The clonal fidelity analysis using ISSR markers revealed that the micro-propagated shoots were genetically uniform, with 88.89 % showing uniformity and a low level of somaclonal variation at 11.11 %.

Impact of Different Organic Substrates on the Productivity and Nutritional Composition of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Black soldier fly larvae can clean up the environment by transforming low-value organic waste into high-nutrient proteins, which can be used in livestock farming, including aquaculture. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of the composition of various organic substrates on the productivity and nutritional quality of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae. Four treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4) are based on organic materials (brewer's grains, palm kernel cake, soybean okara, (Moringa oleifera) leaves, marine fish and poultry viscera) in defined proportions. The chemical analyses carried out on the substrates are: pH, moisture, total nitrogen, assimilable phosphorus, potassium, dry matter, ash and those on the BSF larvae concern: protein, fat, dry matter and ash. The experimental set-up used is a completely randomized block of 12 tanks arranged in triplicate. The loading density was 5750 larvae per kg of substrate. The experiment lasted 14 days. No significant difference was obtained between the pH values (p>0.05) of treatments T1, T3 and T4. The highest results for moisture, total nitrogen, and assimilable phosphorus were obtained in treatments T3 (marine fish viscera) and T4 (poultry viscera) (p˂0.05). Also, the best (final weight, weight gain per larva and survival rate) and nutritional qualities (proteins and lipids) were recorded in BSF produced from treatments T3 and T4 (p˂0.05). We can therefore conclude that the quality of the production substrate influences the productivity and quality of the BSF produced. Such a substrate, rich in chemical and nutritive elements, improves the productivity and quality of the BSF.

Tolerance of Phosphorus and Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria to Fungicides In vitro

Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) plays a vital role in converting these nutrients into forms that plants can readily absorb, thus enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. The compatibility of phosphorus and potassium solubilizing bacteria with 8 fungicides was tested under laboratory condition. The eight fungicides tested against PSB-1, the Carbendazim 50% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP were found highly compatible with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and rest of the five fungicides viz., Mancozeb 75% WP, Zineb 75% WP, Metalaxyl 35 % WS, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % SC, Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 % were incompatible with the test bacterium. The treatment T8 (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 %) were found statistically at par at 48 and 72 hrs of incubation at 50% of recommended dose and recommended dosages. the eight fungicides tested against KSB-2 Carbendazim 50% WP, Propiconazole 25% EC and Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP were found highly compatible with phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and rest of the five fungicides viz., Mancozeb 75% WP, Zineb 75% WP, Metalaxyl 35 % WS, Azoxystrobin 18.2 % + Difenoconazole 11.4 % SC, Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3 % were incompatible bacterium with the test bacterium. The treatment T8 (Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC) and treatment T1 (Mancozeb 75% WP) were found statistically at par at 48 and 72 hrs of incubation at 50% of recommended dose and recommended dosages.

Effect of Biofertilizers on Soil Quality Parameters in Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii bolus) Cultivation

A field experiment was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Horticulture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, during the periods of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. The experiment was set in Randomized Block Design (RBD) consisting of three replications and eight treatments. The Treatments comprised of T0 (Control), T1 {Bacillus subtilis (4% solution)}, T2 {Microbacterium laevaniformans (4% solution)}, T3 NPK (@15:10:20 g m-2), T4 Vermicompost (5 kg per plot), T5 (½ NPK + ½ Vermicompost + Bacillus subtilis), T6 (½ NPK + ½ Vermicompost + Microbacterium laevaniformans), T7 (½ NPK + ½ Vermicompost + Consortium) and T8 (Consortium). The results revealed that the soil parameters were significantly influenced by the treatments. Studies revealed that soil pH (5.26), Organic Carbon (0.86%), N (276.9 kg ha-1), K (135.1kg ha-1), Microbial Biomass Carbon (379.23µg g-1soil 24 hour-1) were found highest in T4. For P (44.6 kg ha-1) and Electrical Conductivity (0.19 dS/m) was recorded highest in treatment T7.

Influence of Granular Biostimulants on Growth and Yield Characteristics of Rice (Oryza Sativa) in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal, India

Rice (Oryza sativa), the primary food source for over half of the global population, is critical to food security but faces productivity challenges from suboptimal fertilizer use and associated environmental degradation in India. Addressing these issues necessitates innovative strategies that enhance crop performance while maintaining ecological balance. Biostimulants, known for their role in enhancing nutrient efficiency and crop resilience, offer a promising solution for optimizing fertilizer use and improving soil health. This study evaluates the efficacy of AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules on the growth, yield, and soil health of rice during the kharif season of 2023 at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Kalyani, West Bengal. A randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications was employed, including combinations of AGMA granules with 100% and 80% recommended NPK doses. Results demonstrated significant improvements in growth parameters, yield attributes, and soil nutrient availability with AGMA application. Treatments T2 and T5, integrating AGMA granules with 100% and 80% NPK, respectively, achieved the highest grain yields, with T5 showing a 19% yield increase over the control. Soil health indicators, including organic carbon and available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, improved significantly, while electrical conductivity decreased. The study concludes that AGMA Bio Stimulant Granules enable a 20% reduction in NPK fertilizer use without compromising yields, underscoring their potential to support sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

Effect of Nitrogen and Boron Fertilization on Nutrient Content and Uptake by Mustard Crop in Chitrakoot Area

This study assessed the impact of nitrogen (N) and boron (B) fertilization on yield, nutrient composition, and nutrient uptake in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, India. A field trial featuring 13 treatments combined reduced nitrogen levels, nano-urea applications, and different boron doses, using a randomized block design with three replications. Treatment T12 [½ recommended nitrogen dose (RDN) + two nano-urea sprays + 1.25 kg B ha⁻¹] achieved the highest seed yield (1523.81 kg ha⁻¹), surpassing the control (100% NPK as per RDF) which yielded 958.73 kg ha⁻¹. T12 also had the highest nutrient concentrations 2.78% nitrogen, 0.482% phosphorus, and 0.74% potassium as well as the highest nutrient uptake, with nitrogen at 42.36 kg ha⁻¹, phosphorus at 7.34 kg ha⁻¹, and potassium at 11.28 kg ha⁻¹. These results indicate that combining nano-urea with boron, especially at elevated boron levels, can significantly improve yield and nutrient absorption in mustard, highlighting its potential for sustainable farming in semi-arid areas.

Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.)

The experiment was conducted in both field and lab conditions to study the Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of ZnO Nanoparticles on Growth, Yield and Seedling Parameters in Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum L.) Under Late Sowing Conditions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh Region the lab experiment was performed in CRD with four different size ranges of zinc oxide Nanoparticles (20-30nm, 40-50nm, 60-80nm, 80-100nm) each of three concentrations (30PPM, 60PPM, 80PPM). The field experiment was performed during Rabi season of 2022-2023 in Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh with a control was laid out in factorial RBD with 3 Replications. The results revealed that T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance among parameters viz Plant height 30 DAS (23.45), Plant height 80 DAS (91.36), Days to first flowering (26.11), Number of Branches (4.43), Seeds per Plant (142.39), Seed yield per plot (11.87), Seed yield per hectare (1.19), Economic Yield (11.87), Biological Yield (32.76). and Harvest Index (36.23) and T3(20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) exhibit greater in Leaf surface area (22.37), Test Weight (27.34). The lab results revealed the treatment T1(20-30nm, 30PPM for 8hrs) showing greater performance in Germination Percentage (95.63), Root Length (14.57), Seedling Length (24.76), Vigor Index-1 (2369.25), Electric conductivity (0.327), Protein content (13.59), Seed metabolic efficiency and T3 (20-30nm, 80PPM for 8hrs) shows greater Performance in Shoot length (11.57), Fresh Weight (2.19), Dry Weight (0.80), Vigor Index-2 (72.67), Seed Density (0.8), Chlorophyll Content (2.84), Dehydrogenize Activity (0.996).

Assessing water use efficiency, nutrient use efficiency and yield of Bhendi with 19:19:19 water-soluble fertilizer under drip irrigation

This study examines the effects of different fertilization treatments on the yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) of Bhendi. Field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai, during the Rabi season of December 2023 to March 2024 because Bhendi thrives in warm temperatures and requires precise water management. Drip irrigation provides optimal growth conditions even in the cooler Rabi weather while minimizing water waste, especially in areas with limited water availability. The treatments included soil-based fertilizers and water-soluble fertilizers (WSF), applied alone or in combination with recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF). Among the treatments, T8, which applied 120 kg/ha of TNAU water-soluble fertilizer 19:19:19 with an additional 25 % RDF proved to be the most effective. It achieved the highest yield, WUE and NUE, demonstrating superior crop productivity and resource efficiency. In contrast, the absolute control treatment (T1), which received no fertilizer, resulted in the lowest yield, highlighting the importance of fertilization in enhancing crop performance. Treatment T5, which used 120 kg/ha of WSF, also showed high yield and good WUE but did not match the efficiency levels of T8. The study concludes that integrating high doses of water-soluble fertilizers with additional RDF through drip fertigation is the most effective strategy for optimizing yield and resource efficiency in Bhendi cultivation.

Effects of Cow-based Preparations and Mulching on Weed Management and Nodulation in Chickpea under Intercropping System

Mulching is one of agronomic practices with goals of lowering soil evaporation, preserving moisture, regulating soil temperature, inhibiting weed development, and enhancing microbial activity. It is mostly predicated on the recycling of biomass within the farm, with a focus on biomass mulching, the use of cow dung and urine preparations within the farm and preserving soil aeration. A field experiment was conducted for two years during the spring season (2019-20 and 2020-21) at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh (India), which comprises different combination of ghanjeevamrit (mixture of urine, dung, jaggery and chickpea flour), jeevamrit (mixture of urine, dung, jaggery, chickpea flour, handful soil, and water) and mulching (added at rate of 10 t ha-1). The weed count, weed dry matter, and yield of wheat as well as chickpeas were studied under sub-temperate humid zone (India). Data showed that application of cow-based preparations (ghanjeevamrit- added at rate of 0.5 t ha-1, jeevamrit-1st spray at rate 5%, 2nd spray 7.5% and subsequent sprays 10% jeevamrit in the water with the rate of 200 L acre-1 at 21 days interval) and mulching significantly affected weed count, dry matter, weed control efficiency and number of nodules of chickpea. Based on data of both years significantly lower weed count and dry weight at 120 DAS (before that weed count and dry weight was not affected significantly) was recorded in treatment T7(ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit + mulching) which was statistically at par with T3 (mulching), T5 (ghanjeevamrit + mulching), T6 (jeevamrit + mulching) and T8 (control). At 150 DAS, significantly lower weed count was recorded in T5 which was at par with T3 and T6 and a significantly highest count was recorded in T4 (ghanjeevamrit + jeevamrit). At harvest, the highest weed count and dry weight of weed were found in treatment T2 (jeevamrit), T4, T1 (ghanjeevamrit), and T8. Similarly, the weed control efficiency was recorded numerically highest under T7 treatment. Minimum weed count and weed dry weight were found in the T7 treatment. Significantly highest nodule count in chickpea was recorded in T7 followed by T4, whereas the lowest was recorded in T8. Therefore, this study highlights the combined use of cow-based preparations with mulching to decrease weed count, dry matter as well as the number of nodules of chickpea increases under natural farming.