Ha-1 Vermicompost Research Articles

Bulb Yield and Economic Return of Onion (Allium cepa L.) as Influenced by the Application of Integrated Nutrient Management at Selekleka, Northwestern Zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia

Onion is an important crop as a condiment and income generation for smallholder farmers in northwestern Zone of Tigray. However, Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers and inappropriate soil fertility management practices are among the major factors limiting onion productivity in the North Western Tigray. Therefore, a field experiment was undertaken in selekleka district from October 2015 to June 2016 to assess the effects of integrated nutrient management on bulb yield and economic return of onion (Allium cepa L.). The treatments consisted of combinations of two rates of farmyard manure (FYM) (10 and 20 t ha-1) and two rates of vermicompost (VC) (2.5 and 5 t ha-1) each combined with three rates of nitrogen (25, 50 and 75) of recommended N fertilizers, RDF. In addition, 100% RDF N (69 kg N ha-1), 100% (5 t ha-1) of VC, 100% (20 t ha-1) FYM and zero rates (unfertilized treatment) were used for comparison. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. (ANOVA) revealed that combined application of 5 t ha-1 VC+50% inorganic N fertilizers recorded the highest bulb yield (35.13 t ha-1) and economic return (246,354 Birr ha-1). On the other hand, the lowest bulb yield (18.48 t ha-1) and economic net return (143,018 Birr ha-1) were obtained from the control. It could, thus, be concluded that, based on the partial budget analysis and bulb yield result the application of 5 t ha-1 vermicompost and 50 % recommended inorganic nitrogen was the appropriate combination for better onion production and economic return in the study area.

Efficiency of Enterobacter asburiae and Vermicompost on the Peanut Growth and Yield

The combined use of endophytic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (ENFB) and organic manures is a trend in sustainable agricultural production. To investigate the effect of Enterobacter asburiae (E asburiae) and vermicompost (VCT) on farmland nutrients, yield, quality, and reduce arsenic uptake of peanuts. Three factors, which were: (i) E asburiae (inoculum and no inoculum); (ii) irrigation water (River and underground water); (iii) VCT (0.00 and 10.0 t ha-1), were designed by eight treatments (Trt) and four replications. E asburiae inoculation combined with 10 t VCT ha-1 application and river water (RW) irrigation that both raised soil nutrient properties and traits of peanut agronomy and yield traits, raised significantly fresh seed yield and reduced arsenic (As) absorption of peanut stems and seeds. fresh seed yield of peanut in treatments of E asburiae inoculation, RW irrigation and 10.0 t VCT ha-1, which were higher than non E asburiae inoculation, deep well water (DWW) irrigation and no VCT application, were 24.3, 26.9 and 15.4%, respectively. The peanut As contents in Trt of E asburiae inoculation, RWI and 10.0 t VCT ha-1 were lower than 7.78, 45.3 and 1.92% in stems and 13.2, 78.3 and 9.82% in seeds, respectively, compared to non-E asburiae inoculation, DWW irrigation and no VCT application. E asburiae was found out one potential species to promote soil nutrients, the peanut growth, yield, quality and As resistance, which will be used like biological fertilizers in the future

Soil Test Crop Response Concerning Soil Properties and Yield Attributes of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) var. Krishna

We experimented in the field at the central research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj during Rabi season of 2022-23. The soil in the experimental area was characterized by a sandy loam texture. There were 27unit plots in total, with each plot sized at 2 X 2 m. We used a randomized block design, incorporating different levels of NPK (80:40:40), vermicompost, and two levels of sulfur (50% and 100%). The T9 (STCR+ 5t ha-1 Vermicompost+ 100% S) demonstrated that although there was a slight decrease in pH, bulk density, and particle density, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in pore space, water holding capacity, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon, and the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Improvements were observed in plant growth and yield attributes, which showed the best results in terms of plant height, number of siliquae per plant, and total mustard yield compared to the control conditions. However, the use of organic manures and their combination with a full NPK treatment significantly enhanced the growth and overall yield attributes of mustard.

Effect of Nutrient Management on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Indian Mustard

A field experiment was conducted at the IFS Unit Instructional Farm of Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda (UP) during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The study aimed to examine the impact of nutrient management on the soil properties of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in clay loam soil. Mustard, an essential oilseed crop in India, encounters issues like low productivity and diminished soil fertility caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The paper highlights the importance of integrating chemical and organic sources, such as vermicompost. Vermicompost enriched with biofertilizers, especially Azotobacter, PSB, PMB, NPK Consortia, and ZSB demonstrates significant potential in improving the soil conditions for mustard crops. The experiment utilized a split plot design (SPD) with four main factors in the main plot and four levels in the sub-plot, resulting in sixteen treatment combinations, each applied three times. The soil at the experimental site was characterized by a clay loam texture and low levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and sulfur, with moderate levels of available potash. The main plot treatments consisted of different fertility levels: 50% RNPKS, 75% RNPKS, 100% RNPKS and 125% RNPKS. Each main plot was further divided into four sub-plots, each with a combination of micronutrients and enriched vermicompost. The results indicated that the treatment of either 125% or 100% RNPKS and 2.5 kg Zn + 0.5 kg B + 500 kg enriched vermicompost ha-1 was superior in improving the soil properties for Indian mustard.

Yield Maximization of Rice (Oryza sativa) through Integrated Nutrient Management

This experiment was conducted on a permanent layout at the west byde of BRRI farm, Gazipur during T. Aman 2019 to Boro 2021-22 to find out the suitable management practices for yield maximization of rice and soil health. Seven treatments in Randomized Complete Block (RCB) Design with three replications were imposed and each treatment was assigned in 5m × 4m sized plot. The treatments combinations were T1= Absolute Control (No nutrient supply), T2 = BRRI dose N-P-K-S@83-17-53-12 kg ha-1 in T. Aman and 138-21-75-21 kg ha-1 in Boro season, T3= Soil Test Based (STB) Fertilizer Dose N-P-K-S @ 67-10-40-10 kg ha-1 in T. Aman and 134-16-75-10 kg ha-1 in Boro, T4 = STB dose + 1 t ha-1 Cowdung, T5 = STB dose + 1 t ha-1 Poultry manure, T6 = STB dose + 1 t ha-1 Vermicompost and T7 = STB dose + 0.33 t ha-1 CD + 0.33 t ha-1 PM + 0.33 t ha-1 VC. Thirty-days old seedling of BRRI dhan87 in T. Aman and fourty-two days old seedling of BRRI dhan89 in Boro season were transplanted at 20 cm × 20 cm spacing in both seasons. All manures, soil and plant samples analysis were done by the help of soil Science Division BRRI, Gazipur. Initial soil (0-15 cm depth) properties were: soil texture, clay loam; pH, 6.94; organic Carbon, 1.59%; Nitrogen, 0.18%; Phosphorus, 21.88 ppm and Potassium, 0.19meq/100g soil. Thirty days old seedling of BRRI dhan87 in T. Aman and 42 days old seedling of BRRI dhan89 in Boro season were transplanted at 20cm x 20cm spacing. Grain yield, tiller number, panicle number, plant height and grain number were significantly affected by the different integrated nutrient management during both T. Aman and Boro season. Grain yield, tiller number, panicle number, plant height and grain number were significantly affected by the different nutrient management in both T. Aman and Boro season. Poultry manure related treatments and BRRI recommended dose performed better than the others in all the parameter except 1000-grain weight. On the other hand, Absolute Control (No nutrient supply) produced the lowest result. Every parameter, Poultry manure treatments have been performed the best. STB dose with one t ha-1 poultry manure is better for maximization of rice yield.

Effect of Liquid Biofertilizer and Variable Source of Nutrients on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Western U.P., India

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2021-22 at Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (U.P.). The experiment consisted of twenty treatment combinations with variable source of nutrients and biofertilizer. The treatment consisted of four sources of nutrients and five Biofertilizer levels were tested in RCBD (Factorial) with three replications. Results revealed that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30 kg/ha) +2-ton Vermicompost ha-1 gave higher plant height (203.55 cm), LAI (2.929), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (66.65 g plant-1), and seed (1854), stover (7193) & biological (9047) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Similarly, application of Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + Zn SB each @20 ml kg-1 seed treatment gave higher plant height (201.46 cm), LAI (2.702), branches plant-1, dry matter accumulation (64.98 g plant-1), and seed (1735), stover (6888) & biological (8623) yield (kg ha-1) of mustard crop. Thus, it may be concluded that the application of 75% RDF (NPKS 90:45:45:30kg/ha) + 2‑ton Vermicompost/ha +Biofertilizers (Azotobacter + PSB + KMB + ZnSB each @ 20 ml/kg Seed treatment) found economical in obtaining higher growth and yield of mustard.

Enhancing Growth, Yield, and Physio-Chemical Properties of Mustard (Brassica Napus L) Through Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers Under Salinity Condition in Satkhira, Bangladesh

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield, and physio-chemical properties of mustard (Brassica napus L) during the Rabi season 2021-2022 at the experimental field of BINA (Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture) substation farm, Satkhira, Bangladesh. The experiment had 10 treatments viz. T1 = 100% RDF (Recommended Dose Fertilizer), T2 = 75% RDF + 3 ton ha-1 vermicompost, T3 = 50% RDF + 5 ton ha-1 vermicompost, T4 = 75% RDF + 3 ton ha-1 cow-dung, T5 = 50% RDF + 5 ton ha-1 cow-dung, T6 = control, T7 = 3 ton ha-1 cow-dung, T8 = 5 ton ha-1 cow-dung, T9 = 3 ton ha-1 vermicompost, T10 = 5 ton ha-1 vermicompost with three (3) replications in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The combined effect of treatments varied significantly for most of the characters studies. The results revealed that the maximum plant height (cm), No. of primary branches plant-1, no. of secondary branches plant-1, total siliqua plant-1, siliqua length (cm), seeds siliqua-1, seeds plant-1, and yield plot-1 were recorded with the application of 75% RDF + 3 ton ha-1 vermicompost which was significant over control. The combined effect of organic and inorganic fertilizers was found significant in the growth, yield, and physio-chemical properties of mustard cultivation. SAARC J. Agric., 21(2): 169-182 (2023)

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Yield and Yield Attributes in Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The current study was conducted at Barrister Thakur Chhedilal College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bilaspur, India, during the autumn season of 2019-20. The research focused on integrated nutrient management in scented rice, incorporating both organic and inorganic nutrient sources along with the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) at 100:60:40 NPK kg ha-1. The experimental design employed a randomized block layout (RBD) with ten treatments and three replications, utilizing the Chhattisgarh Sugandhit Bhog variety of scented rice. The findings revealed noteworthy outcomes among the various organic and inorganic treatments. Notably, Treatment 6 (75% RDF + 5 tonnes of Vermicompost ha-1 enriched with consortia) exhibited the highest grain yield of 35.78 q ha-1, signifying significant superiority over other treatments. Treatment 5 (75% RDF + 5 tonnes of FYM ha-1 enriched with consortia) closely followed with a grain yield of 34.24 q ha-1, demonstrating comparable performance. Additionally, Treatments 4, 3, 2, and 10 showed promising results in terms of yield attributes. The superior performance of Treatment 6 in terms of higher yield and yield attributes, including the highest number of panicles per m2 (349.36), underscores its effectiveness and significance in the context of integrated nutrient management for scented rice cultivation.

Effect Of Long Term Application Of FYM And Vermicompost On Soil Carbon Pool, Enzymes And Microbial Activities In Pearl Millet-Chickpea Cropping Sequence After 6th Crop Cycle

The field experiment was carried out on a fixed site at the research farm of Bajra Research Scheme, College of Agriculture, Dhule, Maharashtra, India which was initiated during 2013-2014. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments replicated three times. Treatments for pearl millet composed of T1: Control, T2: 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through inorganic fertilizers, T3: 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure, T4: 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost, T5: 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure + 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen-through vermicompost, T6: 5-ton farm yard manure ha-1, T7: 3-ton vermicompost ha-1 and T8: 2.5-ton farm yard manure ha-1 + 1.5-ton vermicompost ha-1). However, treatments for chickpeas are composed of T1: Control, T2: 100% recommended dose of fertilizer through inorganic fertilizers, T3 to T8: residual effect of farm yard manure, and vermicompost alone and in combinations. The experimental soil was alkaline, calcareous, clayey in texture, low in available nitrogen and phosphorus and high in available potassium. The continuous application of the 100 % recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure for 6 years to pearl millet showed improvement in organic carbon fractions, soil enzyme activity, soil microbial population, and pearl millet equivalent yield. This treatment was followed by the application of 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen through farm yard manure + 50 % recommended dose of nitrogen through vermicompost.

Evaluation of e-vermicompost for tomato production

Vermicompost has a plethora of benefits that restores nutrient, stabilizes soil, and enhances soil fertility. The experiment was conducted at farmers’ field of Mymensingh and Jamalpur to evaluate the effect of e-vermicompost on tomato production during October 2019 to March 2020. There were five fertilizer treatments combination (T1: RCF-Recommended fertilizer (N120 P35 K70 S15 Zn2 B0.5), T2: 85 % RCF+3 t ha-1 vermicompost, T3: 85% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost, T4: 70% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost and T5: 70% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The fresh tomato fruits were harvested in three times. The fresh weight of tomato at Mymensingh ranged from 53.3 to 68.5 t ha-1 with the highest yield of 68.5 t ha-1 from the treatment T2 (85% RCF + 3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). At Jamalpur, the yield ranged from 50.4 to 65.3 t ha-1 and the highest yield of 65.3 t ha-1 was recorded also from the treatment T2 (85% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The lowest yield was obtained from the treatment T5 in both locations. The percent fresh yield increased over control (T1), was 24.5 and 18.3% in Mymensingh and Jamalpur, respectively. The highest gross margin was Tk. 762,225/-, which was obtained from the treatment T2 (85% RCF+3 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The highest MBCR 2.80 (average of two locations) was obtained from the same treatment T2 (85% RCF+1 t ha-1 e-vermicompost). The results indicates that the application of e-vermicompost along with 85% recommended dose of chemical fertilizer is more profitable than the application of chemical fertilizer alone. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(1): 31-40, 2023

Responses of soil nutrients and rhizosphere microbial communities of a medicinal plant Pinelliaternata to vermicompost.

Vermicomposting is an important strategy for restoring soil function and fertility. However, information on the effects of vermicompost application in intensive Pinellia ternata planting systems has rarely been reported. Here, we focus on the effects of different vermicompost levels and chemical fertilizer (CF) strategies on soil chemical properties, soil enzymes, and soil rhizosphere microbial communities (bacteria and fungi) in a field experiment. Compared to no added fertilizers (CK), vermicompost was more effective than the CF treatment in increasing P. ternata yield. We found that the 5 t ha-1 vermicompost treatment (VC2) significantly increased the tuber yield by 44.43% and 6.55% compared to the CK and CF treatment, respectively, and water-soluble exudates by 6.56% and 9.63% (P < 0.05). The vermicompost and CF treatments significantly increased the total phosphorus (TP), urease (Ure), and soil catalase (Cat) contents (P < 0.05). Compared to the vermicompost and CK treatments, the CF treatment significantly decreased soil organic carbon (SOC), C/N ratio, and soil acid phosphatase (Pac) (P < 0.05). Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that Ure and total potassium (TK) were the major drivers in the bacterial community, whereas TP, total nitrogen (TN), Pac, and TK were the major drivers in the fungal community. We also found a positive correlation between soil enzyme activities, including between Ure and bacterial genera (Clostridium, Pseudoclavibacter, Stella, Hyphomicrobium, Mesorhizobium, and Adlercreutzia). In summary, vermicompost application promotes P. ternata soil microecosystems and improves soil fertility, soil enzyme activities, and rhizosphere microbial structure and function. Vermicomposting is a novel and promising approach to sustainable ecological cultivation of Chinese herbs via the promotion of soil properties and beneficial organisms.

Vermicompost induced growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at sustainable rooftop farming system

Rooftop farming is gaining rapid popularity in urban areas, especially since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For housebound people rooftop farming is not only a way of potentially management of their time but also the execution of creativity. For rooftop farming vermicompost (VC) can be the most sustainable media for growing high value fruits and vegetables crops. In this regard, an experiment was carried out as a rooftop farming system at Charfassion upzila in the Bhola district of Bangladesh to observe the growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum) grown in different combinations of vermicompost in the winter season (2020-2021). Different agronomic and yield parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, and 90 days and at the final harvest of 120 days after sowing. Among the measured parameters a mixed type of performance was achieved from varied doses of vermicompost applications and inorganic fertilizer treatment. Among the measured valuable parameters; the highest fruit length (8.85 cm), fruit diameter (10.3 cm), no. of fruits (9.51 plant-1), total wt. of fresh fruits (405.32 g/plant), fresh fruits yield (11.26 t ha-1), no. of branches (30.0 plant-1), stem girth (6.3 cm), root fresh wt. (8.80 g/plant), stem fresh wt. (23.35 g/plant), petiole fresh wt. (6.09 g/plant), total fresh biomass (65.54 g/plant), dry wt. of fruits (76.91 g/plant), dry wt. of total fruits: biomass ratio (7.35) and benefit-cost ratio (12.40), respectively, were observed in T5 (20t VC ha-1). So, from the overall findings of this study T5 with 20t VC application ha-1 is recommended to achieve better growth and yield of capsicum through the sustainable way of rooftop and urban farming systems and to improve soil fertility status.

Growth and quality characteristics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) as influenced by vermicompost and chemical fertilizers

An experiment was carried out in pot culture to assess the effect of integrated vermicompost and chemical fertilizers on soil physical and chemical attributes, sesame plant growth, seed yield, and nutrient concentrations in agricultural soil. Eleven treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications together with the control. All the vegetative growth and yield promoting attributes viz. plant height (116.20 cm), leaf number (100 plant-1), leaf area (29.34 cm2), pod no. (100 plant-1), and seed no. (64 pod-1), and 1000 seeds weight (3.82g) was highest in T10 containing 15 t ha-1 vermicompost plus 70% RDF (N21P11K14S5 kg ha-1). The control (T1) displayed minimum yield performance and quality characteristics. The total N, P, K, S, Fe, and Zn concentrations and protein content in seeds were measured highest in T10. This study revealed that combining vermicompost with inorganic fertilizer can improve sesame plant growth and seed nutrient content and is recommended for sesame production. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 49(1): 43-53, June 2023

Performance and Nutrient Content of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench) Fruits as Influenced by Vermicompost, Nitrogen and Zinc Grown in Soil

This investigation aimed to assess the influence of soil-applied vermicompost, nitrogen and zinc on the vegetative growth parameters, yield, and mineral nutrient concentration of the fruits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design followed by three replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and mean values were compared using Tukey’s Range Test at p ≤ 0.05. Variation in mean values was compared among eight treatments: control (T1), 6 ton ha-1 vermicompost (T2), 60 kg ha-1 N (T3), 2 kg ha-1 Zn (T4), 6 ton ha-1 vermicompost + 60 kg ha-1 N (T5), 60 kg ha-1 N + 2 kg ha-1 Zn (T6), 6 ton ha-1 vermicompost + 2 kg ha-1 Zn (T7), and 6 ton ha-1 vermicompost + 60 kg ha-1 N + 2 kg ha-1 Zn (T8). The maximum growth performance and yield contributing properties of okra, viz. plant height (56 cm), leaf number (11 plant-1), leaf area (14.5 cm2), stem girth (3.5 cm), branch number (8 plant-1), and fruit number (6.50 plant-1), fruit diameter (5.50 cm), fruit length (13.50 cm), and weight of fresh (64.29 g) and dry plant materials (14.56 g), were found in T5. The control T1 performance showed reducing trends compared to other treatments. Although there was no significant difference with the application of vermicompost 6 t ha-1 + N 60 kg ha-1 + Zn 2 kg ha-1 (T8), the treated pot in vermicompost with 6 t ha-1 + N 60 kg ha-1 (T5) showed the best achievements of macro elements N (0.008%), P (6.70 ppm), K (0.08 cmol/kg), and S (18.22 ppm) of post-harvest soil compared to the control T1. Mineral nutrients of fruits N-1.64%, P-0.27%, K-0.30%, S-0.10%, and Fe-0.02% and protein content 10.23% were found to be highest in the identical T5 where Zn content was highest (0.28%) in T8. This study showed that the treatment of vermicompost with 6 t ha-1 + N 60 kg ha-1 (T5) contained and released quality nutrients is recommended for its overall best growth performance for okra. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2023, 9(1): 101-108

Measuring the Influence of Seedling Age and Nutrient Sources on the Performance of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) under Temperate Climatic Conditions.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the age of a seedling and sources of nutrients on the growth and yield of sweet corn at SKUAST-K during Kharif-2020. The experiment was performed under a factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A was the age of the seedling with three levels, viz., 12-day-old seedlings, 22-day-old seedlings, and 32-day-old seedlings. Factor B was the source of nutrients with five levels, viz., control, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 1/2 RDF + 12 t ha-1 farmyard manure, 1/2 RDF + 4 t ha-1 vermicompost, and 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure. The experiment was tested using variety Sugar-75 with a spacing of 75 × 20 cm2. The findings of this study indicated that the age of the seedling and sources of nutrients extended a significant influence on growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of sweet corn. Significantly highest values for various growth parameters of sweet corn, viz., plant height, number of functional leaves, leaf area index (LAI), and dry matter accumulation from 30 days after transplanting up to the harvest, were noted by transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old). A similar trend was observed for yield attributes and yield with higher values with transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old). Plots fertilized with 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure registered a significantly higher plant height, leaf area index (LAI), dry matter accumulation, and number of functional leaves, which eventually resulted in a higher green cob yield and green fodder yield under the same treatment. Overall, this study indicated that among different ages of seedlings, transplanting A2 seedlings (22 day old) outperformed other seedling ages, and plots treated with 1/2 RDF + 2 t ha-1 poultry manure outperformed other treatments; a combination of both proved superior in realizing a higher yield and profitability with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 6.57 under temperate climatic conditions.

Study of Physiochemical Properties of Experimental Soil and Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil while harvesting of Phaseolus Vulgaris

As world population increases as day by day and to fulfill the need of food commodities, it is need to be applying the integral practices to enhance the soil fertility by improving the physical and chemical properties. In present study was done on, ‘Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil’. A field experiment was conducted in rabi 2005-2006 on experimental farm of department of ACSS, MAU, Parbhani to study, "Integrated nutrient management for Phaseolus Vulgaris (Rajma).Lowest bulk density of soil was observed due to application of only vermicompost. Wherever the highest bulk density was observed when only inorganic fertilizers were applied. Maximum water holding capacity of soil and porosity was recorded where vermicompost @ 5 tonnes ha-1 only was applied. Maximum water holding capacity was where 5 tonnes of vermicompost ha-1 with biofertilizers were applied. Maximum water holding capacity may be due to high organic carbon content resulting in soil aggregation. While these characters of soil were recorded minimum when only inorganic fertilizers were applied. The minimum porosity i.e., 48.60 per cent was recorded where 150% RDF of NPK/ha was applied through inorganic fertilizers. Soil pH and EC where highest only inorganic fertilizers were applied. The lowest pH and EC were recorded due to use of vermicompost only. The per cent organic carbon was highest in the soil where only vermicompost was applied only, whereas the lowest organic carbon was observed due to application of inorganic fertilizers.

Lime and Vermicompost Application to Acid Soils and Their Effects on Maize Yield and Yield Components in Lalo Asabi District, West Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil acidity is one of the major yield-limiting factors for crop production worldwide, particularly on highly weathered and leached tropical soils. Different reports have indicated that there is significant soil acidity coverage in Ethiopia. In particularly, in the western part of the country, soil acidity is a well-known problem limiting crop production and productivity. As part of the solution to such a problem in soils, the combined application of lime and VC on maize has not been investigated in the area, in which maize was one of the potential cereal crops in the area. A field experiment was conducted at Lalo Asabi district in western Wollega during the 2020 cropping season to evaluate the responses of maize to the combined application of lime and vermicompost (VC). The experimental treatments were five rates of lime (CaCO3) (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of lime requirement (LR)) and three levels of vermicompost (0, 2.5, and 5 t ha-1). The treatments were arranged in factorial combinations in a randomized complete block design with three replications. One composite surface soil samples from a depth of (0-15 cm) was collected from the experimental field before the commencement of the experiment. Maize yield and yield components were measured following standard procedures. The yield components and yield results revealed the main effects of lime and VC showed a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on the number of days to 50% tasseling and silking, ear height, number of cobs per plant, number of grains per cob, thousand grain weight, above ground biomass, and harvest index of maize. However, days to 90% physiological maturity, plant height, cob length and grain yield of maize were significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by lime and VC interactions. Even though both were statistically equal, the combined application of lime at 100% LR + 5 t VC ha-1 yielded the highest grain yield (7.99 t ha-1) followed by the combined application of lime at 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha-1 whereas the lowest grain yield (2.97 t ha-1) from control plots. The results of economic analysis indicated that the combination of lime at 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha-1 showed a marginal rate of return of 2322.74%, with the highest net benefit of 49980 Ethiopian Birr compared to other treatments. This study indicates combined use of lime and VC could ameliorate the adverse effect of soil acidity, and application of 75% LR + 2.5 t VC ha1 enhances grain yield and produces the highest net benefit of maize grown on acidic soil of the Lalo Asabi district.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management Approach on Growth, Yield, and Economics of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis)

The integrated nutrient management approach addresses the issues arising from the irrational use of chemical fertilizers such as soil quality degradation, and the unsustainability of productivity and profitability. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the integrated nutrient management approach on the growth, yield, and economics of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var botrytis cv. Khumal Jyapu), through a field experiment in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications and seven treatments- 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 75% NPK + 3.45 Mt ha-1 vermicompost, 50% NPK + 3.75 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 75% NPK + 1.88 Mt ha-1 poultry manure, 50% NPK + 20.80 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure, 75% NPK + 10.40 Mt ha-1 farmyard manure and 100% recommended NPK, 200:120:80 kg NPK ha-1 as the control. Among the tested treatments, organic and inorganic nutrient sources, in combination, recorded a significant influence on growth and yield-attributing characters as compared to sole inorganic treatment. 50% NPK + 6.9 Mt ha-1 vermicompost recorded highest height (63.33 cm), earliest harvest (73.67 days), largest curd diameter (16.83 cm), highest curd weight (680.53 g), biomass (1384.79 g), curd yield (25.2 Mt ha-1), gross margin (NRs.10,08,000 ha-1), net return (NRs. 6,91,944 ha-1) and B:C ratio (3.19). Desirable growth parameters, higher yield, cost-effectiveness, and profitability from 50% NPK + 6.90 Mt ha-1 vermicompost show that the use of vermicompost is economically viable. Results also show that farmers can reduce chemical fertilizer costs by up to 50% using vermicompost without affecting profitability.

Influence of Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen on the Growth and Yield of Wheat

To assess the effects of organic and inorganic N fertilizers regarding wheat yield and growth a field experiment was carried out from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. There were three replications of the experiment, which was set up using a randomized full block design. The experiment comprises four varieties viz. BARI Gom-28, BARI Gom-30, BARI Gom-31, BARI Gom-32 and five levels of N viz. Control, 90 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU), 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea (PU) + 3 t ha-1 poultry manure (PM) as organic N source, 62 kg N ha-1 from PU + 5 t ha-1 cowdung as organic N source, 29 Kg N ha-1 from PU + 4 t ha-1 vermicompost as organic N source. The outcome of the experiment revealed that there were substantial differences in the growth and yield of wheat due to different varietal effects and application of organic and inorganic nitrogen fertilizers, although some of the attributes were not found significant. At growth, BARI Gom-32 produced the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index, while the highest number of total tillers hill-1 and leaf area index were obtained from 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM at 20, 40, 60 and 80 DAS. At harvest, the highest number of effective tillers plant-1 (2.82), filled grain spike-1 (32.06), 1000-grain weight (61.07 g), grain yield (3.94 t ha-1), straw yield (5.85 t ha-1) and harvest index (40.11%) were obtained from BARI Gom-32. While, application of 57 kg N ha-1 from PU and 3 t ha-1 PM produced the tallest plant (95.49 cm), number of total tillers plant-1 (3.96), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.20), filled grain spike-1 (36.61), 1000-grain weight (60.18 g from T5), grain yield (4.34 t ha-1), straw yield (6.23 t ha-1) and harvest index (41.07%). Again, the maximum number of total tillers plant-1 (4.06), number of effective tillers plant-1 (3.46), filled grain spike-1 (39.13), 1000-grain weight (64.62 g), grain yield (4.38 t ha-1), straw yield (6.27 t ha-1 ) and harvest index (41.16%) were found from BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure. Therefore, it can be concluded that BARI Gom-32 in combination with 57 kg N ha-1 from prilled urea and 3 t ha-1 poultry manure was more potential in terms of yield and would be suggested for the cultivation of wheat.

Cleaner production technologies for the amelioration of soil health, biomass and secondary metabolites in Ocimum basilicum L. under Indian Western Himalaya.

Ocimum basilicumL. and its derived products are primarily consumed by humans; hence, agrochemical use seems inappropriate for its cultivation. However, farmers are accustomed to using rampant inorganic fertilizers to augment crop productivity, which has unintendedly engendered severe environmental perturbations. Concomitantly, farmers will soon have to confront the challenges of growing crops under suboptimal conditions driven by global climate change. Consequently, to develop a clean, sustainable, and resilient production technology, field experiments spanning over two years (2020 and 2021) were conducted, comprising three biostimulants,viz., vermicompost (0, 4, and 8 Mg ha-1), biofertilizer (uninoculated and inoculated), and liquid seaweed extract (without and at 7ml L-1) in the Indian western Himalaya for the first time. Soil health indicators, leaf photosynthetic pigments, gaseous exchange, mineral contents, essential oil (EO) quantity, and composition were evaluated. Soil microbial respiration (SMR), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), organic carbon (OC), dehydrogenase (DHA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and β-glucosidase activities were increased by 36.23, 83.98, 30.61, 42.69, 34.00, and 40.57%, respectively, when compared with the initial soil status. The net photosynthetic rate (Pn) was significantly increased with the highest (8 Mg ha-1) and moderate (4 Mg ha-1) vermicompost dosages by 13.96% and 4.56%, respectively, as compared with the unfertilized control (0 Mg ha-1). Likewise, the biofertilizer and seaweed extract also enhanced Pn by 15.09% and 10.09%, respectively. The crop's key EO constituents,viz., methyl chavicol and linalool, were significantly improved with the highest and moderate vermicompost rates of 2.71, 9.85%, and 1.18, 5.03%, respectively. Similarly, biofertilization and seaweed application also boosted methyl chavicol and linalool by 3.29, 8.67%, and 1.93, 3.66%, respectively. In both years, significantly higher herbage (8.86 and 11.25 Mg ha-1) and EO yield (113.78 and 154.87kg ha-1) were recorded with a congregate treatment of the highest vermicompost dose, biofertilizer, and liquid seaweed extract. In conclusion, the integrated use of biostimulants having complementary properties can sustainably maximize the quantity and quality ofO. basilicumand concomitantly ameliorate soil health. This study can inspire scientific communities and industries to develop second-generation biostimulant products, delivering better sustainability and resilience for a renaissance in agriculture.