Wheat Cropping Sequence Research Articles

Dynamics of zinc under long‐term application of chemical fertilizers and amendments by maize–wheat cropping sequence in Typic Hapludalfs

AbstractThis present investigation took place on a continuing long‐term fertilizer experiment, initiated in 1972 at the experimental farm of the College of Agriculture CSK HPKV, Palampur, aimed at studying nutrient dynamics of micronutrients, especially Zn, after continuous use of chemical fertilizers and amendments over the previous 36 years in an acid Alfisol under a maize–wheat system. Treatments investigated were as follows: T1: Control; 100% N; 100% NP; 100% NPK (optimal application ‐ 120:26:33(maize)/25(wheat)); 100% NPK + FYM (10 t ha−1 to the maize crop); T6: 100% NPK + lime (900 kg ha−1); T7: 100% NPK + Zn (25 kg ha−1 as ZnSO4); T8: 100% NPK + Hand weeding; T9: 100% NPK (‐S); T10: 150% NPK (super‐optimal application); and T11: 50% NPK (sub‐optimal application). Different forms of zinc in soil were determined through a sequential extraction method. Results revealed that previous applications of high‐analysis fertilizers and amendments caused a marked depletion in the pools of Zn as compared to buffer plots. All pools of Zn as well as crop productivity and Zn uptake were noticeably greater in farmyard manure (FYM)‐amended plots compared with plots not receiving fertilizer. The residual fraction was the dominant form but organically bound and exchangeable forms were found to play major role in nutrient supply, crop productivity and nutrient uptake. Correlation and regression analysis studies showed that organic forms constituted the most important pool contributing towards variation in yield and uptake by maize and wheat crops. Exchangeable and organically bound forms contributed significantly towards the availability of DTPA‐extractable Zn in soil.

Wheat Response to No-Tillage and Nitrogen Fertilization in a Long-Term Faba Bean-Based Rotation

A field experiment was conducted in Southern Italy to study the response of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) grain yield and quality traits to a no-tillage (NT) system and different nitrogen N fertilizer rates (30, 60, and 90 kg N ha−1). The NT system was evaluated and compared to conventional (CT) and reduced (RT) tillage within continuous wheat (WW) and faba bean–wheat (FW) crop sequences over 3-years (2010–2012). The results showed a promising grain yield increase (30%) in the last year. The effect of the N rate on protein content was significant, while productive parameters were not significantly influenced due to both weather conditions and the previous crop. Tillage effect was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) positive on grain yield, yield components and quality parameters, especially in NT system, and was more pronounced when accompanied with faba bean in the rotation system. Despite producing a lower grain protein content (13%) compared to other systems, NT produced good semolina quality (with higher hectoliter weight and lower percentage of broken and shriveled grains). This study provides useful information for farmers on how to produce a satisfactory yield and good grain quality with minimum inputs, helping to design sustainable strategies for durum wheat cultivation in the dry regions.

Integrated nutrient management (INM) on yield trends and sustainability, nutrient balance and soil fertility in a long-term (30 years) rice-wheat system in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India

We analyzed data from a long-term rice–wheat cropping sequence to evaluate the effects of integrated nutrient management (INM) on yield trends and sustainability, nutrient balance and soil fertility of the system. After 30th cycle, grain yield of both the crops significantly declined under control and highest rice and wheat grain yields were obtained when 50% N supplied through green manure and farm yard manure, respectively. The magnitude of yield slope under INM was found considerably higher than 100% recommended fertilizer (RDF). Sustainable yield index (SYI) for both the crops were found lower in control but considerably higher with the 100% RDF and under INM. The soils under all the treatments suffered an apparent loss of K and N (except where organics replacing 50% N). Correlation study also reveals K is the sole factor for the yield sustainability as apparent K balance was negatively correlated with SYI and yield slope.

Soil Biological Activity Contributing to Phosphorus Availability in Vertisols under Long-Term Organic and Conventional Agricultural Management.

Mobilization of unavailable phosphorus (P) to plant available P is a prerequisite to sustain crop productivity. Although most of the agricultural soils have sufficient amounts of phosphorus, low availability of native soil P remains a key limiting factor to increasing crop productivity. Solubilization and mineralization of applied and native P to plant available form is mediated through a number of biological and biochemical processes that are strongly influenced by soil carbon/organic matter, besides other biotic and abiotic factors. Soils rich in organic matter are expected to have higher P availability potentially due to higher biological activity. In conventional agricultural systems mineral fertilizers are used to supply P for plant growth, whereas organic systems largely rely on inputs of organic origin. The soils under organic management are supposed to be biologically more active and thus possess a higher capability to mobilize native or applied P. In this study we compared biological activity in soil of a long-term farming systems comparison field trial in vertisols under a subtropical (semi-arid) environment. Soil samples were collected from plots under 7 years of organic and conventional management at five different time points in soybean (Glycine max) -wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop sequence including the crop growth stages of reproductive significance. Upon analysis of various soil biological properties such as dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, microbial respiration, substrate induced respiration, soil microbial biomass carbon, organically managed soils were found to be biologically more active particularly at R2 stage in soybean and panicle initiation stage in wheat. We also determined the synergies between these biological parameters by using the methodology of principle component analysis. At all sampling points, P availability in organic and conventional systems was comparable. Our findings clearly indicate that owing to higher biological activity, organic systems possess equal capabilities of supplying P for crop growth as are conventional systems with inputs of mineral P fertilizers.

Impact of long-term phosphorous fertilization on Olsen-P and grain yields in maize–wheat cropping sequence

Due to generally low phosphorus (P) recovery efficiency in maize–wheat cropping systems in northwest India, farmers have over-applied P fertilizers over many decades to improve crop growth and increase profitability. This practice caused a considerable part of cultivated land to have ‘very high’ (>50.0 kg P ha−1) Olsen-P values in soil. This study was aimed at finding critical concentrations of Olsen-P for maize (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequence for effective utilization of buildup P and optimal P rates for maintaining critical Olsen-P in soil in this region by utilizing one long-term (11 years) and 2 short-term (3 years) trials. Long-term studies in high Olsen-P soils showed increased P buildup with present recommended fertilizer P application rates of 26 kg ha−1 to both crops. With no P application, Olsen-P values in soils decline at rate of 3.0 kg P ha−1 year−1. For sustaining maize and wheat yields, critical concentrations of Olsen-P obtained from different statistical models (linear plateau, quadratic plateau and exponential) range from 36.7 to 50.0 kg P ha−1 for maize and 39.4–57.1 kg P ha−1 for wheat and 38 kg P ha−1 for both crops using Cate and Nelson split method. The use of Mitscherlich equation for determining the ‘effective’ P and Olsen-P requirement for getting higher yields was found to be a better method compared to above-mentioned statistical and graphical methods. Mitscherlich equation estimates the amount of P applied to achieve the desired Olsen-P levels in soil.

Long-term Chemical Fertilization Impacts on Kinetics of K Release, Wheat Yield, and K Uptake in a Typic Ustrochrept Soil of Punjab, India

ABSTRACTLong-term experiments are leading indicators of sustainability and serve as an early warning system to detect problems that threaten future productivity. An increasing trend in yield is necessary for a system to be called sustainable. Impact of long-term use of inorganic fertilizers on kinetics of K release, wheat (Triticumaestivum L) yield, and K uptake in a sandy loam, typicustrochrept soil was studied under maize (Zea mays L)-wheat cropping sequence. Potassium release was higher in K-treated soil than in K-minus soil. Potassium released from clay fractions after 264 h was 3.1 and 6.2 m mole kg−1 for without-K (soil I) and with-K fertilization (soil II), respectively. The amount of K released from silt fractions was 2.1 and 3.4 m mole kg−1 for soil I and soil II, respectively. Lowest amount of K release was recorded in a sand fraction which was 1.1 and 2.1 m mole kg−1 for soil I and soil II, respectively. Elovich equation fit well and explained the nonexchangeable K release in these soils. Higher rate constant values were observed in soil receiving K fertilizer as compared with without-K application. Grain yield of wheat increased significantly with the increase in K from 0 to 41 and 82 kg K ha−1. The K uptake was higher than the K applied to wheat indicating that nonexchangeable K contributed toward its uptake in wheat crop. The application of K helps to reduce the mining of K from nonexchangeable form, which results in yield increase in wheat.

Economic and environmental implications of wheat-crop sequences on organic dairy-farm simulations

The market for high-quality organic bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is increasing in New England, USA, providing opportunities for organic dairy farmers to grow this alternative cash crop. Our objective was to determine the sustainability of eight 3-year crop sequences compared with a perennial forage baseline in long-term (25-year), well-managed, medium-sized organic dairy farm simulations. Systems included wheat (spring or winter) preceded by maize (Zea mays L.) silage, a 1-year-old perennial forage grass, or soybean as well as maize silage followed by maize silage or soybean. Farm net return was highest for the entirely grass-based system (US$742.15 cow–1). Higher winter wheat yields for soybean–wheat–grass resulted in 7% more income from feed sales ($1027) than spring wheat. Soybean followed by wheat reduced soil nutrient accumulation by 0.8 kg ha–1 year–1 for phosphorus runoff and leachate losses and for potassium accumulation (–17%); there was also a 4% reduction in water footprint (kg kg–1 fat- and protein-corrected milk). Growing winter wheat provides long-term environmental and economic benefits, although for spring wheat, much of this benefit is lost. Use of maize silage in place of grass, winter or spring wheat, or soybean was less profitable. Most cropping system scenarios were less economically favourable than producing and feeding exclusively grass silage. However, inclusion of soybean increased economic benefits.

Consecutive wheat sequences: effects of contrasting growing seasons on concentrations ofGaeumannomyces graminisvar.triticiDNA in soil and take-all disease across different cropping sequences

SUMMARYThe extent and severity of wheat take-all (caused byGaeumannomyces graminisvar.tritici(Ggt)) can vary considerably between growing seasons. The current study aimed to identify climatic factors associated with differing concentrations ofGgtDNA in soil and take-all disease at different stages of a sequence of wheat crops. Pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations and subsequent take-all disease in consecutive wheat crop sequences were compared across six seasons in 90 commercial cropping fields in Canterbury and Southland, New Zealand, between 2003 and 2009. Disease progress was assessed in additional fields in 2004/05 and 2005/06. While a general pattern in inoculum and disease fluctuations was evident, there were exceptions among wheat crop sequences that commenced in different years, especially for first wheat crops. In three consecutive growing seasons, there was very low inoculum increase in the first wheat crop, while increases in first wheat crops during the following three seasons was much greater. Low spring–summer rainfall was associated with low build-up of inoculum in first wheat crops. The inoculum derived from the first wheat then determined the amount of primary inoculum for the subsequent second wheat, thereby influencing the severity of take-all in that crop. Differing combinations of weather conditions during one wheat crop in a sequence and the conditions experienced by the next crop provided explanations of the severity of take-all at grain fill and the resulting post-harvest soilGgtDNA concentrations in second wheat crops. Examples of contrasting combinations were: (a) a moderate take-all epidemic and high post-harvest inoculum that followed high rainfall during grain fill, despite low pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations; (b) severe take-all and moderate to high inoculum build-up following high pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations and non-limiting rainfall; and (c) low spring and early summer rainfall slowing epidemic development in second wheat crops, even where there were high pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations. The importance of the environmental conditions experienced during a particular growing season was also illustrated by differences between growing seasons in take-all progress in fields in the same take-all risk categories based on pre-sowing soilGgtDNA concentrations.

Effect of long term fertilization and manuring on soil quality and productivity under sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence in Inceptisol

A permanent field experiment is continued since 1984-85 at Research Farm, AICRP on Cropping Systems Research Unit, Akola, Maharashtra with a view to find out effect of integrated nutrient management on soil quality and productivity of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] -wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop sequence. The long term impact of organic, inorganic and integrated nutrient management practices on soil quality and productivity were studied after 27th cycle (2010-11). The treatments comprised different levels of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), viz. 50, 75 and 100% and RDF in combination with farmyard manure, wheat straw, leucaena loppings and the farmer's practice. The results indicated that, application of 50% RDF + 50% N through FYM recorded highest sorghum (24.58 q/ha) and wheat (26.23 q/ha) grain yield as well as sorghum grain equivalent yield (61 q/ha). The uptake of N, P, K and S by sorghum (83.98, 23.14, 98.67 and 18.60 kg/ha) and wheat (96.17, 18.79, 74.69 and 13.53 kg/ha) was maximum with the integrated nutrient management. The improvement in soil fertility status was observed under the same treatment with concomitant increase in sustainability yield index (0.494) and soil quality index (2.33). The overall increase in the soil quality index (1.98-2.33) was recorded under INM, whereas only chemical fertilizers caused considerable decrease in the SQI (1.19-1.87). The hydraulic conductivity contributed substantially in governing sorghum yield (63.09%) and wheat yield (98.75%). The soil organic carbon contributed substantially in sorghum yield (29.01%). The parameters like hydraulic conductivity (94.7%), OC (5.14%) and DHA (0.07%) contributed in SQI.

Prospecting plant growth promoting bacteria and cyanobacteria as options for enrichment of macro- and micronutrients in grains in rice–wheat cropping sequence

AbstractThe influence of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) and cyanobacteria, alone and in combination, was investigated on micronutrient enrichment and yield in rice–wheat sequence, over a period of two years. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) in both crops indicated significant differences in soil dehydrogenase activity and micronutrient enrichment in grains (Fe, Zn in rice, and Cu, Mn in wheat). The combined inoculation of Anabaena oscillarioides CR3, Brevundimonas diminuta PR7, and Ochrobactrum anthropi PR10 (T6) significantly increased nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) content and improved rice yield by 21.2%, as compared to the application of recommended dose of NPK fertilizers (T2). The treatment T5 (Providencia sp. PR3 + B. diminuta PR7 + O. anthropi PR10) recorded an enhancement of 13–16% in Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn concentrations, respectively, in rice grains. In wheat, Providencia sp. PW5 (T6) recorded the highest yield (5.23 Mg ha−1) and significantly higher enrichment of Fe and Cu (44–45%) ...

Assessment of Available Macro and Micro Nutrients under Sugarcane – Wheat Cropping Sequence in Different Location of Meerut and Bulandshahr Districts of Uttar Pradesh

The organic matter content in the soil influences almost all the component of soil which influences the crop productivity. Macro nutrient (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) are important soil elements that control its fertility. The soil samples of 0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm depth were collected from four different locations of Meerut and Bulandshar districts under sugarcane (R)–wheat cropping sequence. The soil samples were analyzed for physico – chemical properties using standard procedure for pH and electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium by the ammonium acetate method and available micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) in soil samples with extracted by diethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA) solution (0.005M) DTPA + 0.01M CaCl2 +0.1M triethanolamine, pH 7.3. The study revealed that the soils were normal to moderately alkaline in reaction, low to medium in organic carbon, low in available nitrogen, low to medium in available phosphorus and potassium and in general sufficient in available Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn at surface soil. Correlation values revealed that soil pH has a negative correlation with Fe (r = 0.487) and Zn (r = - 0.265) and significant and negative correlation with Mn (r = - 0.679*) whereas it was positively correlated with Cu (r = 0.327). CEC of soil was negatively correlated with sand (r = - 0.560) and silt (r = - 0.140) and positively and highly significantly with clay (r = 0.897**). Available soil nitrogen was significantly and positively correlated with total N (r = 0.509*) and microbial biomass carbon (r = 0.605*).

Impact of post biomethanated spentwash on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of soybean – wheat cropping sequence

A field experiment was conducted on Sawargaon series of isohyperthermic family of Vertic haplustepts to study the effect of application of primary treated biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) through irrigation on soil properties, nutrient uptake and yield of soybean – wheat cropping sequence. The bulk density and hydraulic conductivity of soil were improved in 100% recommended dose (RD) of N through PBSW with and without P chemical fertilizer at soil depths of 0-15 and 15-30 cm. The lowest soil pH, calcium carbonate and highest electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available K, exchangeable sodium (Na), exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), cation exchange capacity (CEC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and pooled bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes populations in surface (0-15 cm) soil depth were observed in 100% RD of N through PBSW + with and without P chemical fertilizer at all three soil depths (0-15, 15-30 and 30-60 cm) over the other treatments. The highest pooled available soil P was recorded in 50% RD of N through PBSW application through irrigation and remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers in all three soil depths. The significantly highest total NPK uptake by cropping sequence and highest mean Benefit : Cost (B:C) ratio of soybean and wheat was recorded in 25 % RD of N through PBSW + remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers over the rest of the treatments. The 25 % N-recommended dose of soybean and wheat crop can be replaced by application of PBSW through irrigation in sequence without disturbing soils by salt load.

Bio-chemical amelioration effects on physico-chemical dynamics of sodic soils under rice (Oryza sativa) –wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system

The effect of dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata) as first crop on physico-chemical dynamics and productivity of “B” class sodic soils was assessed on farmer’s field under rice-wheat cropping system to generate the knowledge of sodic soil management for increasing the soil and crop productivity for sustainable crop production in sodic soil environment. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design at ten sites having six treatment combinations of different doses of gypsum and green manuring with sesbania under two cropping sequences, i e sesbania-rice (Oryza sativa L.) -wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and rice-wheat. Cultivation of sesbania with gypsum significantly decreased the surface soil pH from 9.3 to 8.6 and increased the hydraulic conductivity from 0.3 × 10-3 to 3.7 × 10-3 cm/hr and buildup of soil organic matter by increasing organic carbon content from 0.20 % to 0.22 % through growing of sesbania. Sesbania green manure also increased the available water content in the soil system, which enhanced soil moisture availability for longer period. As a result, rice crop yield increased by 16.2 % in sesbania-rice- wheat cropping system in comparison to rice–wheat cropping sequence because of synergistic effect of sesbania with gypsum. Consequently, residual effect of sesbania green manuring alone and in combination with gypsum significantly enhanced the wheat grain yield by 42.5 % and 72.5 % and 80% in T4, T5 and T6 treatments respectively during first year in sesbania–rice-wheat cropping sequence as compared to control. In consecutive second year, rice and wheat grain yields further enhanced by 8.1 % and 2.71% respectively, under sesbania –rice -wheat than that of rice –wheat cropping sequence. Under sesbania- rice- wheat and rice-wheat-sesbania cropping sequence, rice and wheat grain yield were similar. Hence, inclusion of Sesbania aculeata as green manure either before or after rice-wheat cropping sequence is equally better to improve the soil physical dynamics and crop productivity of ‘B’ class sodic soils in Indo-Gangetic region of Uttar Pradesh.

Nitrogen form, time and rate of application, and nitrification inhibitor effects on crop production

Karamanos, R., Hanson, K. and Stevenson, F. C. 2014. Nitrogen form, time and rate of application, and nitrification inhibitor effects on crop production. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 425–432. Nitrogen management options for anhydrous ammonia (NH3) and urea were compared in a barley–wheat–canola–wheat cropping sequence (2007–2010) at Watrous and Lake Lenore, SK. The treatment design included a factorial arrangement of N fertilizer form (NH3versus urea), nitrification inhibitor application, time of N application (mid-September, mid- to late October, and spring) and four N fertilizer rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha−1). Anhydrous ammonia applications at 40 kg N ha−1in 2008 (fall) and in 2010 (all times of application) resulted in wheat yield reductions relative to the same applications for urea. For wheat years, yield was reduced for both fall versus spring N fertilizer applications, when no nitrification inhibitor was applied and the inclusion of nitrification inhibitor maintained wheat yield at similar levels across all times of N fertilizer applications, regardless of form. Protein concentration was approximately 2 g kg−1greater with urea compared with NH3at both sites in 2008 and only at Watrous in 2010. Also, early versus late fall N fertilizer applications consistently increased N concentration of grain only for the 40 and/or 80 kg N ha−1rates. Effects of nitrification inhibitor on N concentration were not frequent and appeared to be minimal. Urea had greater agronomic efficiency (AE) than NH3at the lower N fertilizer rates. The nitrification inhibitor had a positive effect on wheat AE only for early fall N fertilizer applications. It can be concluded that for maximum yields NH3or urea will be suitable if applied at rates of 80 kg N ha−1and greater. If N fertilizer is applied at 40 kg N ha−1, especially in fall without inhibitor, urea is better. In terms of protein concentration for wheat, urea seemed to better than NH3and fall was better than spring application.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity under different tillage practices and legume options in rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat cropping sequence

Screening of suitable tillage practices and legumes between rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the need of hour to maintain the wheat productivity, which is hampering in rice wheat sequence. Considering this, experiments were conducted during 2006-07 to 2009-10, at Norman E Borlogue Crop Research Centre of G B Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar. The experimental plots were silty clay loam, medium in organic carbon, available phosphorus and low in nitrogen, however the pH was slightly alkaline. Pooled analyses were done for four years considering the years as main plot of split plot design. However, sub plot contained three tillage practices, i.e zero tillage (ZT), raised bed system (RBS) and conventional tillage (CT). Three legumes namely greengram (Vigna radiata L.), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and vegetable pea (Pisum sativum var hortense) were kept in sub sub plots. The findings revealed that, over the years, wheat yield markedly influenced by maximum temperature as compared to other weather attributes. Simultaneously, tillage and legume interaction was non-significant on wheat yield. Mean effect of the treatments vindicated that metric parameters, viz plant height, dry matter accumulation, biological yield, grain yield, straw yield, grain straw ratio and harvest index were significantly influenced by years, tillage practices and legume inclusion. Year 2007-08 was the good year for wheat performance. Among the tillage practices conventional tillage retained maximum metric traits than the other tillage practices, however in case of legume inclusion; cowpea gave maximum metric traits. Significant effects of treatments were also noticed on NPK uptake, available N in soil, net returns and benefit cost ratio and system productivity. Maximum values of these parameters were noticed during 2007-08. Maximum available N, NPK uptake were observed in zero tillage. Greengram containing plots had maximum available N but vegetable containing plots had higher nutrient content and uptake. Net return, benefit cost ratio were maximum under zero tillage and vegetable pea containing plots. Conventional tillage and vegetable pea contained plots gave maximum system productivity. Therefore, conventional tillage and cowpea inclusion is good for wheat yield but for economics point of view zero tillage practices and inclusion of vegetable pea is better.

Influence of Biomethanated Spentwash and Chemical Fertilizers on Productivity and Quality of Soybean-Wheat Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted on effect of one time controlled application of primary treated biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) and chemical fertilizers on yield and quality of soybean -wheat cropping sequence on Inceptisol. The field experiment was though initiated during 2007–08 observations were recorded during third (2009–10) and fourth years (2010–11) of experimentation. The experiment was laid out in a RBD with five treatments viz., recommended dose (RD)-NPK, 100% RD of N through PBSW without P chemical fertilizer, 100% RD of N through PBSW+remaining P through chemical fertilizer, 50% RD of N through PBSW+remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers and 25% RD of N through PBSW+remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers with four replications. The higher oil and protein yield of soybean was observed in 100% RD-NPK and 25% RD of N through PBSW+remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers, respectively. Lower doses of PBSW @ 25% RD of N through PBSW+remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers improved the lysine, methionine and tryptophan content of soybean and protein, dry gluten, carbohydrate and net protein utilization of wheat. Application of 25% RD N-through PBSW well before sowing for soybean and wheat+remaining N and P through chemical fertilizers was increased grain yield and improved the quality parameters of soybean and wheat.

Productivity Enhancement of Organically Grown Local Scented Rice-Wheat Cropping Sequence due to Enriched Compost Application

The organic farming in hilly areas of Uttarakhand is default by nature as chemical fertilizer and use of fungicide, insecticide and herbicide is negligible. In hilly regions of district Pithoragarh rice wheat is an important cropping sequence. The entire scented rice in the district is grown organically and the yield of local scented rice varieties is very low. The present study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Pithoragarh to compare the farmers’ practice (T-1) with two treatments viz; T-2: 20 t FYM to Rice and Wheat along with phosphorus solublising bacteria (PSB) and T-3: 20 t FYM to Rice and Wheat along with PSB, Azatobacter and Azospirillum. The experiment was conducted at farmers’ field in two villages viz; Bagrihat and Egyardevi. In village Bagrihat during 2007 treatment T-3 resulted in 13.7 and 11.7 per cent increase in yield of rice and wheat over farmers’ practice respectively. While in village Egyardevi treatment T-3 resulted in higher yield of rice and wheat during both the years of study. Net return for treatment T-3 was higher as compared to treatment T-1 and T-2. Thus application of well decomposed F.Y.M enriched with Azotobacter, Azospirillum and PSB resulted in higher yield of scented rice and wheat cropping sequence over traditional farmers’ practice.

Direct, Residual, and Cumulative Effects of Mixed Sludge Generated by Coca-cola Soft-Drink Industry on Crop Yield, Soil Fertility, and Heavy-Metal Uptake in Rice–Wheat Cropping Sequence

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of directly, residually, and cumulatively applied mixed sludge generated by the soft-drink industry on rice and wheat yields, soil fertility, grain heavy-metal uptake, depthwise distribution of micronutrients and heavy-metals after 3 years of application. Crop (rice/wheat) yield (grain/straw) increased significantly with direct sludge application at 10.0 t ha−1 year−1, either alone or jointly with fertilizers, over the absolute control. Interestingly, the effects of sludge application on crop (rice/wheat) yield either applied directly at 10.0 t ha−1 year−1, residually at 30.0 t ha−1 year−1, and/or cumulatively at 15.0 t ha−1 were nonsignificant. Direct sludge application at 5.0/10.0 t ha−1 year−1 resulted in significant increase in heavy-metal uptake over the absolute control. The micronutrient/heavy-metal contents in surface soil were significantly greater with sludge application than those in subsurface layers. The results thus show that sludge application results in significant improvement in yield and soil fertility.

Frequency of Deep Tillage and Residual Sodium Carbonate Neutralization of Sodic Water on Soil Properties, Yield and Quality of Clusterbean and Wheat Grown in a Sequence

Use of sodic water for irrigation deteriorates the soil and adversely affects the yield and quality of crops. While use of gypsum for amelioration of sodic water effects is well established, the effect of frequency of deep tillage along with residual sodium carbonate (RSC) neutralization through application of gypsum on clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragornolob L.)—wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop sequence irrigated with sodic water is not very well understood. The results of a field experiment designed to study these effects revealed that deep tillage significantly increased the grain and straw yields and improved the grain quality of clusterbean and wheat. Two years gap in deep tillage significantly reduced the grain and straw yields of clusterbean and wheat during the third year of experimentation when compared with continuous tillage or 1 year gap in deep tillage practices. The yield and quality of clusterbean (crude protein and gum content of grain) and wheat (protein, starch and lysine content of grain) were positively influenced by the application of gypsum @ 50 and 100 % RSC neutralization of sodic irrigation water and good quality irrigation water compared to untreated sodic irrigation water. The infiltration rate decreased with sodic water irrigation under farmer’s practice of tillage. Application of gypsum @ 50 and 100 % RSC neutralization of sodic water and good quality irrigation water improved significantly infiltration rate after harvesting of wheat, compared with sodic water irrigated plots. Similarly, deep tillage also significantly influenced infiltration rate. Sodic water irrigation for 4 years significantly increased electrical conductivity, pH and sodium adsorption ratio of soil compared to 50 and 100 % neutralization of RSC and good quality irrigation water. This study shows that only up to 1 year gap in deep tillage in the month of May and 100 % RSC neutralization through gypsum application at the beginning of monsoon had a positive effect on yield and quality of clusterbean and wheat in sodic water irrigated conditions.

Soil water and nitrogen interaction effect on residual soil nitrate and crop nitrogen recovery under maize–wheat cropping system in the semi-arid region of northern India

Over fertilization of nitrogen (N) in the premise of higher crop yield has sometimes led to build up of residual soil nitrate and pollution of ground water. Though, maize and wheat are two heavy feeders of N, studies on soil nitrate dynamics under maize–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic Plains of northern India, are limited. Hence, the present study was carried out at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi with maize–wheat cropping sequence grown for four consecutive cropping seasons, during 2002–2004. The treatments consisted of three levels of water regimes and five N levels taken in split plot design. Three levels of water regime, namely, W1, W2 and W3 referred to as limited, medium and maximum number of recommended irrigation. The five N levels were T1 (0% N), T2 (75% N), T3 (100% N), T4 (150% N) and T5 (100% N from organic source). For both the crops, 100% N corresponded to the recommended dose of 120kgNha−1 from inorganic source. Irrespective of crop, N recovery was higher under T2 and W3 treatment combination, though yield and biomass were highest under T4 and W3 treatments. Nitrogen recovery from organic treatment gradually increased from 8.8% in the first crop season (maize, 2002) to 26.1% in the last crop season of the experiment (wheat, 2004). Peak NO3− concentration was observed at 15–30cm soil depth in W1 and W2 treatments and at 30–60cm in W3 water regime. The NO3− buildup was higher in W1 as compared to W3 treatment and was to the extent of 62kgha−1 in the 0–120cm soil profile under W1T4 treatment after four crop seasons. Across water treatments, soil NO3− was higher under T4 (150% N), followed by T3 (100% N) throughout the experiment period. Despite a trend of soil NO3− buildup, application of N (150%) maximized crop productivity (maize and wheat) under W3. The study revealed that maize–wheat cropping system grown under higher N application levels beyond the recommended dose, would reduce N use efficiency and enhance soil nitrate buildup.