bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climateresilient agriculture and soil organic carbon
Authors: RATTAN LAL
Published: December 2023

The soil carbon (C) reservoir is an important component of the global C cycle. It comprises of soil organic C (SOC) and soil inorganic C (SIC). Soils of India are severely depleted of their SOC stock. Therefore, enhancing and maintaining SOC concentration to above the critical threshold (~1.5% in the 0-20cm depth) is essential to im- proving soil quality, increasing use efficiency of nutrients and water, minimizing vulnerability to extreme climatic events, decreasing susceptibility to erosion and other degradation processes, and sustaining agronomic produc- tion. Above all, recarbonization of the SOC stock is integral to any strategy towards adapting to and mitigating the abrupt climate change, advancing food security and improving the environment. The SOC stock is also important to provisioning of numerous ecosystem services (e.g., food security, water security). Thus, identification and adop- tion of recommended management practices (e.g., conservation agriculture, agroforestry, manuring and inte- grated nutrient management, diverse farming system) are important to C sequestration. The rate of SOC seques- tration in cropland soils of India are low, but need to be credibly assessed for diverse soils and farming systems. Rate of formation of secondary carbonates for different practices and or leaching of bicarbonates in irrigated soils must be established. A way forward should consider: (i) improvement in education curricula at state agricultural universities to include courses on climate change, C sequestration etc.; (ii) establishment of National Climate-Re- silient Agriculture Program (NACRAP), and (iii) development of mechanisms to compensate farmers and land managers through payments for ecosystems services (e.g., soil C sequestration).
Production potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as affected by varying popula- tion densities of wild oat (Avena ludoviciana)
Authors: RAMANJIT KAUR  , R.K. MAHEY  , P.K. KINGRA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200708 and 200809 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the effect of varying population densities of wild oat ( Avena ludoviciana) (0250 plants/m2) on the production potential of wheat
Winter maize as affected by preceding rainy-season crops, farmyard manure and nitrogen levels
Authors: JATINDER MANAN  , DALIP SINGH  , S.S. MANHAS
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during 200506 and 200607 at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to study the effect of preceding rainy-season ( kharif) crops, viz. soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.], maize ( Zea mays L.) and rice ( Oryza sativa L.), farmyard manure 0 and 20 t/ha and nitrogen 0, 100, 140, 180 and 220 kg/ ha on winter maize. Winter maize grown after soybean recorded significantly higher growth parameters, yield at- tributes and yield than after maize and rice. Application of farmyard manure (FYM) significantly increased the yield. The increase in grain yield with 20 t/ha FYM application was 7.8% over no FYM application. Maximum grain yield was obtained with 220 kg N/ha, being 60% higher than the control. Higher benefit: cost ratio was obtained with maizewinter maize followed by soybeanwinter maize and the lowest with ricewinter maize cropping sys- tem. The benefit: cost ratio increased with increasing level of nitrogen and the minimum benefit: cost was obtained with the control (no nitrogen) and maximum with 180 and 220 kg N/ha.
Assessing the performance of transgenic Bt cottons through mother and baby trial
Authors: T. SUDHA  , RAMESH BABU  , D.P. BIRADAR  , V.C. PATIL
Published: December 2023

The performance of different Bt cotton (Gossypium species ) hybrids were compared in mother and baby trial design to assess the potentiality of the hybrids under scientifically managed (mother) vs farmer growing practices (baby trial) in red soil under rainfed condition. The field experiment (mother trial) was conducted in farmer field during 200809 and 200910. In evaluation of different genotypes in red soil, Bt cotton MRC 6918 recorded sig- nificantly higher seed-cotton yield (2.26 t/ha) than all other cotton genotypes and found on par with Bunny BG II (2.20 t/ha) and RCH 2 BG II (2.09 t/ha). The significantly higher gross returns of 89,131/ha and net returns of 64,917/ha was obtained in MRC 6918 as compared to all other genotypes. The higher uptake of nutrients (N,P,K) was recorded with MRC 6918 at 120 days after sowing. DHH 11 non Bt recorded higher fibre fineness (4.60 micronaire) and fibre maturity (0.76) than other genotypes. Higher yield (1.73 t/ha) was recorded in baby trial with Bunny BG II and differed significantly with mother trial (2.20 t/ha)
Effect of nitrogen on yield and quality of barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotypes
Authors: TODAR MAL  , S.B. PHOGAT  , SATISH KUMAR  , BHAGAT SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) season of 201112 at Hisar, to study the effect of ni-
Evaluating productivity potential of spring planted sunflower (Helianthus annuus) hybrids in response to sowing time under changing climate scenario
Authors: PARVENDER SHEORAN  , VIRENDER SARDANA  , RAJ SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiments was conducted during the spring seasons of 200506 to 200708 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to assess the interaction between genotypic variability and modified environmental conditions in response to chang- ing sowing time for sustainable crop production in sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.). Maximum harvestable yield was obtained when sunflower was sown in mid-January. Very early sowing (20 December) did not generate any advantage not only for the earliness but also for the yield components; however, later sowings (5 and 20 February) resulted in overall reduction in crop duration, poor seed setting, hastened maturity ultimately culminating in lesser sunflower yields. Cooler temperature prevailing during the initial crop establishment, particularly under the earlier sowing dates (20 December, and 5 January), imparted considerably longer seed emergence period. Sunflower hy- brid PSH 569 recorded the highest seed yield (2.06 t/ha), excelling SH 3322 by 3.5% and PSFH 118 by 13.8%. Correlation studies indicated stronger association for yield components and yield with the weather variables during flowering and seed-filling period, therefore, reveals a decisive factor to optimize sunflower yield by adjusting sow- ing time under changing climatic scenario.
Pod yield and phosphorus-use efficiency in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) as influenced by citric acid and its delivery methods under a semi-arid agro-ecosystem
Authors: R.S. JAT  , H.N. MEENA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200911 at Junagadh, Gujarat to find out the effect of citric acid (CA) and its delivery methods on yield, nutrient uptake and use efficiencies of phosphorus in groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.). Results (mean of three years) revealed that application of citric acid at 2 kg along with farmyard ma- nure (FYM) at 2 t/ha recorded significantly higher pod yield (2.61 t/ha), harvest index (36%) and net returns ( 38,283/ha), which were 28.6, 22.0 and 44.5% higher respectively, over FYM at 2 t/ha without citric acid. Soil available P content (18 kg P/ha) significantly increased with citric acid at 6 kg along with single super phosphate (SSP) at 250 kg/ha over control. Citric acid at 4 and 6 kg along with SSP at 250 kg/ha significantly increased P content in pod and haulm, respectively. P uptake significantly increased with citric acid at 4 kg/ha. Application of citric acid at 2 kg along with FYM 2 t/ha (17.2 kg P), citric acid at 4 kg along with SSP 250 kg/ha (17.2 kg P) and citric acid at 4 kg along with FYM 1 t/ha (8.6 kg P) recorded higher agronomic efficiency (19.5%), recovery effi- ciency (10.8%) and P harvest index (69%) respectively, over control plots. Application of higher levels of citric acid decreased yield, P uptake and P-use efficiencies. Thus, application of 2 kg citric acid along with FYM at 2 t/ha found appropriate in enhancing groundnut yield and net returns under semi-arid agro-ecosystem.
Production potential, nutrient-use efficiency and economics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)onion (Allium cepa) cropping system under organic nutrient management
Authors: H.S. LATHA  , SHARANAPPA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201011 and 201112 at Bengaluru, Karnataka to study the effect of organic nutrient management practices on the production potential, nitrogen-use efficiency and economics of groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.)onion ( Allium cepa L.) cropping system. Application of source of enriched biodigested liquid organic manure (EBDLM) at 25 kg N equivalent/ha + 3 sprays of panchagavya (PG) at 3% re- sulted in significantly higher pod and kernel yields and total system productivity (2.34, 1.78, 10.1 and 12.4 t/ha, re- spectively) and yield attributes like number of pods/plant and shelling outturn (47.2 and 76.0% respectively) of groundnut. The bulb yield of onion (37.78 t/ha) and yield parameters, viz. bulb diameter (6.10 cm), bulb length (5.52 cm), bulb size index (33.7), scale leaves/bulb (11.60), fresh weight (110.1 g) and specific gravity of bulb (1.41 g/cc), were significantly higher with EBDLM at 125 kg N equivalent/ha + 3 sprays of PG at 3%. Significantly higher total uptake of N, P and K (183.7, 66.0 and 117.2 kg/ha respectively) by groundnut and onion was recorded with EBDLM at 25 (groundnut)/125 (onion) kg N equivalent/ha + 3 sprays of PG at 3% and nitrogen-use efficiency in groundnut (29.6 kg/ha) and in onion (131.6 kg/ha) was also higher with EBDLM at 25 (groundnut)/125 (onion) kg N equivalent/ ha + 3 sprays of PG at 3%. At the end of 2 cropping cycles, application EBDLM at 25 (groundnut)/ 125 (onion) kg N equivalent/ ha + 3 sprays of PG at 3% resulted in higher balance of N, P and K than recom- mended practice. Net returns ( 426.6 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (4.13) were more with EBDLM at 25 (groundnut)/125 (onion) kg N equivalent/ha + 3 sprays of PG at 3%.
Tillage and irrigation management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum)fodder sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) cropping system under semi-arid conditions of India
Authors: A.K. DIXIT  , SUNIL KUMAR  , ARVIND K. RAI  , T. KIRAN KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Jhansi during the winter season (rabi) of 200910 to rainy season (kharif) of 2012 to study the impact of tillage practices and irrigation management on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and their carry-over effects on succeeding fodder sorghum [Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench]. Reduced tillage recorded 1.74 t/ha grain yield of chickpea and was on a par with conventional tillage. However, reduced tillage (57.7%) and zero tillage (57.4%) recorded significantly higher harvest index than conventional tillage (55.2%). Similarly, appli- cation of 2 irrigations to chickpea recorded higher grain yield (1.90 t/ha) and system productivity in terms of chickpea-equivalent yield (4.00 t/ha) but application of only 1 irrigation recorded higher irrigation water-use effi- ciency (295 kg grain /ha-cm). Significantly higher plant height, plant population, grains per pod, 100-seed weight, weeds count and weed dry matter were also recorded in irrigated plots than unirrigated control. Higher system productivity in terms of chickpea-equivalent yield (CEY) was recorded under reduced tillage (3.85 t/ha) and con- ventional tillage (3.90 t/ha) than zero tillage. Reduced tillage and 2 irrigations in chickpea recorded higher net re- turns i.e. 33.1 103 and 34.6 103/ha and benefit: cost ratio i.e. 0.85 and 0.87, from whole system. After 3 years, the bulk density of 1530 cm soil depths was lower in zero tillage (1.34 Mg/m3) than conventional (1.40 Mg/ m3) and reduced tillage (1.37 Mg/m3). Similarly, significantly higher values of total organic carbon (10.31 g/kg), electrical conductivity (0.20 dS/m), available N (260.1 kg/ha) and available K (197.7 kg/ha) were recorded under zero tillage. Application of 2 irrigations recorded lower electrical conductivity (0.152 dS/m) and available N (237.0 kg/ha) and higher available K (189.8 kg/ha) status.
Sustainability assessment of cotton based intercropping systems for productivity and profitability using different quantitative indices under semi-arid vertisols
Authors: M.B. NAGDEVE  , V.D. MOHOD  , RAJBIR SINGH  , N. RANI  , SIDDARAM
Published: December 2023

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate cotton (Gossypium spp.)-based intercropping systems with greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilezek], blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper], pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill.] as intercrops in semi-arid (moist) Vertisols at Khedbrahma (Gujarat) and soybean and pigeonpea as intercrops in semi-arid (moist) Vertisols at Akola during rainy seasons of 200809, 200910 and 201011. The intercropping systems were evaluated for superiority based on cotton equivalent yield (CEY), rainwater use efficiency (RWUE), monetary returns, sustainability yield in- dex (SYI) and three competition indices, viz. land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (RCC) and competition ratio (CR). At Khedbrahma, cotton + blackgram (1:1) was found to be an efficient system with signifi- cantly higher mean CEY (983 kg/ha), net returns ( 18,893/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.68), RWUE (2.23 kg/ha-mm), higher SYI (70.4) and LER (1.44) and lower total CR (2.17). At Akola, cotton + soybean (1:1) was found to be effi- cient with significantly higher mean CEY (1,609 kg/ha) besides higher net returns ( 35,177/ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.94), RWUE (3.68 kg/ha-mm), higher SYI (34.1) and LER (1.31) and lower total CR (2.19). Further, the multi-tier system of cotton + soybean + pigeonpea + soybean (3:2:2:2) was the second best with higher productivity, ben- efit: cost ratio and RWUE. Cotton + blackgram (1:1) at Khedbrahma and cotton + soybean (1:1) at Akola were identified as efficient intercropping systems and could be adopted under similar agro-ecological settings in the re- spective domains.
Effect of fertigation of primary treated biomethanated spentwash along with nitrogen levels on soil micronutrient, heavy metal status, uptake, economics and yield of soybean (Glycine max)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping sequence on Inceptisol
Authors: B.M. KAMBLE  , A.N. DESHPANDE
Published: December 2023

The field experiment was carried out during the third (200910) and fourth years (201011), which was initiated in 200708 at Rahuri, to study the effect of fertigation of primary treated biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) on mi- cronutrient, heavy metal status of soil and uptake of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.], when grown in a sequence. The treatments comprised recommended dose (RD)-NPK, 100% RD of nitrogen (N) through PBSW with and without phosphorus (P) mineral fertilizer, 25 and 50% RD of N through PBSW + remaining N and P through mineral fertilizers. The application of 25% recom- mended dose of N through PBSW + remaining N and P through mineral fertilizers increased the total Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu uptake by soybean and wheat, soybean-grain equivalent yield of wheat and benefit: cost ratio compared to 100 and 50% RD-N through PBSW treatments and improved the status DTPA-Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Pb as compared to RD-NPK at all 3 soil depths. However, heavy metal status values were below the permissible lim- its. Fertigation of 25% N-PBSW along with mineral fertilizers not only help in improvement of the micronutrient sta- tus of soil but also prevent any adverse effect on soil health.
Rice (Oryza sativa)-based system intensification in north-eastern India: Effect on yield, economics and soil properties
Authors: S.K. RAUTARAY  , O.P. VERMA  , B.S. SATAPATHY
Published: December 2023

Attempt was made to adjust three rice crops in a cropping sequence in irrigated lowland, and also to compare productivity and efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L.)ricerice cropping system with ricerice and ricefallow. Re- sults of the 8 years study (200109) revealed that rice variety Chandrama as winter crop, followed by the same variety as summer crop and Vandana as autumn crop could be grown in sequence. The grain yield from the 3 rice cropping sequence was 15.3 t/ha. The productivity of the summer crop (6.8 t/ha) was the highest, followed by the winter crop (5.6 t/ha). The lowest productivity was obtained from autumn crop (2.9 t/ha). Ricerice cropping system produced the lower grain yield of 12.4 t/ha. However, considering production efficiency (48.8 kg grain/ha/ day), sustainable yield index (0.98), net return ( 23,187/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.43), it was better than rice ricerice cropping system. Results on soil chemical properties after eight cropping cycles under ricericerice cropping system revealed that soil pH and available N content were similar to the initial value. However, a buildup of organic carbon (12%), and available phosphorus (39.5%) and potassium (6.4%) in soil was noted.
Productivity and profitability of legumes as influenced by integrated nutrient management with fruit crops under hot arid ecology
Authors: DEVI DAYAL  , S. MANGALASSERY  , S.L. MEENA  , BHAGIRATH RAM
Published: December 2023

A field study was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2008 to 2010 at Bhuj, Gujarat, to assess the possibili- ties of utilizing the inter-row spaces of fruit orchards of aonla (Embelica officinalis), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) for growing legumes such as clusterbean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.], cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] and mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] to serve as an additional source of income. The soil was sandy loam with low organic carbon. Among the 3 legumes evaluated, clusterbean performed well with orchards and gave 304, 399 and 315 kg/ha yields under aonla, ber and pome- granate respectively. Highest benefit: cost ratio of 1.83 was obtained with ber + clusterbean system followed by ber + mothbean (1.65). The experiment on nutrient management for the fruitlegume alley cropping system showed that application of 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and zinc sulphate @ 20 kg/ha with biofertilisers resulted in the highest net returns (13,273/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.15) in cowpea. Clusterbean as an intercrop with ber gave the highest net returns with RDF which was at par with application of 50% RDF with biofertilizer and zinc sulphate @ 20 kg/ha. The study revealed that the inter-row space in fruit crops may effec- tively be utilized for getting additional income for better livelihood of small and marginal farmers in hot arid region of Gujarat.
Effect of weed-management practices on weed dynamics, yield, and economics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in black calcareous soil
Authors: SATYAKUMARI SHARMA  , RAM A. JAT  , B.K. SAGARKA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 on Vertisols at Junagadh, Gujarat to study the effects of pre-and post-emergence herbicides, alone or integrated with manual/mechanical weeding on weed pressure, productivity and economic returns of kharif groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence (PE) + imazethapyr @ 75 g/ha as post-emergence (PoE) herbi- cides 20 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, qual- ity parameters, and net returns over the unweeded control, and was found at par with hand-weeding and inter-cul- turing at 20 and 40 DAS, and pendimethalin @ 0.9 kg/ha as pre-emergence + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS. However, significantly highest NPK in soil after crop harvest was recorded with oxadiargyl @ 90 g/ha as PoE at 20 DAS + hand-weeding and inter-culturing at 40 DAS.
Effect of date of planting and harvesting schedule on heat-unit accumulation and biomass production in Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis)
Authors: S.K. BRAR  , B.S. GILL  , A.S. BRAR
Published: December 2023

The present investigation was carried out during the spring season of 2010 and 2011 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the effect of heat-unit accumulation on herb and oil productivity of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis L.) under different dates of planting and harvesting schedules. The field experiment was laid out in split-plot design keeping 4 dates of planting 1 January, 15 January, 30 January and 15 February in main plots and 3 harvesting schedules (120, 135 and 150 days after planting) in subplots. Japanese mint planted on 15 February recorded the maximum fresh-herb and oil yields, which were statistically at par with that planted on 30 January, but were significantly higher than 15 January and 1 January plantings. The crop planted on 30 January and 15 February accumulated 456 and 624 and 222 and 390 units higher growing degree-days (GDD) than 1 January and 15 January planted crop respectively. The fresh-herb and oil yield of mint increased successively and significantly with delay in har- vesting from 120 to 150 days after planting (DAP). The growing degree-days (GDD), photothermal units (PTU) and heliothermal units (HTU) accumulation were 649, 8,866 and 5,275 and 322, 4,480 and 2,548 units higher in crop harvested at 150 DAP than that harvested 120 and 135 DAP respectively. The interaction effects revealed that crop planted on 15 February and harvested at 150 DAP gave the maximum biomass and oil yield, which were sta- tistically at par with that planted on 30 January and harvested at 150 days after planting, but was significantly bet- ter than all other combination because of higher accumulation of GDD, HTU and PTU. The multiple regression model was found to be well fit with P=0.0006, which revealed that fresh- herb yield of mint was significantly and positively correlated with GDD, HTU and PTU at multiple correlation value of 0.9636.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on yield, intercropping indices and produce quality of different soybean (Glycine max) + cereal intercropping systems
Authors: J. LAYEK  , B.G. SHIVAKUMAR  , D.S. RANA  , S. MUNDA  , K. LAKSHMAN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2009 and 2010 at New Delhi, to study the effect of nitrogen levels on yield, competition and produce quality of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] and in- tercrops. The sole crop of soybean recorded higher seed yield as compared to intercropping. Among the inter- cropping systems, soybean + maize (Zea mays L.) recorded the highest yield of soybean. Incremental N levels to cereal crops showed negative impact on the yield of soybean. While the yield of intercropped maize significantly increased with up to 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), the yield of intercropped sorghum [Sorghum bi- color (L.) Moench.] and pearlmillet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br. Stuntz] increased only up to 75 and 50% RDN respectively. Soybean + maize intercropping supplied with 100% RDN gave the highest net returns and soybean- equivalent yield. The aggressivity and competitive ratio were higher for pearlmillet and sorghum than maize. The protein and nitrogen content in seed, N content in stover and total N uptake in intercropped maize were higher with 75100% RDN, while these parameters increased only up to 75% RDN in intercropped sorghum. In pearlmillet, protein and N content in seed were significantly higher with 75% RDN, while total uptake of N was higher with 50% RDN than lower N levels. The optimum doses of N for intercrops were 66.6 and 70.7 kg/ha for maize, 54.0 and 56.7 kg/ha for sorghum and 35.5 and 31.6 kg/ha for pearlmillet, in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Effect of single-cross hybrids, plant population and fertility levels on productivity and economics of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: R. MOHAN KUMAR  , S.M. HIREMATH  , B.T. NADAGOUDA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Mudhol, Karnataka, to find out suitable maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids and to optimize plant population and fertility levels for higher produc- tivity and profitability of maize. Treatments comprised 3 maize hybrids (NK 6240, Super 900 M and Arjun), 2 plant populations (111,111 and 83,333 plants/ha) and 5 fertility levels [(N P O K O (150, 65 and 65 kg/ha (150) 2 5(65) 2 (65), of N, P O K O respectively), N P O K O , N P O K O , N P O K O and N P O 2 5 2 (187) 2 5(81) 2 (81) (225) 2 5(97) 2 (97) (262) 2 5(114) 2 (114) (300) 2 5(130) K O )]. Among the hybrids, significantly higher grain yield (10.14 t/ha), stover yield (14.38 t/ha), gross returns ( 2 (130) 139,487/ha), net returns ( 87,560/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.68) were recorded in NK 6240. Plant population of 111,111 plants/ha gave significantly higher grain (9.80 t/ha) and stover yields (14.68 t/ha), gross returns ( 135,233/ha), net returns ( 84,563/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.65) over 83,333 plants/ha. Application of N (300) P O K O kg/ha showed significant improvement in growth and yield attributes and it was reflected in signifi- 2 5(130) 2 (130) cantly higher grain yield (10.42 t/ha) and stover yield (14.08 t/ha). The similar trend was also noticed in gross re- turns ( 142,969/ha), net returns ( 87,859/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.65). Interactive effects of hybrids, plant population and fertility levels reveled that, combination of hybrid NK 6240 under plant population of 111,111 plants/ha supplied with N P O K O kg/ha recorded significantly higher grain yield (12.14 t/ha), stover (300) 2 5(130) 2 (130) yields (16.65 t/ha) and uptake of nutrients (366.0 kg N/ha, 71.9 kg P/ha and 172.1 kg K/ha). Gross returns ( 166,759/ha), net returns ( 109,148/ha) were significantly higher in this treatment than rest of the treatments.
Productivity and profitability of basmati rice (Oryza sativa) in response to integrated use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients
Authors: KOMAL YADAV  , R.B. YADAV
Published: December 2023

An experiment was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season 2013, to study the effect of inorganic and or- ganic sources of nutrients on plant growth, productivity and economics of basmati rice in rice (Oryza sativa L.) wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping system at Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Ten treatments con- sisting of control (N P K ), 100% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (120 : 60 : 60 NPK kg/ha) and 125% 0 0 0 RDF were studied against combination of organic manures with chemical fertilizers, i.e. 50% RDF + vermin-com- post (VC) @ 3.82 t/ha, 50% RDF + farm yard manure (FYM) @ 11.71 t/ha, 50% RDF + poultry manure (PM) @ 1.85 t/ha, 50% RDF + VC (@ 1.91 t/ha) + FYM (@ 5.85 t/ha), 50% RDF + VC (@ 1.91 t/ha) + PM (@ 0.97 t/ha), 50% RDF + FYM (@ 5.85 t/ha) + PM (@ 0.97 t/ha) and 50% RDF + FYM (@ 3.90 t/ha) + PM (0.65 t/ha) + VC (@ 1.32 t/ha), in randomize block design with 3 replications. Highest plant height, tillers, dry matter, yield attributes and grain yield (4.56 t/ha) of Basmati rice were recorded with the application of 125% RDF through inorganic source of nutrients which was statistically at par with the treatment of 50% RDF + poultry manure (4.28 t/ha) and significantly higher than 100% RDF (3.84 t/ha) and the control. Among different combination of organic manures with inorganic sources of nutrients, the replacement of 50% RDF with poultry manure recorded in significantly higher yield attributes and yield along with higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio.
Effect of agronomic practices on the performance of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) and associated weeds under Alfisols of eastern dry zone of Karnataka
Authors: C.M. SUNIL  , B.C. SHANKARALINGAPPA  , M.K. SHRUTHI  , B.G. SHEKARA
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during the rainy season (kharif) of 2011 and 2012 at Bengaluru, Karnataka to evaluate the effect of integrated package of agro-techniques on weeds and aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). The ex- periment was set up in a randomized complete-block design replicated thrice, consisting of 10 treatment combina- tions of recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), FYM, FeSO and biofertilizers along with pre-emergence herbi- 4 cide pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 25 g a.i./ha alone and with integrated weed-management practices. Along with this, site-specific nutrient management for targeted yield of 6.5 and 7.5 t/ha, respectively, + integrated weed manage- ment practices were also tried. Treatments receiving integrated weed management practices (pre-emergence her- bicide pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 25 g a.i./ha + hand-weeding at 20 days after sowing + first intercultivation 25 days after sowing and subsequent intercultivations at 15 days interval up to panicle-initiation stage) recorded signifi- cantly lower weed population, weed dry weight and nutrient uptake by weeds than pre-emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl alone. Application of RDF + FYM + biofertilizers + FeSO + integrated weed management re- 4 sulted in significantly higher grain and straw yields, water productivity and nutrient uptake (N,P,K, Zn and Fe) by crop than that with RDF + FYM + pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 25 g a.i./ha. Similar trend was also observed for net re- turns and benefit: cost ratio.
Grain yield, nutrient uptake and water-use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under different moisture regimes, nutrient and hydrogel levels
Authors: SHAHID B. DAR  , HARI RAM
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) season of 201314 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to determine the effect of four irrigation regimes (0, 2, 3 and 4 irrigations) and 6 levels of nutrient and hydrogel [100% recom- mended dose of fertilizer (RDF) 150 kg N: 60 kg P O : 30 kg K O/ha without hydrogel, 100% RDF with 2.5 kg/ha 2 5 2 hydrogel, 100% RDF with 5.0 kg/ha hydrogel, 75% RDF without hydrogel, 75% RDF with 2.5 kg/ha hydrogel and 75% RDF with 5.0 kg/ha hydrogel] on wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.]. Grain yield was the highest under 4 irrigations which was, however, at par with grain yield under 3 irrigations. Using RDF H , 100 5 RDF H and RDF H , similar grain yield was recorded. Consumptive use was highest under 4 irrigations. Wa- 100 2.5 75 5 ter-use efficiency (WUE) decreased with increase in irrigation levels while it showed an increasing trend with in- crease in hydrogel dose. The highest WUE was found with no irrigations along RDF H which was statistically at 100 5 par with application of 2 irrigations along RDF H and no irrigation RDF H . 100 5 100 2.5
Herbicide options for controlling weeds in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) under North Eastern Plains Zone
Authors: RISHI RAJ  , ANIL KUMAR  , VIKASH KUMAR  , C.B. SINGH  , U.C. PANDEY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2012 and 2013 at research farm of Regional Sta- tion, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar, to evaluate suitable herbicide options for controlling weeds in transplanted aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment comprised 8 treatments, viz. pendimethalin 30 EC pre-emergence (PE) @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha, butachlor 50 EC (PE) @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha, oxydiargyl 80 WP (PE) @ 0.10 kg a.i./ha, bispyribac-sodium 10 SC post-emergence (PoE) @ 0.025 kg a.i./ha, ethoxysulfuron 15 WDG (PoE) @ 0.018 kg a.i./ha, pendimethalin (PE) @ 0.75 kg a.i./ha followed by (fb) bispyribac-sodium 10 SC (PoE) @ 0.025 kg a.i./ha, weed free and a weedy check. Sequential application of pendimethalin (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium (PoE) was observed to reduce the Jungle rice [Echinochloa colona (L.) Link] density by 87.6 and 82.7% as compared to weedy check at 30 and 90 days after transplanting (DAT) of crop respectively. At the same time, the density of bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], false daisy [Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk.] and barnyard grass [(Echinochloa crussgalli (L.) Beauv] were also reduced significantly by this treatment. Single appli- cation of ethoxysulfuron (PoE) significantly reduced the population of smallflower umbrella sedge (Cyperus difformis L.) at all growth stages of rice as compared to the other herbicide used. Among the herbicide treatments, significant higher weed-control efficiency (WCE) was recorded with the sequential application of pendimethalin (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium (PoE) to the tune 92.4 and 88.2%, respectively as compared to weedy check at 30 and 90 DAT of crop. Minimum total weed dry biomass (21.1 g/m2) and highest weed-control efficiency (84.8%) were also recorded with application of pendimethalin (PE) fb bispyribac-sodium (PoE). Sequential application of pre- and post-emergence herbicide had significant effect on yield and yield attributes of aromatic rice as compared to single application of pre- or post-emergence herbicides.
Effect of liming, planting time and tillage on system productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems under rainfed valley land condition of North East India
Authors: SAKHEN SOROKHAIBAM  , N. ANANDO SINGH  , L. NABACHANDRA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201012 at Imphal, Manipur, to study the effect of liming, planting time and tillage on system productivity, profitability and resource-use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa L.)rapeseed [Brassica campestris (L.) var. toria] and rice (Oryza sativa L.)lathyrus or khasari (Lathyrus sativus L.) cropping systems. The treatments consisted of 2 factors, i.e. liming (liming and no liming) and planting time (early and nor- mal) which were given to rice crop during rainy (kharif) season in the main plots. During the winter (rabi) season after rice, 2 tillage practices (no tillage and conventional tillage) were given in sub plots and again 2 rabi crops (rapeseed and lathyrus) in sub-subplots. The experiment was laid out in split split plot design with 3 replications. Application of lime @ 500 kg CaCO /ha before planting rice recorded higher system productivity in terms of rice- 3 equivalent yield (REY) of 6.30 t/ha, nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) and water-use efficiency (WUE) of the system; however, it failed to increase benefit: cost ratio. Advancing planting time of rice 15 days ahead of normal planting enhanced growth and yield of rabi crops, resulting increase in REY (6.57 t/ha), land use efficiency (LUE), produc- tion efficiency and partial factor productivity (PFP) of the system by 16.70, 2.90, 13.05 and 16.1% respectively. No tillage enhanced PFP and NUE of the system, while conventional tillage increased energy consumption by 12.4%. Regarding cropping system, ricerapeseed gave higher net return, benefit: cost ratio and production efficiency over ricelathyrus system. However, ricelathyrus system increased NUE, WUE and energy productivity. Rice rapeseed system showed higher productivity and profitability under conventional tillage and normal planting, but ricelathyrus gave better performance under early planting with no tillage.
Evaluation of organic nutrient-management practices in rice (Oryza sativa) tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum)okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) system under irrigated conditions
Authors: A.K. PATRA  , K.N. MISHRA  , L.M. GARNAYAK  , J. HALDER  , S.K. SWAIN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200506 to 201213 on organic nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa L.)tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.)okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) cropping system under irri- gated conditions in a sandy loam soil having pH 5.9 and organic carbon 0.76% at Chiplima, Odisha. Eight treat- ments comprising 5 organic, 2 integrated and 1 inorganic approach of nutrient management were evaluated with 3 replications. Organic source of nutrient supply reduced the system yield by 5.512.7% compared to the inorganic source in the first year. However, the mean system yield of conversion period (first 3 cropping system cycles) with organic treatment comprising supply of one-third N each through farmyard manure (FYM), green manuring of dhaincha (Sesbania cannabina) or vermicompost and neem oilcake + Azospirillum or Azotobacter + phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was at par with inorganic and integrated approach. The mean system yield from fourth to eighth cropping system cycles (after conversion period) with organic source of nutrient supply, i.e. FYM + green manuring or vermicompost + neem oilcake + Azospirillum or Azotobacter + PSB was significantly higher (12%) than that of with inorganic source of nutrient supply, i.e. 100% NPK + ZnSO @ 25 kg/ha to rice and 100% 4 NPK + gypsum @ 110 kg/ha + borax @ 10 kg/ha + ammonium molybdate @ 0.8 kg/ha to both tomato and okra. The organic nutrient-management package increased the soil organic carbon and available N, P and K at the end of eighth cropping system cycle over the initial and the buildup was maximum in the soil applied with one-third N each through FYM, dhaincha/vermicompost and neem oilcake + Azospirillum/ Azotobacter + PSB. The microbial population in terms of colony-forming units increased in a higher rate in soils with organic nutrient-supply system (bacteria 32.4 to 37.1%, fungi 30.2 to 34.4% and actinomycetes 29.3 to 35.9%) compared to the inorganic source of nutrient supply system (bacteria 11.2%, fungi 5.5% and actinomycetes 11.3%) after eighth cropping system cycle over initial status. The microbial biomass carbon of the soils with organic sources of nutrient supply was en- hanced considerably (53.4% to 61.8%) over the initial level (104.7 to 118.2 ?g C/g).
Influence of balanced nutrition on productivity, economics and nutrient uptake of hybrid maize (Zea mays)chickpea (Cicer arietinum) cropping sequence under irrigated ecosystem
Authors: S.M. HIREMATH  , R. MOHAN KUMAR  , ASHOK KUMAR GADDI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 201213, 201314 and 201415 at farmers fields of Nargund taluk of Gadag district, Karnataka, to study the response of maize (Zea mays L.)chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cropping sequence to balanced nutrition. The experiment, consisting of 7 treatments, viz. absolute control, recommended N alone, recommended N and P, recommended N and K, recom- mended NPK, recommended NPK with ZnSO and farmers practice, was replicated in 12 farmers field in random- 4 ized complete-block design. Application of 150 kg/ha N, 75 kg/ha P and 37.5 kg/ha K along with 25 kg/ha ZnSO 4 to maize recorded significantly higher grain (5.42 t/ha) and stover (7.61 t/ha) yields, gross returns (63.86 103 / ha), net returns (36.50 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.33). Similarly, significantly higher NPK uptake was with this treatment combination. In the succeeding chickpea, application of 25 kg/ha N, 50 kg/ha P and 15 kg/ha ZnSO 4 resulted in significantly higher seed (1.38 t/ha) and haulm (1.93 t/ha) yields. This treatment also recorded signifi- cantly higher gross returns (47.16 103 /ha), net returns (31.49 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.40). System productivity of the cropping sequence indicated that significantly higher maize-equivalent yield (9.22 t/ha), system production efficiency (41.92 kg/ha/day) and system net returns (67.99 103 /ha) were observed with the applica- tion of 150 kg/ha N, 75 kg/ha P and 37.5 kg/ha K along with 25 kg/ha ZnSO to maize and 25 kg/ha N, 50 kg/ha P 4 and 15 kg/ha ZnSO to succeeding chickpea. 4
Hydro and aeroponic technique for rapid drought tolerance screening in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: BHUPENDER KUMAR  , SHRADDHA SRIVASTAVA  , HARPREET KAUR  , PRANJAL YADAVA  , SHANKAR LAL JAT  , CHITER MAL PARIHAR  , ADITYA KUMAR SINGH  , TANU TIWARI  , VINOD KUMAR  , SAVITA SHARMA  , JYOTI KAUL
Published: December 2023

Present study was carried out under field and controlled conditions at New Delhi during 2015 and 2016 to stan- dardize a new rapid screening technique to identify drought tolerant maize (Zea mays L.)genotypes. The geno- types have shown variable wilting symptoms and recovery during the stress and while reverting back to hydro- ponic, respectively. Only the tolerant genotypes, viz. hybrid PMH 4 and inbreds DQL633-1-1, DQL 790 PG-2-4, CM 125, CM 140, and LM 14 have shown less wilting and much faster recovery compared to susceptible ones viz., IMH 1415, CML 327, CML 207, CML 176, CML 266, and CML 556(W). The new rapid method could able to identify and verified the drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes very effectively at seedling stage and therefore it can be utilized in breeding programme for preliminary identification of drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes.
Weed dynamics and productivity under different tillage and weed-management practices in maize (Zea mays)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping sequence
Authors: LOBZANG STANZEN  , ANIL KUMAR  , B.C. SHARMA  , R. PUNIYA  , ASHU SHARMA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201314 and 201415 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology of Jammu, to study the effect of tillage and weed-management practices on weed dy- namics and productivity in maize (Zea mays L.)wheat {Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping se- quence. Weed density, weed biomass, grain and stover yields of maize were found statistically at par in continu- ous conventional tillage and rotational conventional tillage in maize and zero tillage in wheat under maize. How- ever, in wheat the density and biomass of grassy weeds were found significantly lowest under continuous zero till- age preceded by zero tillage or conventional tillage in maize. The different tillage treatments had non-significant effect on density and biomass of broad-leaf weeds and yields (grain and straw) of wheat. Amongst the weed-man- agement practices, 2 hand-weedings 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) in maize and application of metribuzin (200 g/ha) at 30 DAS in wheat significantly reduced weed density, biomass and recorded significantly higher yields of maize and wheat respectively, over weedy check in both maize and wheat. Among the tillage treatments, adoption of zero tillage in maize and conventional tillage in wheat also proved economically beneficial with the highest benefit: cost ratio and the lowest cost of cultivation in maizewheat system followed by continuous zero tillage in both the crop. However, in weed management, application of atrazine 1 kg/ha in maize and metribuzin (200 g/ha) in wheat resulted the highest benefit: cost ratio and net returns followed by 2 hand-weedings. At the end of the maizewheat cropping cycles, both tillage and weed-management practices did not influence on status of bulk density of the soil.
Influence of long-term integrated nutrient management on productivity and soil properties in rice (Oryza sativa)rice cropping system in an acidic soil
Authors: A.K. PATRA  , K.N. MISHRA  , L.M. GARNAYAK  , J. HALDER  , S.K. SWAIN
Published: December 2023

A permanent plot experiment on integrated nutrient supply system with 12 treatments replicated thrice in rice (Oryza sativa L.)rice cropping system was conducted during 198384 to 201314 at Chiplima in a sandy loam soil. The soil had pH 5.4 and organic carbon 0.62%. Application of 50% recommended dose of nutrients through chemical fertilizers (RDF, i.e. N:P:K @ 100-22-41.3 kg/ha) coupled with 50% recommended N through green ma- nuring of Sesbania cannabina to the rainy season (kharif) rice followed by supply of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers to summer rice resulted in higher average (of 31 years) system yield of 9.32 t/ha/year. This treatment combination increased average system yield by 7, 25 and 122% over application of RDF, farmers practice (N:P:K @ 50-11-20.7 kg/ha + 2 t FYM/ha for both crops) and control (without application of any fertilizer) respectively. This treatment also recorded the highest system gross returns ( 115,030/ha), net returns ( 59,284/ha) and ben- efit: cost ratio (2.06). Application of 50% RDF through fertilizers coupled with 50% recommended N through FYM to kharif rice followed by supply of 100% RDF through chemical fertilizers to summer rice was the second best treatment combination with system grain yield 9.21 t/ha/year, system gross returns ( 113,520) and net returns ( 54,874/ha). These were also most sustainable and improved soil physico-chemical properties with respect to bulk density, soil organic carbon, available NPK, microbial biomass carbon and soil nutrient balance.
Soil properties and nutrient uptake as influenced by mulching in maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems
Authors: BIDYAPATI NGANGOM  , ANUP DAS  , RAMKRUSHNA GANDHIJI IDAPUGANTI  , JAYANTA LAYEK
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya (950 m above sea-level) during the rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of 201213, to study the effect of soil-moisture conservation (SMC) measures on nutrient uptake and soil fertility in maize (Zea mays L.)-based cropping se- quences. Significantly the highest soil organic carbon (SOC) was recorded under maizeFrench bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (pole type) system (1.72%) followed by maizeblackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] (1.70%) at 015 cm depth. In-situ maize stover mulch (MSM) + white hoarypea (Tephrosia candida DC.) @ 10 t/ha (on fresh weight basis) mulch resulted in significantly higher SOC (1.72%), followed by MSM + ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) mulch 10 t/ha (1.69%). The highest soil available N (268.6 kg/ha) and P (15.7 kg/ha) were recorded under maize blackgram and K (277.6 kg/ha) under maizeFrench bean cropping system. The MSM + Tephrosia mulch re- corded significantly higher soil available N, P and K, followed by MSM + Ambrosia. MaizeFrench bean (pole type) cropping system had significantly higher soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC; 258.55 ?g/g soil) and dehydroge- nase activity (DHA; 37.27 ?g TPF/hr/g) than that under maizefallow. Among the SMC measures, MSM + Tephrosia recorded the maximum SMBC (265.75 ?g/g soil) and DHA (34.27 ?g TPF/hr/g) followed by MSM + Am- brosia. On an average, nutrient (N, P and K) content and uptake in seed and stover of all the rabi crops were the highest under MSM + Tephrosia followed by MSM + Ambrosia system. The highest maize-equivalent yield was ob- tained from maizeFrenchbean (pole type) system under MSM + Tephrosia mulch (9.5 t/ha), followed by MSM + Ambrosia mulch (8.8 t/ha).
Response of maize (Zea mays) hybrids to varying spacing and fertility levels grown during spring season
Authors: ASHU SHARMA  , DILEEP KACHROO  , R. PUNIYA  , N.P. THAKUR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the spring season of 2013 at Chatha, Jammu, to study the response of maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids to varying spacing and fertility levels. The row spacing of 60 cm resulted in signifi- cantly higher grain yield, stover yield, heat-use efficiency (HUE), heliothermal-use efficiency (HTUE) and total NPK uptake by spring maize with higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio than row spacing of 70 cm. Among the . hybrids, PMH 1 exhibited significantly higher total NPK uptake of spring maize with concomitant significant in- crease of grain, stover yield and harvest index than JH 3459. However, the HUE and HTUE were significantly higher in JH 3459 than PMH 1. Hybrid PMH 1 also recorded higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio than JH 3459. Amongst the fertility levels, the application of N P K kg/ha resulted in the highest grain and stover 140 30.5 29.2 yields, nutrient uptake and soil-nutrient build up, which was statistically at par with N P K kg/ha and signifi- 120 26.20 25 cantly higher than N P K kg/ha and N P K kg/ha. The highest benefit: cost ratio was recorded with the 80 17.5 16.7 100 21.8 20.8 application of N P K kg/ha followed by N P K kg/ha. 120 26.2 25 140 30.6 29.2