Typic Haplustept Research Articles

Standardization of Assay Method of Urease Activity in Inceptisol

Urea is the most important nitrogen fertilizer widely used in crop production and its fate in soils is regulated largely by the soil enzyme urease. The use of precise assay method for urease is an important aspect in regulating activity of soil urease which is the most useful to improve use efficiency of urea, and minimize the problems related to use of urea. In this context, the present laboratory investigation was undertaken with the objective to standardize the assay media components of soil urease activity in Inceptisol of MPKV, Rahuri soils. The Typic Haplustept was selected as a representative of Inceptisol and used for present study of optimizing assay media components for in vivo assay method for measuring activity of urease from Inceptisol. All the assay components viz., substrate concentration (0.2 M), buffer strength (0.05 M), weight of soil (5 g), amount of toluene (0.2 ml) and incubation time (2 h) were found optimum as per Tabatabai and Bremner (1972) except THAM buffer pH. The THAM buffer with a pH 8.5 was found to be optimum for measuring the activity of urease from Inceptisol. The values of urease activity from the 2g weight of soil and 1 h incubation time also found statistically at par with values of 5 g weight of soil and 2 h incubation time, respectively. Hence, the use of 2 g soil and 1 h incubation time in assay procedure are also sufficient for measuring urease activity, if the soil sample size and time are limiting factors.

Synthesis and Evaluation of Starch-Grafted-Poly[(Acrylic Acid)-Co-Acrylamide] Based Nanoclay Polymer Composite Fertilizers for Slow Release of Nitrogen in Soil.

Nitrogen (N) losses from conventional N fertilizers contribute to environmental degradation and low N use efficiency. Highlighting the need for slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) to mitigate these problems, this study aims to develop slow-release N fertilizers using starch-grafted-poly[(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide] based nanoclay polymer composites (NCPCs) and investigate their efficacy for slow N delivery in soil. Three types of NCPCs, NCPC(A) (poly [(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide]), NCPC(W) (wheat starch-grafted-poly[(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide), and NCPC(M) (maize starch-grafted-poly[(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide) were prepared and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. N-release behaviour of the products was assessed under two distinct soils, i.e., Assam (Typic Hapludults, pH 4.2) and Delhi (Typic Haplustepts, pH 7.9) soils. Additionally, the effects of varying soil moisture and temperature levels on N release were studied in the Assam soil. The N-release kinetics of the synthesized fertilizers were assessed using zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Degradability of the NCPCs was evaluated by measuring evolved CO2-C under various soil conditions as an indicator of microbial degradation. The results indicated that NCPC fertilizers significantly slowed down the release of N compared to urea. According to the R2 values obtained, it was evident that the first-order kinetic model most accurately describes the N release from both urea and NCPC-based N fertilizers in the studied soils. Among the formulations, NCPC(A) exhibited the lowest N release (42.94-53.76%), followed by NCPC(M) (51.05-61.70%), NCPC(W) (54.86-67.75%), and urea (74.33-84.27%) after 21 days of incubation. The rate of N release was lower in the Assam soil compared to the Delhi soil, with higher soil moisture and temperature levels accelerating the release. Starch addition improved the biodegradability of the NCPCs, with NCPC(W) showing the highest cumulative CO2-C evolution (18.18-22.62 mg g-1), followed by NCPC(M) (15.54-20.97 mg g-1) and NCPC(A) (10.89-19.53 mg g-1). In conclusion, NCPC-based slow-release fertilizers demonstrated a more gradual N release compared to conventional urea and the inclusion of starch enhanced their degradability in the soil, which confirms their potential for sustainable agricultural applications. However, soil properties and environmental factors influenced the N release and degradation rates of NCPCs.

Agronomic performance of maize (Zea maize L.) under varying fertility and silicon levels in typic haplustepts

Agronomic performance of maize (Zea maize L.) under varying fertility and silicon levels in typic haplustepts

Characteristics of Punjab's typic haplustept soil for the maize (Zea Mays L.)

Characteristics of Punjab's typic haplustept soil for the maize (Zea Mays L.)

Characterization and Classifications of Soils in an Experimental Farm in the Tiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu, India

It is essential to characterize and classify soil resources in order to plan agricultural land use agroforestry, agri-horticulture and silvipastoral farming systems. In the present study, an attempt was made to characterize and classify the soils occurring on different topography in an experimental farm in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, India. A detailed soil survey was carried out using cadastral map. Physiographically, the area has been characterized into Pediplain shallow weathered and Pediplain moderately weathered which were further subdivided based on slope and erosion categories. Six typical pedons were identified based on landform and their soil morphological properties. The soils were very shallow to moderately deep, dark reddish brown to yellowish red (red soils) in colour with sub-angular blocky in structure, These soils were sandy loam to sandy clay loam in texture, slightly acidic to mildly alkaline (3.28-7.70) in reaction (non-saline soils) and had low to medium (1.2 to 6.4 g/kg) organic carbon content. Calcium and magnesium were the dominant exchangeable cations followed by sodium and potassium. Taxonomically these soils were classified as Typic Rhodustalfs, Typic Haplustalfs, Vertic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustepts at the subgroup level.

Coriander response to potassium under its medium availability in Typic Haplustepts

Field experiments were carried out with seven levels of potassium (K) (as-1K O ha ) using coriander (var. Ajmer coriander-1) on a medium fertile2sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustepts). These results revealed that plantheight and secondary branches were lower at higher level of K, while thegrowth, yield and associated attributes were statistically (p<0.05) at parwith control. The reduction in seed yield per pot was 4.2 to 8.3 % beyond-1soil application of 40 kg K O ha . There was no significant (p<0.05)2variation in seed nutrient content, except N and K uptake. The N content in-1seed was higher at120 kg K ha , while K content in seed was more beyondthe 60 kg of applied K. Nutrient content in coriander straw increasedmarginally with increase in doses of K. Uptake of nutrients and sodium(Na) content decreased with increase in doses of K. Potassium availability-1was more with higher doses of K; beyond the 40 kg K ha and rest ofnutrient remained at par with doses of K. Soil exchangeable Na wasenhanced slightly with doses of K and soil accumulation was more than itsinitial level. Therefore, it is recommended that there is no need to apply K incoriander, if sufficient availability of K is there in soil and irrigation waterbears an appreciable amount of K. Moreover, higher application of K anddeep irrigations (>50mm) makes coriander susceptible for frost injury, if itoccurs and ultimately reduces crop yield.

Taxonomical Approach on Different Soil Types of Kalyana Karnataka, India

The three types of soils namely red, lateritic and black soils from Kalyana Karnataka, India, belonged to selected soil series derived from diversified geology, topography, climate and vegetation were characterized and classified based on geomorphological, morphological, physical and chemical soil properties. Red and lateritic soils series other than Badrapur, Kodambal, Rummanagunda and Kallarahatti series were classified as Typic Haplustepts while Badrapur, Kodambal, Rummanagunda and Kallarahatti series as Lithic Haplustepts at sub group level. All the black soils series other than Margutti series were keyed out as Typic Haplusterts while Margutti series as Lithic Haplusterts at subgroup level.

Impact of conservation agriculture on potassium fractions under maize based cropping systems in a Typic Haplustept

Intensive conventional tillage practice has deteriorated soil quality and decreased potassium (K) availability in soil under maize-based growing areas in Indo-Gangetic Plain of India. Consequently, maize productivity has declined over the years demonstrating the need for sustainable alternatives. A present study was carried out in 2018-2019 in the eleventh year of an on-going long-term experiment initiated in the year 2008 to understand the impact of different tillage practices on K dynamics under maize-based cropping systems in Inceptisols of Indo-Gangetic Plain of India. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels of tillage practice as main plots: permanent raised bed (PB), zero tillage-flat (ZT-flat) and conventional tillage (CT-flat) and in subplots four different cropping systems viz. maize-wheat-mungbean (MWMb), maize-chickpea-sesbania (MCS), maize-mustard-mungbean (MMuMb), and maize-maize-sesbania (MMS). The result showed that the higher content of water-soluble K, exchangeable K, and nonexchangeable K were recorded in PB and ZT-flat tillage and MCS and MWMb as compared to CT tillage practice and cropping systems. Therefore, PB and ZT-flat tillage and MCS as well as MWMb could be better practices over the CT tillage practice and cropping systems for improving K availability in soil.

Impacts of Long-term Application of Fertilizer and Manures on Physico-chemical Properties, Phosphorus Uptake and Crop Yield at Different Growth Stages of Wheat

A field experiment was conducted on wheat in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept) at IARI farm, New Delhi during 2018-19 in a long-term fertilizer experiment to study the physico-chemical properties of soil, crop yield, phosphorus uptake and phosphorus availability. The experiment was designed with seven different treatments, replicated thrice in a randomized complete block design. The treatments details were T1: Control, T2: 100%N, T3: 100%NP, T4: 100%NPK, T5: 150% NPK, T6: 100%NPK+5t FYM and T7: 100% NPK+ Zn-5 kgha-1. The results revealed that pH and electrical conductivity were highest under control and lowest recorded under 100% NPK+FYM. Available phosphorus content at all four stages was wheat significantly greater under NPK+FYM followed by 150% NPK treatment and lowest under nitrogen alone (100% N) and unfertilized treatment (control). Initially available phosphorus in soil ranged from 13.5 to 39.8 and 15.4 to 37.9 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. At the tillering stage, available P was 20.7 to 43.7 and 16.5 to 38.1 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. At panicle emergence, it was 24.1 to 48.4 kg ha-1 and 18.6 to 42.3 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth. At harvest of wheat crop, available P ranged from 20.5 to 41.8 and 16.5 to 39.1 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth, respectively. Total phosphorus uptake and crop yield significantly increased under 150% NPK treatment followed by 100% NPK+FYM.

Influence of Integrated Use of Organic Manures and Inorganic Fertilizers on Physio-chemical Properties of Soil and Yield of Kharif Maize in Coarse Loamy Typic Haplustept Soil

Background: Maize is one of the best cereal crop as it is also known as “Queen of cereals” by giving good taste, having more hybrid varieties, good production and price also. But to make maize best cereal well fertile and neutral soil is important. In the several previous years tthere was good soil, plant and environment relationship but due to passing the time soil health was deteriorated by using the more amount of inorganic fertilizers (beyond the limit). The insect pest attack was also increased due to uses of more amount of fertilizers. Soil becomes topic in nature and most of the inorganic chemical leached down and mixed with the water table. Material: The two year field experiment was conducted at experimental farm at Lovely Professional University Phagwara Punjab during the kharif season 2019- 2020 to study the influence of integrated use of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on physio-chemical properties of soil and yield of kharif maize in coarse loamy Typic Haplustept soil with 8 treatments treatments T1- Control, T2 - RDF (125:60:30) kg ha-1, T3- RDF +10 ton farmyard manure ha-1, T4- 75% RDF + 10 ton farm yard manure ha-1+ Vermicompost @2 ton/ha, T5-75% RDF +10 ton farmyard manure ha-1, T6- 50% RDF +10 ton farm yard manure + vermicompost@2 ton ha-1 + azotobacter ha-1, T7-50% RDF +15 ton of farmyard manure +azotobacter ha-1, T8-25 % RDF + azotobacter + vermicompost@ 2 ton ha-1 in RBD design with 3 replications. Result: The soil pH was found highest in T2 (RDF (125:60:30) kg ha-1) (7.8) whereas highest EC was found in T6 (50% RDF +10 ton farm yard manure + vermicompost@2 ton ha-1 + azotobacter ha-1) (0.27 dsm-1). The highest bulk density found under T1 (Control) ( 2.02 gcm-3) and porosity was highest in T8 (25 % RDF + azotobacter + vermicompost@ 2 ton ha-1) (37.96%). In T6 (50% RDF +10 ton farm yard manure + vermicompost@2 ton ha-1 + azotobacter ha-1), the highest amount of Nitrogen (412.3 kgh-1), phosphorus (67.77 kgh-1), potassium (884.3 kgh-1) and organic carbon (0.567%) was found. In terms of yield parameters, the grain yield (4223 kgh-1), straw yield (6266 kgh-1), harvest index (41.53%) and 1000- seed weight (366.86gms) was found highest in T6 ((50% RDF +10 ton farm yard manure + vermicompost@2 ton ha-1 + azotobacter ha-1). There are significant difference in all the treatements with respect to the physio-chemical properties of soil and yield paramters of maize.

Carbon capture and seasonal ‘C’ offset by Foeniculum vulgare grown with N, FYM and their integration

Field experiments were carried out on Typic Haplustepts soil having texture sandy loam with various nitrogen levels i.e. 0, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120 kg ha-1 and also integrated use of N + FYM levels taking fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) variety AF-1 as test crop. These treatments were compared with control. Results revealed that seed yield and biomass increased with increasing doses of N levels which was > 1.5 times more with 120 kg N as compared to control. Likewise N+FYM also gave more yield than their individual applications. Carbon content was lower and accumulation in seed, stover including total uptake was higher beyond the 60 kg N ha-1. Carbon content was lower in stover with higher dose of N + FYM and the accumulation in seed and stover was higher. Carbon captured by fennel was more with 12 t FYM applied either with 40 or 80 kg N ha-1. Total or net soil carbon pool was more with higher levels of N, FYM and their combinations. Net carbon offset by the crop and soil in a season was more beyond the 60 kg N or either level of FYM and also in combination with N. Mean carbon offset by fertilizer N was 4.8 t ha-1 and 5.1 t ha-1 by N + FYM. Interestingly carbon content in seed was slightly lower or equal to the stover, hence a common thresher is not applicable to separate them easily and the second most important finding is that combine use of N and FYM captured more C seasonally than the fertilizer N alone, while fertilizer N has more manufacturing C foot print than the manure. Hence, integrated use of N and FYM has multi-faced benefits for reducing C foot print of input, captures more C during a season easily accessibility to the farmers, improves the crop yield and soil properties.

Effect of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and blue green algae on yield and NPK content in hybrid rice

A pot experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2020 on sandy loam soil in texture and classified as mixed hyperthermic typic haplustepts to investigate the impact of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and blue green algae (BGA) on crop yield and NPK nutrient uptake in hybrid rice cultivation. Thirteen treatments laid in completely randomized design with two different doses of chemical fertilizers (100% and 75%), two isolates of PSB (Enterobacter cloacae strain BAU3 and Bacillus aryabhattai strain BAUMS8) and blue green algae had been used in the study. The grain and straw yield of hybrid rice and nutrient uptake in both grain and straw increased significantly when supplied with 100% recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (RDF) + PSB @ 750 ml ha-1 + BGA @ 10 kg ha-1 as compared to 100% RDF. It had been observed that combined application of PSB and BGA along with 100% RDF, enhanced grain and straw yield upto 11.17 and 6.53 percent, respectively in comparison to 100% RDF. Increase in the concentration of grain and straw N in treatment T8 was 8.65% and 11.42%, respectively, when compared with treatment T2 (100% RDF). The concentration of grain P in treatment T8 were 5.80% when compared with treatment T2 (100% RDF) while the magnitude of increase in rice straw was 7.28 percent. A similar trend of result was obtained in the case of K content in grain and straw of hybrid rice but the K concentration was higher in straw. Finally, application of 100% RDF along with PSB @ 750 ml ha-1 + BGA @ 10 kg ha-1 significantly augmented the yield and nutrient content in hybrid rice.

Long-Term Impact of Boron Addition at Various Dosages to a Groundnut-Cabbage System on Crop Yield and Boron Dynamics in Typic Haplustepts

The addition of boron (B) fertilizers to soils with low B content is required for augmenting crop yield. Therefore, it is imperative to have knowledge about the impact of long-term B addition at various dosages on crop yield and soil-B dynamics. A field experiment of a 6-year duration was carried out at Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat, India to study the influence of long-term B fertilization in the groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) cropping system in different rates and frequencies on yield of crops and soil-B dynamics. The direct effect of B addition on groundnut yield and the residual effect on succeeding cabbage crop yield was eval-uated. The treatments of the experiment encompassed various combinations of three frequencies and four rates of B application including one control (no B application). The application of B at different rates and frequencies significantly increased groundnut and cabbage yield in comparison to yield attained under the control. The addition of 1.0 kg B ha−1 in alternate years was found op-timum for enhancing the yield of groundnut and cabbage crops grown on study soil. Boron appli-cation enhanced B content in groundnut pod, haulm, cabbage and available B in soil. Optimal available B content in soil was 1.25 mg kg−1 for both groundnut pod and cabbage-head yield. The application of B with different rates and frequencies significantly enhanced B fractions in soil. The content of different fractions improved with the increase in rates of B application. The percentage contribution of various B fractions towards total B content followed the order: readily soluble B (0.43 to 0.55%) < specifically adsorbed B (0.74 to 0.98%) < organically bound B (0.70 to 1.55%) < ox-ide bound B (1.26 to 3.11%) < residual boron B (93 to 96.8%). Path analysis revealed the highest contribution of total boron towards groundnut-pod yield with a coefficient value of 4.30. Whereas oxide-bound boron fraction contributed to the maximum extent with a coefficient value of 0.91 towards cabbage-head yield. This information will be useful for B management in the ground-nut-cabbage cropping system grown on studied soil.

Characterization and Classification of Sugarcane Growing Soil of Haryana, India

Eight representative pedons of sugarcane growing soil of Haryana viz., Damla, Yamunanagar (P1), Shahabaad, Kurukshetra (P2), RRS, Karnal (P3), Kaithal (P4), Mehlana, Sonipat (P5), Nidhani, Jind (P6), Mokhra, Rohtak (P7) and Meham, Rohtak (P8) were studied for morphological, physico-chemical characteristics and classified as per Soil Taxonomy. The colour of the studied pedons varied from yellowish brown (10YR 3/2) to dark brown (10YR 5/5) in colour, with dominant hue of 10YR. The range of bulk density of different horizons was 1.05 to 1.33 Mg m-3. These soils were slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline in reaction. The soils of all the pedons of studied area were non saline in nature having EC < 1.36 dSm-1. Exchangeable Sodium percentage (ESP) and Base Saturation Percentage (BSP) ranged from 1.65 to 47.55 % and 23.18 to 99.60 % respectively. The CEC of the soils ranged from 1.98 to 13.82 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soils of the area were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Ustocrepts (Pedon 3,6 and 7), Fine loamy, Calcareous, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-4), Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-2), Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Aquic Ustochrepts (pedon-5) and Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (1 and 8).

Effect of potassium application on yield and quality of green gram (<em>Vigna radiata L</em>.) on coarse textured soils of southern Haryana

Crops need large quantity of potassium for enhancing their yield as well as quality. Pulses are important crops grown in India but their productivity is low. Among production inputs, recommendations for N and P fertilizers are made in most states with no K application resulting in imbalanced nutrient supply and lower crop yields.To quantify optimum dose for green gram ( Vigna radiata L.), a series of field experiments were conducted at Regional Research Station, CCS HAU, Bawal, Haryana, to assess the response of green gram to fertilizer potassium on coarse textured (Typic Haplustepts) soils of southern Haryana. After completion of research trials, crop was tested on farmer’s field through demonstrations and on farm trials (OFTs) to evaluate the response and adoptability of green gram as per the fertilizer potassium doses concluded in research experiment. Five levels of fertilizer potassium (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1) were evaluated for the response of green gram in randomized block design replicated thrice. The results of research trials revealed that the yield, protein content and growth parameters of green gram increased significantly with the application of fertilizer potassium @20 kg K2O ha-1. Significantly higher yield of green gram was recorded (5.87, 16.29, 19.23 and 22.36 %) due to application of 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1, respectively over control. The total K uptake by green gram increased significantly with the incremental doses of potassium application which helped to prevent the depletion of available soil K and build-up its content in the soil. The mean K use efficiency varied from 38.30 to 54.15 and maximum (54.15 %) was recorded with the application of 20 kg K2O ha-1. The benefit cost ratio was also increased with the application of potassium and reflected in terms of additional returns per rupee (Rs. 10.94, 15.63, 12.17 and 10.72) invested on application of K @ 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg K2O ha-1, respectively. The farmer’s field trial results with 0 and 20 kg K2O ha-1 revealed that application of 20 kg K2O ha-1 increased the yield of green gram by 10.87% over control.

Influence of Different Rates and Frequencies of Zn Application to Maize–Wheat Cropping on Crop Productivity and Zn Use Efficiency

Nowadays, zinc (Zn) fertilizers are commonly used for quality food production globally. Knowledge about proper application time and rates of commercial Zn fertilizers is necessary to obtain higher crop production and improve Zn use efficiency. A long-term field experiment was conducted during 2012 to 2018 at Anand Agricultural University, Anand (Gujarat), India, to find out the right Zn fertilizer dose and its frequency of application in maize–wheat cropping systems grown on typic haplustepts soil. The study comprised of three frequency levels, i.e., Zn application in the first year only (F1), alternate year (F2), and every year (F3), with four different rates of Zn, i.e., 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg Zn ha−1 per year imposed in the maize–wheat cropping system in each kharif season (during June to September) for six years. Findings of the study revealed that Zn applications to maize at 7.5 and 10 kg ha−1 in alternate year and 5.0 to 10 kg ha−1 in every year significantly increased maize equivalent yield as compared to no-Zn treatment. Application of 10.0 kg Zn ha−1 per year produced higher grain size, straw, and total Zn concentrations compared to those observed under no-Zn application in maize and wheat crops. Diethylene triamine penta acetic acid extractable Zn concentration in soil was higher in Zn treated plots which received Zn application at 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1 in alternate years and 10 kg ha−1 in every year as compared to no-Zn application. Apparent Zn recovery efficiency varied from 0.17 to 1.46% for maize crop and 0.34 to 1.70% for wheat crop under different rates and frequencies of Zn application. The above results emphasize the importance of Zn retention capacity of soil regarding its response to different rates and frequencies of Zn application to maize and wheat crops.

Uptake kinetics of micronutrients in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) with N input

Study of nutrients uptake kinetics in crop plants is very important to determine the need of nutrients during crop growing period at a specific time, which relies upon a wide variety of factors, like plant species and their varieties, environmental conditions, soil properties, nutrients supply and soil microorganism etc. Therefore, to study the uptake kinetics of micronutrients, field experiments were carried out on sandy loam soil of Typic Haplustepts with six N levels i.e. 0, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha-1 and compared with absolute control. Uptake of micronutrients and their uptake rate was calculated at 11-60, 61-90, 91-120 and 121-180 day interval. Result revealed that the uptake of iron, zinc, manganese and copper increased with increased levels of applied nitrogen and advancing age of crop plants. It was highest at 120 kg N ha-1 during 121-180 days after sowing (DAS). Uptake of Fe and Mn was exponential while Cu was linear up to 180 days, whereas Zn made plateau beyond 120 DAS of the crop. Uptake rate of Fe and Cu showed linear pattern with increasing levels of N (upto 120 N kg ha-1 ) at all the four stages of the crop. However, uptake rate of Mn and Zn was different with rates of N application and was nearer to the linear trend up to 91-120 DAS. Fe uptake rate was remarkably higher during 121-180 DAS over the 91-120 DAS with all the levels of applied N. Uptake rate of Mn drastically reduced during 121-180 DAS than 91-120 DAS with all the levels of N. Hence, it can be concluded that application of N have positive response for uptake and uptake rate of micronutrients in fennel irrespective of growth stages, while uptake rate of Mn and Zn varied with stageswhereas the uptake rate of Fe and Cu continued, or even increased after plant senescence appeared, reflects that Zn and Mn are more responsible for growth of areal parts of fennel and Fe and Cu for root growth. Hence later stage application of Zn and Mn may be discouraged, while Cu and Fe application may continue for higher yield, nutrients use efficiency andratooning. Whereas, Mn and Zn uptake rate reduced with senescence of crop. This is because of fennel is an ‘Herbaceous perennial bushy’ plant and root remains active even beyond the senescence of aerial part of crop.

Uptake kinetics of micronutrients in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) with N input

Study of nutrients uptake kinetics in crop plants is very important to determine the need of nutrients during crop growing period at a specific time, which relies upon a wide variety of factors, like plant species and their varieties, environmental conditions, soil properties, nutrients supply and soil microorganism etc. Therefore, to study the uptake kinetics of micronutrients, field experiments were carried out on sandy loam soil of Typic Haplustepts with six N levels i.e. 0, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 kg ha-1 and compared with absolute control. Uptake of micronutrients and their uptake rate was calculated at 11-60, 61-90, 91-120 and 121-180 day interval. Result revealed that the uptake of iron, zinc, manganese and copper increased with increased levels of applied nitrogen and advancing age of crop plants. It was highest at 120 kg N ha-1 during 121-180 days after sowing (DAS). Uptake of Fe and Mn was exponential while Cu was linear up to 180 days, whereas Zn made plateau beyond 120 DAS of the crop. Uptake rate of Fe and Cu showed linear pattern with increasing levels of N (upto 120 N kg ha-1) at all the four stages of the crop. However, uptake rate of Mn and Zn was different with rates of N application and was nearer to the linear trend up to 91-120 DAS. Fe uptake rate was remarkably higher during 121-180 DAS over the 91-120 DAS with all the levels of applied N. Uptake rate of Mn drastically reduced during 121-180 DAS than 91-120 DAS with all the levels of N. Hence, it can be concluded that application of N have positive response for uptake and uptake rate of micronutrients in fennel irrespective of growth stages, while uptake rate of Mn and Zn varied with stageswhereas the uptake rate of Fe and Cu continued, or even increased after plant senescence appeared, reflects that Zn and Mn are more responsible for growth of areal parts of fennel and Fe and Cu for root growth. Hence later stage application of Zn and Mn may be discouraged, while Cu and Fe application may continue for higher yield, nutrients use efficiency andratooning. Whereas, Mn and Zn uptake rate reduced with senescence of crop. This is because of fennel is an ‘Herbaceous perennial bushy’ plant and root remains active even beyond the senescence of aerial part of crop.

Water quality effects of cover crop, grazing and tillage implementation in a long-term no-till wheat system

Agricultural anthropogenic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) continue to be major surface and subsurface water pollutants in developed countries. Integrated crop-livestock systems in the semi-arid Texas Rolling Plains are characterized by continuously cultivated monoculture combined with grazing. Improperly managed grazing can increase soil compaction, and subsequently, decrease infiltration, which leaves the soil exposed to erosion. Grazing is therefore of paramount importance to water quality. Cover crop (CC) use improves soil ecosystem services and functions. The objective of the current study was to characterize soil water quality following CC under continuous wheat (Triticum aestivum), grazing, tillage, and no-till practices under a typic Haplustepts, Rotan clay loam soil type. Treatments evaluated include 1) conventional tillage without a CC (CT); 2) no-till without a CC (NT); 3) no-till with a CC (NTC); and 4) no-till with a grazed CC (NTCG). Portable rainfall simulators were used to assess surface runoff water quantity and quality after CC implementation in a long-term no-till continuous wheat system. Cover crop treatments, both grazed and un-grazed, reduced the amount of runoff by 4–6 times compared to no CC treatments (NT and CT). Converting 12-year-old NT to CT reduced infiltration by at least 43 % and increased runoff by 58 % compared to long-term NT. Consequently, total solids load and concentration for CT were 4–14 times greater than all NT treatments (NT, NTC, NTCG). Conventional tillage (CT) also increased total P loads and concentrations by 2–11-fold compared to all NT treatments (p < 0.05). Rainfall events occurring within three weeks after CC termination resulted in about 6 times greater soluble reactive P (SRP) (except NTCG) and about 2–3 times greater dissolved organic C (DOC) concentrations from CC treatments than non-CC treatments, although this was not observed for subsequent runoff events. Tilling the soil had more deleterious effects compared to flash grazing CC. Adopting NT, either alone, or long-term in combination with CC (either flash grazed or un-grazed) are potentially sustainable viable practices in semiarid regions that can reduce environmental contamination.

Effect of pendimethalin herbicide on Azotobacter and PSB population in soil during crop growth under conventional and zero tillage ​

The development of more productive and sustainable agricultural systems essentially requires the assessment of the population and diversity of microorganisms in soils under different management practices. The conservation agriculture (CA) systems are considered very important for soil health, biodiversity and environmental quality. But the use of herbicides is substantially increased under CA systems which may cause adverse impacts on human and ecosystem health. Moreover, the literature pertaining to the consequence of herbicides on soil microorganisms is quite controversial, and largely based either on laboratory or short-term field experiments. Therefore, the impact of pendimethalin herbicide on the population of Azotobacter and phosphorus solubilising bacteria (PSB) under CA system was taken up during _summer, 2019_ at Soil Research Farm, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in alluvial sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept). The experiment included two cropping systems (mungbean - wheat and sorghum - wheat), with three tillage practices, viz., zero tillage with surface retention of crop residues in both summer and winter seasons (ZT-ZT), conventional tillage in summer and zero tillage with residue retention in winter (CT-ZT) and conventional tillage in both seasons (CT-CT). Resultes revealed an increase in the population of both Azotobacter and PSB under ZT-ZT as compared to CT-CT practice at different depths. In surface 0-5 cm soil, the ZT-ZT practice increased the population of Azotobacter and PSB by 65.6 and 30.0%, respectively, over CT-CT practice in 13 years of experimentation. Application of pendimethalin provided stimulation to the population of both the microbes till 15th day of it application under all the tillage practices. This stimulation in population was of almost similar order (21-23%) for under ZT-ZT practice but greater stimulation (29.8%) in the population of Azotobacter as compared to PSB (13.5%) under CT-CT practice accentuated Azotobacter to be more efficient in utilizing easily available pendimethalin for their augmentation of the proliferation.. The influence of cropping systems on microbes upon application of pendimethalin was largely non-significant