Urea Supergranules Research Articles

Response of broccoli to USG and prilled urea in shallow red-brown terrace soil under Madhupur tract

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period from 2012-13 to verify the effectiveness of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the yield and quality of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency and to evaluate the effect of USG and PU on post-harvest nutrient status in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil of Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block with three replications having 5 treatments as T1: Control, T2: USG-N140, T3: USG-N160, T4: USG-N180 and T5: PU-N180. Result showed that USG performed better than PU. The comparative performance of USG in relation to yield, head quality (ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), SPAD value, nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N use efficiency was found higher as compared to PU. USG treated broccoli plants gave significantly higher yield where the highest yield (13.49 ton ha-1) was recorded with USG-N160 kg ha-1. Moreover, USG showed higher β-carotene and chlorophyll content over PU and those were increased with increasing levels of N. However, ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of N fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake increased with increasing N rate upto USGN180 but sulphur uptake was increased upto USG-N160. Nitrogen use efficiency was higher in USG treated plots than that of PU having the highest value of 111.71% with USG-N160 kg ha-1. Post-harvest soil nutrient status was not significantly influenced by the treatments although it was slightly higher in USG as compared to PU. Considering all, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) with other recommended fertilizers (@ 53 kg P, 83 kg K, 20 kg S, 2.0 kg Zn, 1 kg B and 0.8 kg Mo ha-1) could be the best USG based fertilizer dose for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil of Madhupur Tract.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(4): 557-574, December 2018

Economics of Boro Rice Production in Rangpur District of Bangladesh: Comparative Assessment of Urea Super Granule and Traditional Urea Application

Economics of Boro Rice Production in Rangpur District of Bangladesh: Comparative Assessment of Urea Super Granule and Traditional Urea Application

Response of Some Landrace Rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) Cultivars to Applied Nitrogen in Lowland Ecosystem

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on growth and yield of some landrace rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars in lowland ecosystem. Three popular landrace rice cultivars: Rajashail, Kutiagni and Sadamota were treated with five times of N application viz. (i) two split applications of prilled urea (PU) at 10 days after transplanting (DAT) and before panicle initiation (PI) stage, (ii) deep placement of urea super granule (DPUSG) at 10 DAT, (iii) DPUSG before PI stage, (iv) PU application before PI stage and (v) control. The results showed that the landrace rice cultivar Kutiagni had the highest number of tillers under PU, while Rajashail gave the highest number of tillers under DPUSG applied before PI stage. Further, Kutiagni produced higher amount of dry matter under two splits of PU, while Rajashail produced higher amount of dry matter under DPUSG applied before PI stage. However, application of PU before PI stage significantly increased leaf area index in all the three landraces. The varieties responded to applied N and produced the highest yield in Kutiagni. The DPUSG at 10 DAT increased straw yield but failed to increase grain yield even over control. The DPUSG before PI stage significantly increased rice yield and economic return. The yield of rice in DPUSG applied before PI stage was comparable to two splits of PU and top dressing of PU before PI stage. Compared to control (2.93 t ha-1), yield increase was 26% in Kutiagni (3.70 t ha-1) under DPUSG before PI stage. These results suggest that Kutiagni was more responsive to added N and this cultivar could be cultivated with DPUSG at PI stage.The Agriculturists 2018; 16(1) 01-12

Enhancing Rice Productivity through integration of Stress Tolerant Rice Varieties and Improved Nutrient Management Practices in Saline Areas of Bangladesh

The study was conducted in two locations of coastal districts Patuakhali and Satkhira during 2012 and 2013 T. Aman season. Stress tolerant rice varieties along with nitrogen application using prilled urea (PU), leaf color chart (LCC), urea super granule (USG), and rice crop manager (RCM) software based nitrogen (N) dose were examined. The objectives of the study were to identify the response of saline tolerant varieties to N fertilization on grain yield and profitability. Among the tested varieties, grain yield of BRRI dhan40, BRRI dhan41 and BRRI dhan54 were higher compared to BRRI dhan52 and BRRI dhan53 irrespective of location. There were no significant difference among the better performed varieties. Interaction effect of yield was significant in 2013 at Patuakhali but insignificant in both the locations in 2012. During 2013 in Patuakhali, the interaction effect of BRRI dhan40 × USG and BRRI dhan41 × USG produced higher grain yield and total N uptake. In Satkhira BRRI dhan54 and BRRI dhan40 performed better and produced higher grain yield and N uptake. Among the N application treatments USG application was the best compared to either LCC or RCM. The combination of BRRI dhan54×USG and BRRI dhan41×USG had more economic gains in both 2012 and 2013 in Patuakhali. The combination of BRRI dhan52×USG and BRRI dhan41×LCC appeared as themost profitable in Satkhira during 2013. Integration of saline tolerant varieties along with USG application could improve the yield of saline tolerant rice in saline environmentBangladesh Rice j. 2017, 21(1): 77-89

Effect of urea super granule and prilled urea on the growth and yield of broccoli

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period from 2012-13 to verify the effectiveness of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU)on growth, yield and yield attributes of broccoli in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications having 5 treatments constituted with different levels of USG and PU as- T1: Control, T2: USG-N140 (140 kg N as USG), T3: USG-N160 (160 kg N as USG), T4: USG-N180 (180 kg N as USG), T5: PU-N180 (180 kg N as PU). Performance of USG was better than PU and the treatment USG-N160 gave the highest yield (13.49 ton ha-1) which was followed by USG-N180 (12.43 ton ha-1) and PU-N180(12.05 ton ha-1) having significant difference among these. Higher but statistically identical number of lateral head 5.103 and 5.38 was produced by USG-N160 and USG-N180 treatments, respectively in comparison with PU-N180 (5.04). But higher lateral head yields (6.05 and 5.03 ton ha-1) were found in USG-N180 treatments followed by PU-N180. All the yield contributing characters and the economic profitability were favorably correlated with these high yield performing treatments with the highest MRR (3336.67%) obtained from USG-N160 which indicated that USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) is the most economically viable N dose in terms of yield and economics for broccoli production. Therefore, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) with other recommended fertilizer could be suggested as USG based fertilizer recommendation for better broccoli production in terms of yield and economics in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(1): 53-69, March 2018

Comparative Effects of the Application of Prilled Urea and Urea Supergranules on Flooded Rice in Madagascar

Applying urea supergranules to flooded rice (10 cm deep, 3 weeks after transplantation) is associated with yield increases of 17%, 23%, 22% and 16% (for doses of 27, 54, 81 and 108 units of nitrogen per hectare) compared with prilled urea. Nitrogen-15 can be used to establish the real nitrogen utilization coefficients for the aerial parts of the plant. While the figures are very low for prilled urea (between 4% and 9%), they exceed 25% and 38% for supergranules on the sites studied. The effect of fertilizer form is greater than the dosage factor. The results are discussed in terms of apparent utilization coefficients and mechanism used.

Effect of Different Levels of Urea Super Granule and Prilled Urea on the Crop Quality, Nutrient Uptake and Soil Nutrient Status of Broccoli

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during the period 2010-2011 to assess the effect of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) on the quality attributes (Compactness coefficient, Vitamin C, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents) of broccoli, to assess the comparative performance of USG and PU on nutrient uptake and uptake efficiency of broccoli plant, to assess the effect of different forms and levels of urea N on the post harvest soil nutrient status of broccoli field and to select the better doses of USG and PU for quality broccoli production in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract (AEZ-28). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having 17 treatments constituted with different levels of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) as- T1: N-control, T2: PU-N80, T3: PU-N100, T4: PU-N120, T5: PU-N140, T6: PU-N160, T7: PU-N180, T8: PU-N200, T9: PU-N220, T10: USG-N80, T11: USG-N100, T12: USG-N120, T13: USG-N140, T14: USG-N160, T15: USG-N180, T16: USG-N200, T17 and USG-N220 kg ha-1. Results revealed that the comparative performance of USG in relation to head quality (compactness coefficient, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and chlorophyll content), nutrient (NPKS) uptake and N uptake efficiency was found better as compared to PU. The compactness coefficient, β-carotene and chlorophyll contents were increased with increasing rate of N as well as USG and PU, but ascorbic acid content was slightly decreased with increasing rate of USG and PU. The maximum compactness coefficient (18.61) was found from the treatment USG-N180 that was followed by USG-N160 (18.24) and the highest β-carotene content (0.401 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N160 followed by PU-N180 (0.40 mg/100gFW). Similarly the highest chlorophyll-a content (0.818 mg/100gFW) was found from USG-N180 followed by USG-N160 (0.814 mg/100gFW) and the highest chlorophyll-b content (1.141mg/100g FW) was recorded from USG-N180. The higher nutrient uptake and N uptake efficiency (108.531%) was obtained from USG treated plots over that of the PU. But N uptake efficiency was decreased with increasing rates of N fertilizer. But post harvest soil nitrogen status did not show any systematic trend although it was found higher in USG over PU. Similarly no remarkable changes were observed in post harvest soil P, K, S and B status for the crop. However, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 (USG-N160) followed by USG-N140 and PU @ 180 kg N ha-1 (PU-N180) with other recommended doses of fertilizer could be suggested as USG and PU based fertilizer recommendation for a good quality broccoli production in terms of yield and quality in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.The Agriculturists 2017; 15(2) 24-39

Efficacy of Deep Placement of Nitrogen Fertilizers on N Use Efficiency and Yield of Boro Rice (cv. BRRI Dhan29)

The efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilizers in rice culture is low due to their losses in different ways. An experiment was, therefore, conducted at the Soil Science Field Laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during boro season of 2016 to evaluate the effect of deep placement of N fertilizers on N use efficiency and yield of BRRI dhan29 under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) condition. The soil was silt loam in texture having pH 6.07, organic matter content 1.10%, total N 0.055%, available P 3.6 ppm, exchangeable K 0.22 me% and available S 11.76 ppm. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were eight treatment combinations including T1 (Control), T2 (PU, 130 kg N/ha), T3 (USG, 130 kg N/ha), T4 (USG, 104 kg N/ha), T5 (USG, 78 kg N/ha), T6 (NPK briquette, 129 kg N/ha) and T7 (NPK briquette, 102 kg/ha) and T8 (NPK briquette, 78 kg N/ha). All the treatments except T6, T7 and T8 received 25 kg P and 64 kg K /ha as TSP and MoP, respectively. Treatments T6, T7, T8 received NPK briquette fertilizer. Prilled urea (PU) was applied in three equal splits. Urea super granule (USG) and NPK briquettes were applied at 10 day after transplanting (DAT) and the briquettes were placed at 8-10 cm depth in the centre of four hills in alternate rows. The results demonstrate that all the yield components except 1000-grain weight responded significantly to the deep placement of N fertilizers in the form of USG and NPK briquette. The grain and straw yields of BRRI dhan29 were also influenced significantly due to deep placement of N fertilizers under AWD condition. The highest grain yield (6163 kg/ha) was recorded for T3 [USG, 130 kg N/ha) which was statistically similar with T4 (USG, 104 kg N/ha). The highest straw yield (6415 kg /ha) was also found in T3 [USG, 130 kg N/ha]. The lowest grain yield (3266 kg/ha) and straw yield (3637 kg/ha) were found in T1 (Control). The N uptake by BRRI dhan29, N use efficiency and apparent N recovery also showed significant response to the application of PU, USG and NPK briquettes. The maximum N use efficiency of 28.88% was noted in T5 followed by T4 with the value of 26.46% and the minimum value of 17.55% was observed in T2. The results revealed that the deep placement of N fertilizers accelerated the N uptake, N recovery and N use efficiency by BRRI dhan29. Based on grain yield and cost-benefit analysis, it can be concluded that application of 130 kg N/ha as USG is useful for the profitable cultivation of boro rice, BRRI dhan29.

Effect of Nitrogen and Water Management on Methane Emission of Boro Rice Cultivation in Bangladesh

Water and nitrogen are two key elements required for successful rice cultivation. We examined the responses of nitrogen and water management on methane emission of Boro rice in the field laboratory of Bangladesh Agricultural University research farm, Mymensingh. Three treatments were studied in the field experiment viz, T1: Control plot (no nitrogen fertilizer), T2: Urea super granule (78 kg N/ha), T3: Prilled urea (104 kg N/ha) with three replications under two water management of Continuous Standing Water (CSW) and Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). Air samples were collected by the closed-chamber method and methane gas was determined by gas chromatography. The highest CH4 emission was found from CSW plots and the lowest from AWD plots. Under CSW condition, the effects of urea treatments on CH4 emission were not significant. In case of urea treatments, the highest CH4 emission was observed from treatment T3 under CSW condition and T2 under AWD condition and the lowest emission was from the control treatment. The overall results suggest that prilled urea and urea super granule should be applied under AWD and CSW condition, respectively to keep less CH4 emission from irrigated rice agriculture.

Efficacy and Economics of Different Need Based Nitrogen Management Approaches in Winter Rice

This experiment aimed to study the efficacy of different nitrogen (N) management approaches in winter rice. The experiment consisted of two rice varieties: 1) BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) dhan29-an inbred and 2) Dhanigold-a hybrid, and eight N management approaches: 1) BRRI recommended N (control), 2) Soil analysis based N management, 3) N application based on Agro-ecological zone, 4) 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD (Silicon photon activate diode) value, 5) 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value, 6) 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC (leaf colour chart) value, 7) 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value and 8) Urea Super Granule. Between two varieties, hybrid Dhani gold produced higher grain yield (6.67 t·ha-1) than the inbred BRRI dhan29. Application of 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value gave the highest grain yield (7.10 t·ha-1), whereas the lowest grain yield (5.92 t·ha-1) was found from the SPAD approach with 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value. In case of treatment interaction highest grain yield (7.34 t·ha-1) was found in BRRI dhan29 coupled with 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value with 18 kg·N·savings·ha-1 over control, maximum gross income (146,800 BDT·ha-1) and net benefit (142,120 BDT·ha-1), which was statistically identical with the grain yield from the interaction of Dhani gold and 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value but required 42 kg·extra·N·ha-1 (over control). The lowest grain yield (5.19 t·ha-1) was found when Dhanigold was coupled with 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value, while the 20 kg·N·application·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value gave moderate yield (6.87 t·ha-1) with considerable higher gross (139,600 BDT·ha-1) and net (136,090 BDT·ha-1) incomes than the control (gross: 121,000 and net: 115,600 BDT·ha-1). The results reveal that 20 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤3.0 LCC value appeared as the promising practice for inbred BRRI dhan29, and 30 kg·N·ha-1 at ≤35 SPAD value for hybrid Dhanigold in terms of yield, N use efficiency and economic benefit of winter rice.

Effect of Nitrogen Sources and Weed Management Options on Weed Growth and Crop Yield of Transplant Aman Rice

A field study was conducted at the Agronomy research field of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during the period of July to December, 2013 to evaluate the sources of nitrogen and weed management options on weed growth and rice yield. The experiment included four nitrogen sources (100% cowdung, 100% prilled urea, 100% urea super granule, 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea) and four weed management options (weedy, application of herbicide at 3 DAT, application of herbicide at 3 DAT followed by hand weeding at 21 DAT and weed free). Sources of nitrogen and weed management options had significant effect on tiller number, biomass, SPAD value, panicle number, number of florets panicle-1, grain and straw yield, and weed biomass. The highest grain yield (5.40 t ha-1) was found in the treatment of 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea with combination of season long weed free. Although 100% prilled urea had significantly similar grain yield to 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea, however, across the weed management options, 100% urea super granule and 100% cowdung had 15 and 27% lower grain yield. Irrespective of the weed management options, 100% prilled urea had always higher weed biomass and 100% USG, 50% cowdung + 50% prilled urea, and 100% cowdung had 46, 35 and 19% lower weed biomass, respectively, compared with 100% prilled urea. In terms of rice yield and weed management, combined application of organic and inorganic source of nitrogen is better than only chemical or only organic source and pre-emergence herbicide followed by one hand weeding for transplanted aman rice.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2017, 20(1): 85-97

Nitrogen fertilizer management for tidal submergence tolerant landrace rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars

In tidal submergence ecosystem, nitrogen (N) is a crucial nutrient for improved and sustainable rice production. Therefore, a series of on-farm and on-station field experiments were conducted to develop a suitable N management practice for tidal submergence tolerant landrace aman rice. In on-farm, urea deep placement (UDP) through urea super granule before panicle initiation (PI) stage was compared with no fertilizer application. Similarly, five N fertilizer management practices viz. (i). two splits of prilled urea (PU), (ii). UDP at 10 DAT, (iii). UDP before PI, (iv). full dose PU before PI and (v). No urea (control) were compared at on-station trial. Tidal submergence tolerance aman rice varieties (Rajashail, Kutiagni, Sadamota and Lalmota) were used as testing materials. In on farm experiment, aman cultivars produced 2.0–2.5 t ha−1 grain without N fertilizer. But, cultivated Rajashail, Kutiagni, Sadachikon, Sadapajam, Lalmota and Sadamota gave 3.0–3.5 t ha−1 grain yield with the UDP before PI in tidal prone areas. Though UDP required fertilizer and application cost but it gave profit upto 22,000 BDT ha−1 (Bangladeshi Taka). In on-station experiment, UDP before PI stage significantly increased rice yield and economic return although it was comparable to two splits of PU and top dressing of PU before PI stage. However, UDP at 10 DAT increased straw yield but failed to increase grain yield even compared to control. It could be concluded that UDP before PI stage of rice is an effective method for increasing rice yield and farm income in tidal prone areas.

Field Evaluation of Brri Usg Applicator in Dry and Wet Season of Rice Cultivation

BRRI (Bangladesh Rice Research Institute) USG (Urea super granule) applicator was developed to apply USG in non-oxidized zone at 6-10 cm depth from surface at desired spacing to maintain the recommended USG fertilizer doses of 118 and 168 kg ha-1 during Aman and Boro season, respectively that could be maintained with the adjustment of the applicator for 20 × 20 cm transplanting spacing. It was designed and fabricated with an adjustable facility for two rows operation in the rice field at spacing of 18 × 20, 20 × 20 and 22 × 20 cm. The modified USG applicator tested in the BRRI regional stations (RS) during Aman 2011 and the farmers’ fields during Boro 2012 season. Walking speed directly influenced the field capacity of the applicator. Walking speed during field operation of the applicator depends on the soil type, USG placement time and puddled condition of the soil and it was varied 2.46-3.72 km hr-1. Field capacity was observed 0.13 and 0.14 ha hr-1 during Boro and Aman season, respectively whereas manual USG application capacity was observed about 0.02 ha hr-1. The depth of USG placement by the applicator (6.01-6.32 cm) was found more compared to manual application (5.61-5.75 cm). The yield performance of USG plots was identical in all locations during both the seasons either applied by hand or by machine. However, in some cases, USG gave significantly higher grain yield compared to prilled urea applied by hand broadcasting method.Modified BRRI USG applicator saved urea fertilizer, ensured proper placement of USG in subsurface zone and reduced drudgery without sacrificing grain yield.Bangladesh Rice j. 2016, 20(2): 49-59

Influence of organic and inorganic nitrogen on the growth and yield of irrigated rice

The objective of this research was to evaluate the impact of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen (N) on growth dynamics, yield, N content, N uptake and agronomic efficiency (AE) of irrigated rice. Four high-yielding boro (dry season irrigated) rice cultivars viz. BRRI dhan29, BRRI dhan59 Binadhan-8 and Binadhan-10 along with six N management combinations viz. Control (no N application), 140 kg N ha-1 from Prilled Urea (PU), 83 kg N ha-1 from Urea Super Granule (USG), 105 kg N ha-1 from PU + 3 t ha-1 Poultry manure, 112 kg N ha-1 from PU + 5 t ha-1 Cowdung and 77 kg N ha-1 from PU + 4 t ha-1 vermi compost were used in the study. The cultivar Binadhan-8 had a higher yield than all other cultivars because of the highest total dry matter (TDM), number of effective tillers hill-1, and number of grains panicle-1.Growth, TDM, yield, and AE were highest with 105 kg N ha-1 from PU + 3 t ha-1 Poultry manure application .The highest N uptake in grain and straw (120.1 kg ha-1 and 96.14 kg ha-1, respectively) was shown by rice cultivar Binadhan-8. In addition, significant relationships between N concentration and growth dynamics, TDM, N content, N uptake, and yield were observed. These results indicated that cultivars with the capacity to uptake more N can produce more yield and N application along with poultry manure could enhance growth, yield, AE. Therefore, the combined application of N sources in the form of PU + Poultry manure can produce good performances in terms of growth and yield of HYV rice under irrigated condition.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2017, 2 (1), 9-23

Effect of plant nutrient and weed management in direct wet seeded boro rice

The experiment was conducted at the Farm of Farm Management Division, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during December 2012 to June 2013 to find out the effect of plant nutrient and weed management in direct wet seeded Boro rice. The experiment consisted of six nutrient management viz. Control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn), PM at 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea (PU) and other inorganic fertilizers (i. e. 120, 60, 40, 10 and 5 kg of N, P2O5, K2O, S and ZnSO4, respectively), full dose of Urea Super Granules (USG) and other inorganic fertilizers (i. e. 60, 40, 10 and 5 kg of P2O5, K2O, S and ZnSO4, respectively) 2.7 g USG + PM at 5 t ha-1, 2.7 g USG + PM at 2.5 t ha-1; and three weeding regimes, viz. Unweeded control, hand weeding thrice at 20, 35 and 50 days after sowing (DAS); and Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS. The highest plant height (90.29 cm) was obtained in full dose of USG and other inorganic fertilizers (i. e. 60, 40, 10 and 5 kg of P2O5, K2O, S and ZnSO4 respectively) and the lowest one (82.42 cm) was from control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn). The highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (14.00) was obtained in recommended dose of PU and other inorganic fertilizers (i. e. 120, 60, 40, 10 and 5 kg of N2, P2O5, K2O, S and ZnSO4 respectively) whereas the lowest effective tillers hill-1 9.15 was obtained from control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn). The highest number of grains panicle-1 (75.23) was observed in nutrient 2.7 g USG + PM at 5 t ha-1 and the lowest one (59.01) was obtained from PM at 5 t ha-1.The highest plant height (90.57 cm) was obtained in Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS and lowest plant height (83.98 cm) was obtained in un weeded control. The maximum grain yield (3.71 t ha-1) was obtained from the application of 2.7 g USG + PM at 2.5 t ha-1 and the lowest (1.15 t ha-1) was from control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn). The highest grain yield (3.8 t ha-1) was obtained in Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS and the lowest one (1.26 t ha-1) was obtained from unweded control. In case of interaction, the highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (17.00) was obtained in recommended dose of PU and other inorganic fertilizers (i.e. 120, 60, 40, 10 and 5 kg of N, P2O5, K2O, S and ZnSO4 respectively) with hand weeding thrice at 20, 35 and 50 DAS and the lowest one (7.27) was observed in control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn) with no weeding. The highest grain yield (5.29 t ha-1) was obtained in 2.7 g USG + PM at 2.5 t ha-1 with Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS which was statistically identical with 2.7 g USG + PM at 5 t ha-1 and Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS and the lowest grain yield (0.65 t ha-1) was obtained in the interaction of unweeded and unfertilized control (No manure- PM and N-P-K-S-Zn). Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan28) can be cultivated with 2.7 g USG applied at the centre of the four hills in each alternate row + PM at 2.5 t ha-1 with Panida (Pandimethalin) @ 2.5 l ha-1 and hand weeding once at 20 DAS for appreciable grain yield.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 466-472, 2016

Field-specific difficulties for transplanted rice to cope with ammonia from a localized enriched environment

The objective of the study was to find some relationship between the location of rice fields in a typical valley of central Madagascar and the response of transplanted rice to nitrogen fertilizer. Comparison was made between lowland locations and plain location. High rainfalls are typically occurring during the periods of soil puddling and rice transplantation. As a consequence, it is difficult to manage nitrogen fertilization of the crop. To avoid nitrogen losses by runoff, urea deep placement (2 g urea-supergranules at 10 cm depth) was practiced. Probes attached to urea super-granules enabled to observe the dynamics of the ammonia derived from the fertilizer. These observations were performed in three fields (different location). The response of transplanted rice to nitrogen was weak in the lowlands, and rice performed badly in ammonia uptake. In the adjacent plain, the response was better and ammonia correctly assimilated. Ferrous ion toxicity and low phosphorus status are discussed as causes for the rice difficulty to benefit from an ammonia enriched environment in the lowland fields.Keywords: Lowland, urea super-granule, Madagascar, nutritional disorder, ferrous toxicity.

Effect of Urea Super Granule and Prilled Urea on Yield and Yield Attributes of Broccoli (<i>Brassica oleracea</i> var. <i>italica</i> L.)

A field experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur during 2010-2011 to determine the effects and economic performance of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU) in terms of growth and yield of broccoli and to find out the optimum and economic doses of USG and PU for broccoli in Shallow Red-Brown Terrace Soil under Madhupur Tract. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications having 17 treatment combinations constituted with different levels of urea super granule (USG) and prilled urea (PU). Result showed that yield of broccoli increased significantly with increasing rate of USG and PU. The treatments containing 160 kg N from USG and 180 kg N from PU exhibited the best performance on yield and yield contributing characters of broccoli having the head yield of 12.9 and 10.6 ton ha-1, respectively. All the yield contributing characters and the economic profitability were favorably correlated with these high yield performing treatments. The performance of USG in terms of growth, yield and yield attributes, head quality (compactness coefficient) and economic profitability was found significantly higher as compared to that of PU. Therefore, USG @ 160 kg N ha-1 and PU @ 180 kg N ha-1 alongwith other recommended fertilizerscould be suggested for broccoli production in terms of yield and economics. From quadratic equation USG @ 163 and 160 kg N ha-1 and PU @ 169 and 160 kg N ha-1 alongwith other recommended fertilizerscould be suggested as optimum and economic doses for broccoli production in Silty Clay Loam Soil of Madhupur Tract.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(2) 95-112

IPNS based fertilizer management for rice in coastal zone of Bangladesh

A series of field experiments were conducted at farmers’ fields under Ganges Tidal Floodplain (AEZ-13) during 2012-2014 to identify suitable fertilizer management practices for maximizing rice yield. The treatments were: T1 = AEZ basis BRRI recommended fertilizer dose (BRRI dose), T2 = Rice Straw (RS)/Cowdung (CD) + IPNS (Integrated Plant Nutrition System) basis fertilizer management (RS/CD+IPNS) and T3 = Farmers’ Practice (FP). BRRI dhan27 (T. Aus), BRRI dhan49 and BRRI dhan54 (T. Aman) and BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan47 (Boro) were used as test varieties of rice. All fertilizers except urea were applied at final land preparation. In T. Aus and T. Aman seasons, urea was applied in two equal splits as FP. In Boro season, urea was added in three equal splits as FP. Urea Super Granule (USG) was applied at 12-15 DAT for T1 and T2 treatments. Treatment RS + IPNS gave 19-27% higher grain yield over FP and it saved full dose of K and S and partial dose of P fertilizer. Treatment CD + IPNS gave a 10-16% higher grain yield over FP and it saved full dose of P, K and S fertilizer in T. Aus and T. Aman seasons. On the other hand, BRRI recommended fertilizer dose gave 7-15% higher grain yield over FP.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(4): 667-673, December 2016

Integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and urea super granules for improving yield and protein content of aromatic rice (cv. BRRI dhan50)

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from December 2013 to May 2014 to evaluate the integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and USG for improving the growth, yield and protein content of aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment comprised 14 treatments viz. control (no manure and no fertilizer), recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1), urea super granules (USG) 1.8 g (55 kg N ha-1), USG 2.7 g (80 kg N ha-1), poultry manure (PM) 2.5 t ha-1, PM 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 2.5t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 5 t ha-1, 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 2.5 t ha-1, 50% of recommended dose of prilled urea + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 2.7 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1and USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Morphological characteristics, yield contributing characters and yield of aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) were significantly influenced by integrated use of poultry manure with prilled urea and USG. USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 gave the highest plant height, number of tillers hill-1 and total dry matter production at all sampling dates while their corresponding lowest values were recorded in control. The highest yield contributing characters viz. number of effective tillers hill-1 (13.08), grains panicle-1 (124.26g) and 1000-grain weight (21.41g) were recorded in USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 and the lowest values were recorded in control. The highest grain yield (5.33 t ha-1) and protein content (7.49%) were obtained at USG 2.7 g + PM 5 t ha-1 which was as good as recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1) + PM 5 t ha-1, USG 2.7 g + PM 2.5 t ha-1, USG 1.8 g + PM 5 t ha-1, recommended dose of prilled urea (115 kg N ha-1) + PM 2.5 t ha-1 while the lowest one (2.00 t ha-1) was obtained in control plots. The integrated use of poultry manure (5 t ha-1) with USG 1.8 g (55 kg N ha-1) appeared as the promising practice because of reducing considerable amount of prilled urea or USG in aromatic Boro rice (cv. BRRI dhan50) cultivation in terms of grain yield and grain protein content.Progressive Agriculture 27 (2): 86-93, 2016

Field performance of BARI urea super granule applicator

Field performance of BARI Urea Super Granule (USG) applicator was evaluated on BARI research stations (Gazipur, Pabna, and Barisal) and farmer’s field (Pabna, Barisal, Magura,Narshingdi,Jhenadah, Sirajgang, Rajbari and Jhalkathi) during the boro season of 2012-13. The applicator was tested with four treatments- application of USG by hand (165 kg/ha), application of USG by BARI USG applicator (165 kg/ha), application of prilled urea at USG rate (165 kg/ha) and application of prilled urea at farmers practice. In the farmer’s field, USG applicators were evaluated with the traditional broadcasting of granular urea. Similar yield of rice was obtained from machine and hand application of USG in all locations. Higher yield of rice was obtained from USG than granular urea. During field test, average field capacity and efficiency of the applicator were 0.138 ha/h and 81%, respectively. Considering custom hiring, the net income per year was Tk. 71750 and the payback period was 3 days. The price of the applicator is Tk. 3500.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 41(1): 103-113, March 2016