NPK Uptake Research Articles

Residual Effects of Vinasse and Poultry Manure Application on Soil Quality and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) Yield Grown in Calcareous Soil

Reuse poultry manure (PM) and vinasse (V) is a promising technology for the sustainability of various agricultural systems without environmental impact, but its effects on soil fertility index (SFI), hydraulic conductivity (Ks), porosity (TP), available water (AW), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) growth in calcareous soils are poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the residual effect of combining PM either individually or mixed with V at different rates in pots. This study found that adding PM alone or in conjunction with V at various application rates resulted in an important improvement in SFI, Ks, TP, AW, and spinach yield. Vinasse contributed to an increase in more than 20% of the organic matter when adding it as 4.2 g V and 6.3 g PM kg−1 soil, and gave the best results in the organic matter fresh weight of spinach plant, SFI, and AW by 43.8%, 26.33%, 41.24%, and 63.63% compared to control. Spinach leaf uptake of NPK rose considerably when the soil was treated with PM alone or in combination with V. The SFI, cation exchange capacity (CEC), available N (AN), available P (AP), Ks, and AW were shown to be positively associated with spinach fresh weight utilizing principal component analysis, but soil electrical conductivity (EC), exchange sodium percentage (ESP), pH, and bulk density (BD) were found to be negatively correlated. Additionally, it was estimated by the K-Nearest Neighbors technique that under certain soil conditions, including AP 14.89 mg kg−1, AN 38.25 mg kg−1, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) 2.47 mg kg−1, CEC 11.66 cmol kg−1, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) 11.65%, and SFI 26.55%, spinach fresh weight increases to 13.8 t ha−1. These findings show how adding PM and V can improve soil quality and enhance nutrient uptake, all of which can contribute to a higher productivity of spinach and sustainability in calcareous soils.

Assessing Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Improved Growth Rates and Nutrient Uptake in Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni)

With the increasing demand for stevia as a natural sweetener among health-conscious diabetics, a field trial was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at the Agronomy farm, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, to evaluate the impact of integrated nutrient management (INM) on growth rates and nutrient uptake of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni). The experiment followed a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with two factors: manure (no manure, vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-¹, and farmyard manure at 5 t ha-¹) and NPK levels (20:10:10, 40:20:20, and 60:30:30 kg ha-¹). The highest crop growth rate (CGR) was observed with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-¹, particularly at the 30-45 DAP stage. Relative growth rate (RGR) was significantly influenced only during the first growth period, with the highest RGR observed under FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and 60:30:30 NPK kg ha-¹. Pooled mean nitrogen and phosphorus uptake was highest with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹, and higher potassium uptake was with FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-¹ among manures The highest NPK uptake was obtained with 60:30:30 NPK kg ha⁻¹ among NPK levels. In conclusion, the combined application of FYM @ 5 t ha-¹ and NPK @ 60:30:30 kg ha-¹ resulted in better growth performance and nutrient absorption by stevia.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Yield Attributes and Nutrient Content and Uptake in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Nagaland Condition

Background: Sunflower is an important oilseed crop. At present, the production of sunflower crop is less due to poor nutrient management practices. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers not only increases the cost of production but also leads to deterioration of soil and human health. The integrated use of nutrients from fertilizer and organic manure sources seems to be the need of the hour. Thus, integrated nutrient management holds great promise in meeting the growing nutrient demand of modern agriculture. Methods: A pot experiment was conducted during pre-kharif season (March-June) of 2022 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and quality of Sunflower. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design with three replications and consisted of seven treatments viz., T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and T7. Result: T7 (FYM 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) recorded highest in yield attributing characters i.e., head diameter (14.50 cm), number of seeds head-1 (783.33), seed yield (26.67 g pot-1) and stover yield (48.33 g pot-1). Maximum NPK uptake for both seed and stover was recorded highest in FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN. Maximum available soil N was recorded in T7(FYM @ 10 t ha-1 + 100% RDN) with 328.96 kg ha-1 while maximum available soil P and K was recorded in T2 {100% RDF (60:40:60) kg ha-1} with 29.25 kg ha-1 and 230.79 kg ha-1, respectively.

Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status as Influenced by Drip Fertigation Levels and Schedules in Broccoli

The experiment was carried out to study the effect of fertigation levels and schedules on growth and yield of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var italica) during the rabi season of 2021-22 involving 4 levels of fertilizer (75, 100 and 125 % RDF) along with one control (100 % RDF) through soil application and three fertigation scheduling (S1, S2 and S3) with three replications. The result of study revealed that higher fertigation of broccoli with balanced nutrition; better water and nutrient utilization gave significantly higher plant growth and yield and good quality of broccoli. In general, pooled mean revealed that application of 125 % RDF with fertigation schedule S2 :15 % NPK at transplanting to plant establishment, 1-10 DAT, 50 % NPK at curd initiation stage,11-35 DAT and 35 % NPK at curd development stage, 36-60 DAT recorded maximum NPK uptake in plant (kg/ha) and available NPK in soil (kg/ha).

Growth, NPK Uptake and Crude Protein Content in Diversified Cropping System under Natural Farming

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2020-21 to Kharif 2021 at Research Farm, Agronomy, CSKHPKV, Palampur (H.P.) to study growth analysis, NPK uptake and crude protein content in diversified cropping system under natural farming. The experiment was consisted of 9 treatments (C1 -Maize - wheat, C2-Black gram - wheat + gram, C3-Soybean - wheat + lentil, C4-Cowpea - wheat + sarson, C5-Okra - wheat + pea, C6-Maize + black gram - gram, C7-Maize + soybean - lentil, C8-Maize + cowpea - sarson and C9-Maize + okra - pea), replicated three time in Randomized Block Design. The natural farming inputs includes beejamrit (used for seed treatment @ 1 litre/10 kg seed), jeevamrit (5 drenching application at 21 days interval; total used 450 litres), ghanjeevamrit (soil applied during sowing @ 500 kg ha-1) and mulching (applied after germination @ 10000 kg ha-1). Legume-based systems resulted in significantly higher CGR and RGR among the cropping systems. During Rabi 2020-21, the highest CGR was observed in the C3 (soybean - wheat + lentil) of 5.53 g m-2 day-1, followed by C1 (maize - wheat) at 5.29 g m-2 day-1. In Kharif 2021, C4 (cowpea - wheat + sarson) showed the highest CGR (10.22 g m-2 day-1). Higher RGR was found in C7 system (maize + soybean - lentil) at 8.89 mg g-1 day-1, in Rabi 2020-21. While, the system C2 (black gram - wheat + gram) resulted in higher RGR at 13.76 mg g-1 day-1 before harvest in Kharif 2021. Legumes enhances nutrient uptake by improving soil fertility and also resulted in improved the dry matter accumulation during mid-to-late crop stages under natural farming. A significant variation was observed higher nutrient uptake in both seed and by-products with legume-based systems under natural farming. Enhanced crude protein content was found in the legume-based systems, such as C8 (maize + cowpea - sarson) with 75.50 % in Rabi 2020-21.

Integration of organic amendments and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria improves wheat growth and yield by modulating phosphorus availability and physiological reponses

Saline calcareous soil presents significant challenges for crop production due to its poor nutrient availability and adverse effects on plant growth. Hence this study aimed to investigates the impact of integrating organic amendments—specifically Moringa seed residues, biogas manure, and vermicompost (Ver)—with and without phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), alongside two types of phosphatic fertilizers, ordinary super phosphate (OSP) and rock phosphate (RP), on the growth, yield, and nutrient uptake of wheat plants in saline calcareous soil conditions. The results indicate that the combined application of Ver + PSB, particularly when paired with OSP, consistently yields superior outcomes across all measured parameters, followed by Ver + PSB with RP. Notably, the Ver + PSB with OSP treatment exhibits the highest values across several key parameters: chlorophyll levels (chlorophyll a at 1.8, chlorophyll b at 0.84, and carotenoids at 0.72 mg g−1f wt), proline at 38.5 μg g−1 DW, relative water content at 80.76%, membrane stability index at 67.62%, as well as net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs). Furthermore, this treatment showcases the highest antioxidant enzyme activities (Superoxide dismutase, SOD at 9.27 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Catalase, CAT at 78.53 A564 min−1 g−1 protein, Peroxihdase, POX at 1.86 A564 min−1 g−1 protein), as well as NPK content and uptake in wheat straw and grains. Additionally, it leads to significant increases in wheat growth parameters, including plant height, straw weight, grain weight, 1000 grain weight, and protein content. However, it also results in a notable decrease in other parameters such as total soluble sugars and nonenzymatic antioxidants (Ascorbate, AsA; Total glutathione, GsH; and α-Tocopherol, α-TOC).

Determination of Indigenous Nutrient Supplying Capacity of Soil through Omission Plot Technique in Wheat at Bhairahawa

The rapidly expanding intensive cropping systems in the Terai region of Nepal, combined with imbalanced fertilization, are leading to significant nutrient depletion in agricultural soils, raising concerns about the sustainability of wheat production. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted at the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP) in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, during 2018-19 to evaluate the soil’s nutrient-supplying capacity and its impact on wheat grain yield. The treatments included five different nutrient levels: N- omission (75:75:5:1 P2O5:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1), P-omission (150:75:5:1 N:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1), K-omission (150:75:5:1 N:P2O5:Zn:B kg ha-1), adequate NPK (150:75:75, N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1), and adequate NPK+Zn+B (150:75:75:5:1 N:P2O5:K2O:Zn:B kg ha-1). The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five replications, planted in five different blocks of the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP), Bhairahawa, with each block treated as a replication. Data on growth, yield attributes, grain yield, and nutrient uptake were analyzed using the Genstat statistical package. The results showed that plant height, dry matter production, spike length, grains per spike, biological yield, and grain yield variables were significant (P< 0.05), while 1000 grain weight and harvest index were not significant (P>0.05). Total N, P, and K uptake were significant (P<0.05) in different treatments, with adequate NPK showing higher NPK uptake and significantly lower in N- omission treatment. Grain yield was higher in fully fertilized treatment than in nutrient omission treatments, with significantly lower grain yield in N- omission followed by P- omission treatments. Among the major nutrients, nitrogen was found to be the most limiting factor, followed by phosphorus and potassium for wheat. Based on these results, it can be concluded that a balanced amount of NPK nutrients should be supplied to enhance the indigenous nutrient-supplying capacity of the soil and improve wheat productivity in Bhairahawa.

Irrigation During Flowering Is Critical for Enhancing Productivity and Economics of Late-Sown Indian Mustard Compared to other Management in the Arid Regions of Western India

ABSTRACT Global warming delays the harvest of kharif crops, which delay the subsequent sowing of Indian mustard, especially in northwestern India and also causes dry winters that exacerbate challenges for the timely sowing of rabi-crops. To check this, a field experiment was conducted during the Rabi-seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 to assess the influence of sowing dates, irrigation, and fertilizer levels under late-sown conditions. A split-plot design was used with two sowing dates, two irrigation levels and four fertilizer levels (87.5%, 100%, 112.5% and 125% RDF; Recommended-fertilizers-dose). Crop sown in the 4th week of November significantly reduced seed (46.79 and 38.77%) and stover yield (43.72 and 41.62%) as compared to the 2nd week of November sowing during 2018–19 and 2019–20, respectively. Uptake of NPK by seed and stover was higher with the 2nd week of November sowing. The 2nd week of November sowing resulted in significant increase in water productivity by 63.72% and Benefit cost ratio (B:C) by 75.45% over the 4th week of November sowing. Irrigation at flowering stage increased the seed yield, water productivity and B:C by 11.94%, 1.72% and 9.17%, respectively, as compared to No post-sown irrigation. The biological yield of the Indian mustard increased with every increase in fertilizer doses but the response was significant up to 112.5% RDF (90 kg N, 33.75 kg P2O5 and 22.5 kg K2O ha−1). Application of 112.5% RDF increased the seed, stover yield, water productivity and B:C by 16.17%, 9.29%, 15.66% and 11.27%, respectively, over 87.5% RDF.

Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Supports the Uptake of Macronutrients and Promotes the Growth of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., a Candidate Species for Green Urban Infrastructure.

Green roofs and walls play an important role in promoting biodiversity, reducing the urban heat island effect and providing ecosystem services in urban areas. However, the conditions on green walls/roofs (low nutrient and organic matter content, drought, high temperatures) are often unfavorable for plant growth. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve the growth and development of plants under stress conditions as they can increase nutrient and water uptake. In a 6-month pot experiment, we investigated the effect of AMF inoculation on the growth and NPK uptake of Festuca ovina L. and Trifolium medium L., which are used for green roofs and walls. Two variants of mycorrhizal inoculation were used in the experiment: a commercial mycorrhizal inoculant AM Symbivit (Symbiom Ltd., Lanskroun, Czech Republic) and a mycorrhizal inoculant collected from calcareous grassland in the Silesia region (Poland). Funneliformis mosseae was the most abundant species in the roots of F. ovina and T. medium with IM inoculum. In the CM variant, a dominance of F. mosseae was observed in the roots of F. ovina. In contrast, Archaeosporaceae sp. node 317 dominated in the roots of T. medium. Both inoculations had a positive effect on the increase in dry weight of the shoots of T. medium, but only the commercial inoculum had a positive effect on the growth of F. ovina. Both inoculations improved the P uptake by the roots and the P and K uptake into the shoots of T. medium. In addition, both inoculations improved the K uptake by the roots of F. ovina and the N, P and K uptake into the shoots. In conclusion, both AMF communities included in the inoculations had a positive effect on plant growth and nutrient uptake, but the effect depends on the plant and the mycorrhizal fungus species.

Indole-3-acetic acid-producing Pantoea strain MTP 17 and Glomus mosseae synergistically improve the growth, yield and bacoside content of Bacopa monnieri

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of Indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacteria (IPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in compatible form for early establishment and higher growth, yield, and secondary metabolite content of vegetatively propagated Bacopa monnieri plants. Four species of Glomus, viz., G. mosseae (Gm), G. aggregatum (Ga), G. fasciculatum (Gf), G. intraradices (Gi), and two Indole-3-acetic acid-producing bacteria (IPB), Bacillus mojavensis (Bm), and Pantoea sp. (Pt) were evaluated individually and in combinations in a pot experiment. Various plant growth parameters like height, biomass, NPK uptake, mycorrhizal colonization, bacterial population in the rhizosphere, phosphatase activity, and bacoside-A content were determined and found to vary with different treatments. Among all the treatments, plants inoculated with Gm + Pt performed better than any other treatment or un-inoculated control. The performance of the consortium of Gm + Pt was further validated in a field experiment on the same parameters. A clear synergistic interaction between Gm and Pt was observed as Pt enhanced rooting and subsequently improved the colonization and spore population of Gm. On the other hand, the presence of Gm improved the population of Pt in the rhizosphere. The presence of both microbes improved the bacoside-A yields in B. monnieri. The results of this experiment indicate the compatibility and synergy between G. mosseae and Pantoea sp. and suggest using this microbial consortium for plant propagation and growth enhancement while improving soil biological health.

Biomass Accumulation, Soil Fertility and Energy Use in Seed Crop Systems of Velvet Bean (Mucuna Pruriens L.)

ABSTRACT Seed crop production systems of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens L.) were assessed in two field studies for ecosystem services. At flowering stage, long duration genotype Arka Shubra was significantly superior in biomass accumulation (14.61 t ha−1), while 100% recommended NPK + 15 t FYM ha−1 registered significantly higher biomass production (11.74 t ha−1). Biomass availability at harvest was higher in long duration genotypes (7.48–7.75 t ha−1) and the average biomass availability of 6.45 t ha−1 at harvest gives scope for including velvet bean as component crop in cropping systems/fallows. The average soil carbon stocks were estimated at 22.8 t ha−1 at the end of 2 yrs and 12.4 t ha−1 at the end of one crop season. Soil nutrient availability was optimum except for soil test P in pre-, standing and post crop growth periods. Highly significant relations (R 2 = 0.949) were observed between nodule number and available N at harvest. The N availability was more in long duration genotypes (209–215 kg N ha−1) over pre-experimental status. Nutrient addition improved the available N status by 40–185 kg ha−1 over pre-experimental status and control. The nutrient uptake was 4–10% higher in Arka Shubra over other long duration genotypes and 100–200% higher over medium/short duration genotypes at flowering. The recyclable biomass and uptake of NPK are more in long duration genotypes implying huge nutrient recycling potential of the system. Overall, seed crop systems of velvet bean are efficient in resource use and energy use (>2.5 EUE) and ideal components for sustainable land management.

Inductive cum targeted yield model-based integrated fertilizer prescription for sweet corn (Zea mays L. Saccharata) on Alfisols of Southern India.

Striking the right nutrient balance is essential for sustainable farming and ecosystem health. In this regard, field experiments were conducted in three phases viz., fertility gradient experiment, main experiment and validation experiment through a soil test crop response approach to develop and validate fertilizer prescription equations for sweet corn in comparison with general recommended dose and soil fertility rating approach. The soil data, fresh cob yield, and NPK uptake were used for establishing four important basic parameters, viz., nutrient requirement (kg t-1), contribution of nutrients from fertilizers, soil, and organic manure. The results revealed that nutrients required to produce one tonne of fresh cob yield (NR) were 5.85 kg, 0.87 kg and 4.31kg for N, P and K, respectively under the STCR NPK alone approach and 6.07 kg, 0.92 kg and 4.33 kg for N, P and K, respectively under STCR NPK+FYM approach. In the validation experiment, STCR NPK+FYM approach for the targeted yield of 25 t ha-1 recorded higher fresh cob yield (23.38 t ha-1) and dry stover yield (35.07 t ha-1) which were significantly higher compared to general recommended dose and soil fertility rating approach. The developed STCR equations for the aforesaid crop are valid as the percent deviation of cob yield from the targeted yield was within ±10%. Similarly, highest nutrient use efficiency was achieved with the STCR approach, specifically when targeting a lower yield through an NPK+FYM mode. Thus, implementation of the STCR approach of fertilizer prescription, with or without FYM, at targeted yields of 25 and 22 t ha-1, not only surpassed the effects of the other fertilizer recommendation approach in terms of cob yields, but also increased NPK uptake, improved nutrient use efficiency and greater economic returns.

Impact of Zinc and Silica Solubilizing Bacterial Consortia on Soil Nutrient Availability and Direct Sown Paddy

Effect of zinc and silica solubilizing bacteria and their consortia on paddy was studied under field conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Janagamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Thirteen treatments were assessed for availability of nutrients viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in plant at 45, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS).Significantly highest nitrogen (198.9, 262.3 and 240.2 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (36.7, 64.7 and 40.6 kg ha-1), potassium (221.4, 349.6 and 263.5 kg ha-1), zinc (0.86, 1.14 and 0.98 ppm) and silica (66.8, 98.9 and 84.8 ppm) were recorded in T13 (RDF + ZnKJJ-4 & ZnPGG-1 + SiKPP-1 & SiPYY-3) at 45, 90 and 120DAS, respectively. In the plant, nitrogen (0.89, 1.10 and 0.98 %), phosphorus (0.46, 0.67 and 0.58 %) and potassium (1.87, 2.29 and 1.98 %) were significantly highest at 45, 90 and 120DAS, respectively, in T13. There was increase in the available nutrient content upto90 DAS which then decreased at 120DAS. It is inferred that consortia of two zinc solubilizing and two silica solubilizing microorganisms (T13) is useful for increased availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and increased uptake of NPK by rice plant, which in turn reduce exogenous chemical fertilizers.

Isolation and characterization of chromium-resistant bacteria and their effects on germination, growth, and Cr accumulation in Capsicum annum (L.) under Cr stress

Chromium (Cr) is a well-known environmental pollutant while less information is available on the role of Cr-resistant bacteria in the alleviation of Cr-stress in chili (Capsicum annum L.) plants. Effect of Cr-resistant bacterial strains on growth and Cr uptake by chili plants was investigated. The results revealed that Cr-stress showed a negative effect on germination, photosynthesis, and relative water content but the inoculation ameliorated the plant stress. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the shoot and root growth (33% SL, 19.7% RL), shoot and root dry weight (35%, 32.9%), relative water content (32.25%), membrane stability index (46.52%) SPAD value (50.76%), Cr concentration in shoots and roots (19.87 and 18.52 mg kg−1), bioaccumulation and translocation factor (0.396 mgkg−1), and seedling vigor index (40.8%) of plants. Chromium-resistant bacterial strains enhanced the NPK uptake while reduced Cr uptake by plants. The morphological and biochemical examination of rhizobacterial strains (and NM28) resistant to Cr-stress revealed smooth, off-white colonies of bacteria composed of rod-shaped cells which are Gram positive in reaction while negative in catalase activity. High quantities of malic acid were produced by bacterial strains under study i.e. NM8 (926.12 μgmL−2) and NM28 (992.25 μgmL−2). These strains were identified as Bacillus cereus strain NM8 and Bacillus subtilis strain NM28 through 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that B. cereus strain NM28 is more effective than B. cereus strain NM8 in promoting the growth of Cr-stressed Chili that might be suitable to develop biofertilizer for sustainable production of vegetables under metal stress.

Effect of Phosphorus levels with and without Phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) L.

A field experiment entitled “Effect of phosphorus levels with and without phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth, yield and quality of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in semi-arid region of South-Eestern Rajasthan was conducted during Kharif season of 2021 at the Experimental Farm of Agronomy, Mewar University, Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan). The experiment consists of eight treatments, levels of phosphorus with and without PSB viz., 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1, PSB, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1+PSB, 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 +PSB replicated four times laid down in RBD. Cowpea variety Pratap RC-19 was used with seed rate 15 kg ha-1. Growth attributes viz., plant height at 60 DAS and at harvest responded with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 except 30 DAS where it responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 over control. Primary and secondary branches per plant, number of trifoliate leaf of cowpea statistically significantly responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 at harvest. Similarly, root nodule number at 45 DAS responded up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 whereas nodule dry weight was responded up to 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 at 45 DAS over 40 kg, 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Yield attributing characters namely number of pods per plant and pod length were perceptibly increase, ed by application of 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Further, application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par in enhancing yield attributes. 1000-grain weight, seeds per pod and harvest index was significantly higher up to 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. Grain, straw and biological yields of cowpea perceptibly increased with the application of 40 kg and 60 kg P2O5. ha-1 but the higher dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5 ha-1. Improvement in N content both in grain and straw, P content in straw and K content both in grain and straw, protein content in grain and grain protein yield was significantly improved up to 40 kg P2O5. ha-1. P content in grain was responded with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1. Similarly, NPK uptake by both grain and straw and total uptake of nutrients (NPK)Nwas increased significantly under 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control. The dose of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 remained statistically at par with 40 kg P2O5. ha-1 in enhancing gross and net returns and B:C over 20 kg P2O5 ha-1 and control.

Effect of Zinc and Silica Solubilizing Microbial Consortia on Soil and Plant Nutrient Status in Paddy

Effect of zinc and silica solubilizing bacteria and their consortia on paddy was studied under pot culture conditions at Agricultural Research Station, Janagamaheswarapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India. Thirteen treatments were assessed for availability of nutrients viz., Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and concentration of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in plant at 45, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS). Significantly highest nitrogen (189.3, 249.4 and 239.7 kg ha-1), available phosphorus (34.6, 61.8 and 38.5 kg ha-1), potassium (214.2, 347.9 and 232.1 kg ha-1), zinc (0.78, 0.99 and 0.86 ppm) and silica (60.1, 90.8 and 78.4 ppm) were recorded in T13 (RDF + ZnKJJ-4 & ZnPGG-1 + SiKPP-1 & SiPYY-3) at 45, 90 and 120DAS. In plant, nitrogen (0.79, 0.99 and 0.89 %), phosphorus (0.37, 0.58 and 0.49 %) and potassium (1.78, 2.18 and 1.89 %) were significantly highest in T13. There was increase in available nutrient content upto 90 DAS which then decreased at 120DAS. It is inferred that consortia of two zinc solubilizing and two silica solubilizing microorganisms (T13) is useful for increased availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc and Silica in soil and increased uptake of NPK by rice plant.

Yield, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) as affected by split and foliar application of potassium

A field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) season 2021–22 at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute located at New Delhi to find out the effect of potassium management on yields, nutrient uptake and economics of Indian mustard. Eight treatments combinations of different doses, methods and time of potassium application i.e. No K = 0 kg K/ha; 100% MOP (muriate of potash) as basal; 2 Foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering; 50% MOP as basal + 50% MOP as top dressing at branching; 50% MOP as basal + 2 foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering; 75% MOP as basal + 25% MOP as top dressing at branching; 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 at branching; 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering were tested. Grain (1.89 t/ha) and straw yields (6.74 t/ha), harvest index (21.88%) and NPK uptake (93.9, 18.5 and 113.3 kg/ha) were significantly higher under 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of 2.5% KNO3 before flowering. However, the treatment i.e. 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering remained significantly at par with 75% MOP as basal + one foliar spray of KNO3 at branching and 75% MOP as basal + 25% MOP as top dressing at branching in yield and profitability term. Enhanced net returns amounting to 65,873/ha and a benefit: cost ratio of 1.86 were recorded on the application of 75% MOP as basal fertilizer combined with a single foliar spray of KNO3 before flowering. This remained comparable to most treatments, except the control, 100% MOP applied as basal, the method involving two foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering, 50% MOP as basal combined with 50% MOP as top dressing at branching, and the approach combining 50% MOP as basal with 2 foliar sprays of KNO3 at branching and before flowering.

Response of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Cultivars for Nipping and Graded Levels of Nitrogen for Higher Productivity under Irrigated Conditions

Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) holds significant importance among grain legumes, particularly in terms of its production and productivity. Over the years, the decline in the cultivation area of this crop has become increasingly evident due to its persistently low yields. Many technologies are being implemented to improve the yield, and nipping is one of them. The main objective of this paper was to standardize the nipping timing and graded levels of nitrogen (N) application on growth and seed yield in blackgram cultivars under irrigated conditions. A study with three blackgram cultivars (cv.), three levels of N, and three intervals of nipping was taken up during the winter and monsoon seasons of 2018 and 2019, respectively. The study revealed that blackgram cv. VBN8 recorded a higher plant height of 49.52 cm, a higher number of branches (4.08), a higher number of pods per plant (47.75), a higher seed yield of 882 kg.ha−1, and a benefit cost ratio (B:C ratio) of 2.49. Among the graded levels of nutrients, applications of 125% N and 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) recorded the highest growth and yield attributes, with a B:C ratio of 2.33. Nipping at 25 days after sowing (DAS) registered a higher number of branches (4.08), more pods per plant (48.14), and a seed yield of 902 kg.ha−1 with a B:C ratio of 2.36. Higher N, P, and K uptake was observed in blackgram VBN8, with an application of 150% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS. To conclude, application of 125% recommended N and 100% P and K and nipping at 25 DAS were found to be significant in enhancing the productivity of blackgram and NPK uptake, and resulted in 14% more profit than no nipping treatments.

Effect of Crop Establishment Methods and Nano Urea Compared to Urea on Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Rice Crop (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif season 2022 and 2023 at Agronomy research farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, (India). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with thrice replications. Taking three crop establishment methods Direct Seeded Rice, System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and Transplanted Rice in main plot and seven nitrogen levels control, 100 % RDN through conventional Urea, 100 % RDN through Nano Urea, 80 % RDN through conventional Urea + 20 % RDN through Nano Urea, 60 % RDN through conventional Urea + 40 % through Nano Urea, 40 % RDN through conventional Urea + 60 % through Nano Urea and 20 % RDN through conventional Urea + 80 % through Nano Urea in sub plot. Results showed that significantly higher NPK content, NPK uptake protein content and protein yield was recorded in application of 60 % RDN through conventional Urea + 40 % through Nano Urea which was at par with 40 % RDN through conventional Urea + 60 % RDN through Nano Urea significantly superior over rest of the treatment during both the years of investigations.

Effect of humic acid fertilizer on NPK uptake by yield of rapeseeds grown in sand soil due to the exposure of its seeds to gamma rays irradiation before sowing.

Effect of humic acid fertilizer on NPK uptake by yield of rapeseeds grown in sand soil due to the exposure of its seeds to gamma rays irradiation before sowing.