bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herbage and phytochemicals yield of mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) as influenced by time of harvest
Authors: R.S. JAT  , N.A. GAJBHIYE
Published: December 2023

Indian pennywort or mandukaparni [Centella asiatica (L.) Urban] containing four triterpenes; asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid as principal bioactive phytochemicals, is an important medicinal crop and valued as brain tonic worldwide. An experiment was conducted during 201214 at Anand, Gujarat, to in- vestigate the effects of harvest time of main crop of mandukaparni as well as ratoon on herbage yield, and triterpenes content and yield. Significantly higher leaf area was found at the first harvesting of main crop at 6 months (21.9 cm2/leaf) and ratoon harvesting at 4 months (22.1 cm2/leaf), whereas leaves/node were found mark- edly higher at 4 months of first harvest (MFH) (11.3) and 2 months of ratoon harvest (MRH) (11). The first harvest- ing of the main crop at 5 months and ratoon harvesting at 4 months recorded markedly higher dry herbage yield (1,404 kg/ha), being higher by 54.8% over 4 MFH and 2 MRH. The highest triterpenes content were recorded at the first as well as ratoon harvesting at 4 months (2%) and increased by 42.8% over 4 MFH and 2 MRH. The triterpenes yield was markedly higher at the first harvesting of main crop at 5 months and ratoon harvesting at 4 months (26.7 kg/ha), which was 107% higher over 4 MFH and 2 MRH. Thus, mandukaparni should be harvested first at 5 months after planting and ratoon at 4 months interval for the production of maximum herbage and phytochemicals on unit area basis under commercial cultivation.
Maximizing seed and fodder production in Cenchrus species through foliar spray of growth promoters
Authors: R.P. NAGAR  , S.S. MEENA  , S.L. MEENA
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during 2011 to 2013 at Western Regional Research Station (ICAR-Indian Grass- land and Fodder Research Institute), Avikanagar, Rajasthan, for evaluating the effect of foliar spray of different growth-promoters on seed yield and quality in Cenchrus species. The experiment was laid in randomized block design with 3 replications under rainfed condition. Foliar sprays of 3 growth-promoters, thiourea (0.25, 0.50 and 0.75%), GA (50, 100 and 150 ppm), KNO (2, 4 and 6%) were applied at panicle-initiation stage on IGFRI 3108 3 3 cv. of buffel grass (C. ciliaris L.) CAZRI 392 cv. of birdwood grass (C. setigerus Vahl). In C. ciliaris, foliar spray of 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO increased seed yield by 39, 31 and 50% respectively, over the control. 3 3 Similarly, in C. setigerus application of these growth-promoters at the same concentration showed increment in seed yield by 46, 39 and 60%, respectively, over the control. Proportion of spikelets with seed increased signifi- cantly by 0.25% thiourea, 50 ppm GA and 2% KNO by 12, 18 and 24%, respectively, in C. ciliaris, while in C. 3 3 setigerus 0.5% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO found optimum dose that increased proportion of filled seed 3 3 by 26, 20 and 31% respectively. The foliar application significantly increased germination and seedling length. Dry fodder yield increased by 0.50% thiourea, 100 ppm GA and 4% KNO with high magnitude, viz. 30, 49 and 41% 3 3 and 40, 47 and 47% in C. ciliaris and C. setigerus respectively.
Yield components and nutrient accumulation in maize (Zea mays) under variable growing environments and chlorophyll meter-guided nitrogen fertilization
Authors: ARKA PRABHA GHOSH  , ANCHAL DASS  , RAMANJIT KAUR  , ANIL KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201415 on sandy loam soil at ICARIndian Agricultural Research In- stitute, New Delhi, to study the effect of different growing environments and chlorophyll meter-based nitrogen (N)- management practices on yield components, yield and nutrient uptake in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars. Maize hy- brid PEEHM 5 exhibited significantly larger yield attributes and higher grain yield than Pusa Composite 3 (PC 3), and earlier planting dates, 9 July and 24 July, depicted significant edge over later planting on 7 August. Chlo- rophyll meter-based N application up to silking (CMB), i.e. 30 kg/ha N basal + 30 kg/ha N top-dressed when soil- plant analysis development meter (SPAD) value falls to ? 37.5, increased the magnitude of all yield attributes and yield compared to soil-test-crop response based (STCRB)-N application. Grain N, P and K uptakes were 13.3, 30.7 and 11.8%, respectively, higher in PEEHM 5 than in PC 3. Similarly, CMB N application resulted in 17.2, 18.7 and 11.2% higher N, P and K uptake in grain and 9.3% greater grain yield compared to STCRB N. Overall, variety PEEHM 5 planted on 9 July and fertilized with N based on chlorophyll meter readings was a better option than the others with respect to yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake in the north Indian plains.
Effect of sowing dates and varieties on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of summer mungbean (Vigna radiata)
Authors: SHERSINGH PALSANIYA  , R. PUNIYA  , ASHU SHARMA  , B.R. BAZAYA  , DILEEP KACHROO
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during the summer of 2013 at Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, to study the effect of sowing date and variety on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. The ex- periment was laid-out in a split-plot design, consisting of 4 sowing dates (20 March, 5 April, 20 April and 5 May) as main-plot treatments and 4 varieties SML 668, Samrat, Meha and IPM 02-3 as subplot treatments, with 3 repli- cations. Among the sowing dates, the highest grain yield (0.93 t/ha) of summer mungbean was recorded when the crop was raised on 20 March, which was statistically at par with 5 April, but significantly higher than 20 April and 5 May. Among the mungbean varieties, the highest grain yield was observed in Samrat, being statistically at par with SML 668 and significantly superior to IPM 02-3 and Meha. The sowing dates and varieties had significant influence on the pods/plant, grains/pod and 1,000-seed weight. The highest pods/plant (17.3), grains/pod (7.3) and 1,000-seed weight (37.8 g) were obtained with 20 March sowing, which was significantly higher than that ob- tained with 5 May sowing. Among the varieties, the maximum pods/plant (16.6) were recorded with IPM 02-3, be- ing statistically at par with Samrat. However, the highest grains/pod (7.4) were with Samrat which was at par with SML 668. The growth parameters, viz. plant height, dry-matter accumulation and leaf-area index, were in- creased with the delay in sowing from 20 March to 5 April. The protein content in grain was not influenced by sow- ing dates and varieties.
Effect of sowing date and nitrogen fertilizer on growth, yield and nitrogen uptake of forage turnip (Brassica rapa)
Authors: VINOD UKAI  , NISHA KANT CHOPRA  , N.K. CHOPRA  , RAKESH KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, during the winter season of 201213 on clay loam soils, to evaluate the effect of different sowing dates and nitrogen fertilizer on forage yield and nitrogen uptake in turnip [Brassica rapa (L.)]. The crop sown on 26 September recorded sig- nificantly higher plant height, number of leaves, forage yield, and nitrogen uptake than that sown on 26 October and 11 November. Higher values of plant height and forage yield were the reflection of higher accumulation of growing degree-days, which gradually reduced with delay in sowing from 26 September to 11 November respec- tively. Forage yield was significantly improved by application of nitrogen at 160 kg N/ha compared to lower nitro- gen levels. Response of nitrogen to forage yield of turnip was linear. Net returns ( 62,411/ha) and ( 56,534/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.57) and (2.34) were the highest with 26 September sowing and 160 kg N/ha respectively.
Influence of establishment methods, irrigation water levels and weed- management practices on growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: SHANTAPPA DUTTARGANVI  , R. MAHENDER KUMAR  , B.K. DESAI  , B.T. PUJARI  , K. TIRUPATAIAH  , B.G. KOPPALKAR  , M.R. UMESH  , M.K. NAIK  , K. YELLA REDDY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons of of 201213 and 201314 at the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Telangana, in clay loam soils, to evaluate the influence of different establishment techniques, irrigation water levels and weed-management practices on productivity, growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). System of rice intensification (SRI) was significantly superior to conventional and mechanized transplanting for grain yield (6.10 and 6.47 t/ha), yield attributes like panicles/m2 (376 and 405), panicle weight (4.6 and 4.9 g), 1,000-grains weight (17 and 18 g) and growth parameters like leaf area (2,743.6 and 2,820.5 cm2/hill) and effective tillers/m2 (470 and 482) during kharif and rabi respectively, in both the years. Al- ternate wetting and drying (AWD) and cono-weeding recorded significantly higher growth and yield parameters over the other irrigation and weed-management practices, respectively, due to profuse root growth and aerated condition.
Energetics, productivity and weed control in different rice (Oryza sativa) establishment methods in North-Western Indo-Gangetic Plains
Authors: SIMERJEET KAUR  , SURJIT SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana (Punjab) during the rainy (kharif) season of 2009 and 2010, to study the effect of various establishment methods and weed-control treatments on weeds, crop growth, yield attributes and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 5 establishment methods, i.e. dry-seeding with 3 different drillszero till drill, modified furrow drill, con- ventional seed-cum-fertilizer drill in unpuddled soil, wetseeding or manual broadcast in puddled soil and manual transplanting in puddled soil, and 4 weed-control treatments, viz. pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha, sequential application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha and bispyribac 0.025 kg/ha or azimsulfuron 0.02 kg/ha and weed-free in 4 replications. Weed biomass at harvesting, effective tillers and grain yield did not vary signifi- cantly among different establishment methods. At 60 days after sowing, 27% more plant height, 5.6% more num- ber of tillers and 49% more crop biomass were recorded under direct seeding methods than transplanting method. More net returns ( 36,660/ha) and energy output: input ratio (5.04) were recorded under dry seeding methods than wet seeding ( 28,792/ha and 4.24) and puddled transplanted method ( 27,305/ha and 4.47). The maximum grain yield (6.7 t/ha) was recorded under weed-free treatment which was statistically at par with sequential use of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha with bispyribac 0.025 kg (6.6 t/ha) or azimsulfuron 0.02 kg/ha (6.5 t/ha). Sequential ap- plication of pre- and post-emergence herbicides resulted in more benefit: cost ratio (1.66) and energy output: input ratio (5.32).
Effect of levels and sources of zinc on growth, yield and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) under temperate conditions
Authors: SYED TALIB  M. ANWAR BHAT  , ASHAQ HUSSAIN  , MANZOOR A. GANAI  , N.A. TELI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2011 and 2012 on silty clay loam soil of Khudwani, Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir medium in Zn with neutral pH, to assess the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.) to levels and sources of Zn. Factorial combinations of 3 levels of Zn (3, 6 and 9 kg/ha), supplied through 5 sources (ZnSO , ZnO, zinc-enriched urea, Zn-FYM incubated and Zn-EDTA) and 1 absolute control was laid out 4 in randomized complete block design with 3 replications. A significant response was observed to Zn application up to 6 kg/ha in respect of growth parameters like plant height, leaf-area index (LAI), dry-matter accumulation, and number of tillers/hill. The Zn sources had a significant effect on LAI and number of tillers only. Yield attributes, namely panicles/m2, panicle length, and grains/panicle, also got significantly increased up to 6 kg Zn/ha and the same were at par with 9 kg Zn/ha. Application of 3 and 6 kg Zn/ha increased the grain yield by 5.7% and 10.9% over the control, respectively, during 2011. The corresponding figures for the year 2012 were 7.1% and 14.3%. The data averaged over 2 years showed that Zn-EDTA though at par with Zn-enriched urea and Zn-FYM incu- bated, realized 6.4% and 7.6% higher grain yield compared to ZnO and ZnSO respectively. Zinc concentration in 4 brown rice averaged over 2 years increased from 38 to 49 mg/kg with the increase in Zn application rates from 3 to 9 kg/ha respectively. The Zn-EDTA resulted higher Zn concentration of 46.4 mg/kg respectively in brown rice,
Soil fertility and nutrient management in tropical tuber cropsAn overview
Authors: K. SUSAN JOHN  , JAMES GEORGE  , S.U. SHANIDA BEEGUM  , Y.S. SHIVAY
Published: December 2023

Tuber crops are the most important land-grown food crops after cereals and grain legumes. They are either the staple or subsidiary food for about one-fifth of the human population, mostly in the developing countries of the tropics. Tropical tuber crops like cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.), sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.], yams (Discorea spp.), aroids and minor tubers deserve special recognition owing to their higher biological effi- ciency (250 kcal/ha/day), ability to sustain under marginal environmental conditions, less incidence of insect-pests and diseases, high starch content (1535%) and their excellent physico-chemical and biochemical properties in the preparation of several value-added products. Though tuber crops especially cassava grow under marginally fertile soil conditions, our experience under a long-term fertilizer experiment revealed their very high and positive response to manures and fertilizers. This review encompasses the research work undertaken in the soil fertility and nutrient management of tropical tuber crops covering aspects on nutrient uptake/ utilization, fertilizer-cum- manurial recommendations, critical nutrient concentrations, nutritional disorders, and their correction.
Response of rice (Oryza sativa) hybrids to integrated nitrogen management under different methods of cultivation
Authors: A.L. JAT  , V.K. SRIVASTAVA  , AVIJIT SEN  , J.S. BOHRA  , B.R. MAURYA  , RAJESH KUMAR SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2012 and 2013 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of integrated nitrogen management on performance of rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids under different methods of cultivation on sandy clay-loam soil. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot design with 2 crop-establishment methods and 2 hybrids assigned to main plots, and 6 integrated nitrogen-management treatments were allocated in subplots and replicated thrice. Transplanting of rice under system of rice intensifica- tion (SRI) and rice cv. Arize 6444 recorded significantly higher growth attributes, viz. plant height, tillers/hill, leaf- area index, and dry-matter accumulation/hill, with almost all yield-attributing characters and yield, except plant height and panicle length which were significantly higher PHB 71 than Arize 6444. The SRI planting increased the grain and straw yield by 14.76% and 13.11% over normal transplanting. Similarly, SRI planting and Arize 6444 cultivar also gave significantly maximum benefit in respect to gross returns, net returns ( 66,138 and 61,535/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.86 and 1.66) over normal transplanting and PHB 71. Among all the inte- grated nitrogen-management treatments, application of 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) + 50% N through FYM + Azospirillum recorded significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes, grain yield (6.94 t/ha), straw yield (9.16 t/ha), harvest index, net monetary returns ( 68,064/ha), but application of 125% RDN was found economically feasible in respect to benefit: cost ratio (1.88) owing to lower cost of cultivation.
Enhancing productivity of spring maize (Zea mays) through planting methods, varieties and irrigation levels in Punjab
Authors: MANINDER SINGH  , KRISHAN KUMAR VASHIST
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 2010 and 2011 at Ludhiana to enhance the pro- ductivity of spring maize through cultivars, planting methods and irrigation scheduling. The experiment was con- ducted in 3 times replicated factorial split-plot design, where main-plots received 9 combinations of three varieties viz. JH 3956, PMH 2 and JH 3459 and 3 methods of planting viz. freshly prepared beds, ridges and flat plots while sub-plots received 3 irrigation levels based on IW:CPE ratios viz. 1.2, 0.9 and 0.6. Crop planted on southern slope of east-west laid beds and ridges recorded 18.018.1% higher grain yield, 19.721.2% higher irrigation wa- ter productivity (IWP) and 37.838.6% higher net returns over variable costs in comparison to flat planted crop. Cultivar JH 3956 produced 12.7% higher grain yield, similar IWP and 25.7% higher returns as compared to PMH 2, which in turn recorded 7.9% higher grain yield, 6.5% higher IWP and 17.6% higher returns than that of JH 3459 cultivar. The IWP was recorded the highest in IW:CPE ratio of 0.6 while the grain yield and economic returns was the highest with irrigation at 0.9 IW:CPE ratio.
Influence of irrigation and nitrogen levels on growth, yield attributes and yield of maize (Zea mays)
Authors: K. RAMACHANDIRAN  , S. PAZHANIVELAN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2013 and 2014, to investigate the effect of nitrogen and water-management practices on potential yield of maize. The crop was subjected to 2 irrigation levels (cumulative pan evaporation: 0.80 and 0.50) and 5 staggered nitrogen levels (0, 50, 75, 100 and 125% of recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN). The ex- periment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. Irrigation at IW : CPE ratio of 0.80 along with 250 kg N/ha (100% RDN) favourably increased the higher growth parameters, nutrient uptake, yield attributes and higher grain yield (7.31 t/ha) of maize. The crop did not respond significantly to further increase in nitrogen level up to 125% RDN (312 kg N/ha) over the 100% of recommended dose of nitro- gen (250 kg N/ha). Better correlation coefficient of r2 = > 0.95 was obtained with significant at P = 0.01 levels be- tween growth parameters and yield attributes of maize. The same set of treatment resulted in higher net returns (64.3 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.89) than others.
Effect of sowing methods, paddy straw mulch and irrigation schedules on crop performance, water productivity and monetary returns of barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: JAGROOP KAUR  , S.S. MAHAL
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201314 and 201415 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the impact of sowing methods, mulch levels and irrigation schedules on crop performance and monetary returns of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The sowing methods, i.e. bed and conventional flat sowing, did not influence significantly the growth, yield, water productivity and gross and net returns. Application of paddy straw mulch @ 6 t/ha increased the growth, dry-matter accumulation (5.3 and 11.5%), yield-attributing characters, yield (5.0 and 10.8%), water productivity (7.8 and 19.4%) and gross (4.9 and 10.8%) and net returns (2.0 and 4.2%) than 3 t/ha mulch and no-mulch application respectively. Irrigation schedule of irrigation water : cumulative pan evaporation (IW : CPE) ratio of 1.0 exhibited the maximum dry-matter accumulation at harvesting, yield-attrib- uting characters, 3.7 and 5.8% higher grain yield and gross and net returns and 5.4 and 7.9% higher benefit: cost ratio than IW : CPE ratio of 0.8 and 0.6 respectively. However, water productivity was the maximum at an IW: CPE ratio of 0.6, being comparable to an IW : CPE of 0.8 and 9.7% higher than an IW : CPE of 1.0.
Effect of post-emergence herbicides on yield and economics of sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: SOURAV GUPTA  , S.S. KUSHWAH  , RAJENDRA MANDLOI  , JYOTIMALA SAHU  , R.N. SHARMA  , SUSHIL YADAV
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, to study effect of post-emergence herbicides on yield and economics of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). The ex- periment was laid out in a randomzied block design (RBD) replicated thrice, with 8 treatments. Sesame variety TKG 22 was grown by adopting recommended package of practices except weed-control measures which were applied as per treatments. Two hand-weedings at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) gave significantly higher weed control efficiency (94.14%), followed by propaquizafop @ 125 g a.i./ha (69.51%) over rest of the weed-con- trol treatments. Pooled results showed significantly higher growth and yield attributes and seed yield (718 kg/ha), stalk yield (3,243 kg/ha), gross income ( 73.4 103), net income ( 47.3 103) and benefit: cost ratio (2.82) under 2 hand-weeding at 20 and 40 DAS over rest of the weed-control treatments, followed by propaquizafop @ 50 g a.i./ha. Application of propaquizafop @ 125 g a.i./ha produced phytotoxicity on sesame plants and subsequently affected the growth attributes in crop; however, symptoms of chlorosis disappeared 2530 days after application of herbicides.
Influence of irrigation levels and mulching on growth, water use, yield, economics and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum) under new alluvial soil of West Bengal
Authors: H. BANERJEE  , A.M. PUSTE  , K. RAY  , S. SARKAR  , A. CHAKRABORTY  , L. RANA
Published: December 2023

The field trials were conducted on sandy-loam soil of District Seed Farm, Adisaptagram, Hooghly, West Ben- gal, during 3 consecutive winter seasons of 201112, 201213 and 201314, to study the performance of Kufri Jyoti potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under different irrigation levels and mulching under West Bengal region of Eastern India. Growth attributes increased in all the irrigation treatments over the control, and irrigation at 20 mm cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) performed the best. Mulching also resulted in higher growth attributes over no- mulch situation. All the irrigation levels recorded higher tuber yield (grade-wise as well as total) over the control, and the total tuber yield was the highest (32.31 t/ha) with irrigation at 20 mm CPE. Consistent decline in yield (24.43 to 88.39%) was recorded with the decrease in irrigation frequency, while water-use efficiency increased lin- early from 80.78 to 114.33 kg/ha-mm in response to water stress. Maximum net income and benefit: cost ratio were recorded with the crop irrigated at 20 mm CPE, accounting 179 and 54% more over the control treatment re- spectively. Irrespective of irrigation levels, crops in mulched plots (with paddy straw @ 5 t/ha) resulted in higher net returns and benefit: cost ratio than those crops in no-mulch plots. The plots irrigated thrice at critical stages (control) recorded 22.3, 50.7 and 15.4% higher available N, P and K content, respectively over the plots irrigated at 20 mm CPE. Quality characteristics like dry-matter content, specific gravity, crude protein, ash content, starch and vitamin C content increased with decreased frequency irrigation. Potato cultivar Kufri Jyoti may be irrigated at 20 mm CPE in combination with paddy straw mulching @ 5 t/ha for higher table-purpose potato tubers, total yield and better quality of tubers.
Improving soil health and water productivity of lentil (Lens esculentum) sown after lowland rice (Oryza sativa) through appropriate variety and rice residue management
Authors: EMDOR SHYLLA  , ANUP DAS  , RAMKRUSHNA G.I  , JAYANTA LAYEK  , P.K. GHOSH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rainy and winter seasons of 201213 in lowland at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to identify suitable rice (Oryza sativa L.) and lentil (Lens esculentum Medik.) cultivars and appropriate rice residue-management practices (RRMPs) for enhancing produc- tivity of ricelentil system and improving soil health. The results revealed that there was no significant effect of rice cultivars on productivity of lentil. However, the yield of lentil was significantly influenced by lentil cultivars and RRMP. Lentil variety IPL 406 recorded significantly higher yield (1.82 t/ha), water-use efficiency (9.46 kg/ha-mm) and water productivity (3.30 kg/m3) compared to that of DPL 81. Amongst RRMPs, mulching recorded signifi- cantly higher lentil yield (1.87 t/ha), water-use efficiency (9.75 kg/ha/mm) and water productivity (3.40 kg/m3) com- pared to 20 cm standing stubble and residue removal. Irrespective of rice and lentil cultivars, mulching recorded about 26.7% and 18.7% higher lentil yield than residue removal and 20 cm standing stubble respectively. Avail- able N and K were higher when DPL 81 grown after rice cultivar Shahsarang 1 as compared to that under Mendri. Significantly higher available N, K and soil organic carbon were recorded under mulching than 20 cm standing stubble and straw removal. The dehydrogenase activity and soil microbial biomass carbon were signifi- cantly higher under mulching than removal and 20 cm standing stubble. Thus, growing of lentil IPL 406 under mulching @ 5 t/ha after high-yielding varieties of rice Shahsarang 1 is a viable option for enhancing productivity and WUE under rainfed lowland conditions.
Efficacy of different herbicides against complex weed flora in direct-seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: ROHITASH BAJIYA  , DHARAM BIR  , S.S. PUNIA  , ASHOK YADAV
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the rainy (kharif) season of 2013 at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Karnal, India, to evaluate the different combinations of herbicides as alone and tank-mix to control the dynamic and complex weed flora in direct-seeded basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). Bispyribac-Na was the most effective against grassy weed Echinochloa crus-galli, and pyrazosulfuron, azimsulfuron and ethoxysulfuron against broad-leaf weeds and sedges. Tank-mix application of fenoxaprop showed antagonistic effect on efficacy of bispyribac against weeds. Among the herbicidal treatments, application of pendimethalin 1,000 g/ha (PRE) followed by(fb) tank-mix combination of bispyribac-sodium 25 g/ha with pyrazosulfuron 25 g/ha or azimsulfuron 20 g/ha or ethoxysulfuron 18.037.5 g/ha (weed-control efficiency at 60 DAS: 93.395.6%) were found to be the best combinations for control of complex weed flora in direct-seeded rice, with significant improvement in effective tillers (71.373/m row length), grain yield (4,0134,103 kg/ha), net returns ( 108,856113,485/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.452.53) as compared to weedy check (35.0/m row length, 1,552 kg/ha, 1,590/ha and 1.02 respectively).
Maximizing system productivity and profitability through crop intensification and diversification with rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems in acid soils of Assam
Authors: A. BAISHYA  , BHABESH GOGOI  , J. HAZARIKA  , J.P. HAZARIKA  , A.S. BORA  , A.K. DAS  , M. BORAH  , P. SUTRADHAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted for 6 consecutive years during 200809 to 201314, at Jorhat, Assam, to study the soil fertility, system productivity and profitability through crop intensification and diversification with rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based cropping system under irrigated medium land acid soil situation of Assam. From the pool analysis of data, it was observed that rice-equivalent yield, system productivity and nutrient-use productivity were found to be the highest in winter ricecabbage [Brassica oleracea (L.) greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] (REY 17.72 t/ha) sequence, followed by winter ricechilli (Capsicum annuum L.)blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] sequence (REY 14.37 t/ha) among the 8 cropping sequences under study. There were improvements in post harvest physico-chemical properties of soil in different rice-based cropping systems. Significant variation with 34.0, 36.9 and 65.5% increase in available N, P O and K O, respectively, were recorded in winter riceradish 2 5 2 (Raphanus sativus L.)French beangreengram sequences over initial status of soil. Total uptake of nutrients were also the highest of winter riceradishFrench beangreengram sequence followed by winter riceknolkhol [Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (L.) Alef. Var. gongylodes L.]French beancowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] (fodder) sequence. Economic analysis of the systems revealed that the highest gross returns (210.8 103 /ha), net returns (145.1 103 /ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.21) were recorded in winter ricecabbage greengram sequence under irrigated medium land situation of Assam.
Efficient nitrogen management in wheat (Triticum aestivum) using leaf-colour chart and chlorophyll meter for optimizing growth, yield and nitrogen-use efficiency
Authors: REENA  , V.C. DHYANI  , SUMIT CHATURVEDI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Pantnagar, Uttarkahand, during the winter (rabi) season of 201415, to study the effect of modern tools such as leaf colour chart (LCC) and chlorophyll meter (SPAD meter) on growth, yield and nitrogen-use efficiency in wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] crop. Application of N as 25 kg as basal + 40 kg (at LCC 4,5 and SPAD 35, 40) and 25 kg as basal + 40 kg at crown-root initiation + 40 kg at SPAD 40 (total 105 kg N/ha) resulted statistically similar growth and yield attributes, viz. shoot density, dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index, number of spikes/m2, number of grains/spike, 1,000-grain weight, grain yield and higher values of agronomic efficiency, recovery efficiency than recommended nitrogen management with the sav- ing of 30% or 45 kg N/ha. Although result was at par in case of both, threshold value of LCC and SPAD, applica- tion of 40 kg N/ha at LCC 5 and SPAD 40 was found to be more effective than LCC 4 and SPAD 35. Higher re- turns of 3,292 were obtained in the recommended practice compared to next best treatment, i.e. application of 25 kg N as basal + 40 kg at SPAD 40. Therefore LCC and SPAD can be effective tool for efficient fertilizer N man- agement in wheat.
Yield and profitability of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as influenced by varieties and crop geometry in semi-arid climate of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: HARI SINGH MEENA  , K.B. SUNEETHA DEVI  , G. SURESH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 201314 at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, to evaluate the performance of promising clusterbean [Cyamposis tetragonolaba (L.) P. Taubert] varieties, viz. RGC 1025, HGS 365, RGC 936 and RGC 1017 and to standardize the crop geometry of clusterbean (30 cm 7.5 cm, 30 cm 10 cm, 37.5 cm 10 cm and 45 cm 10 cm). Variety RGC 1025 recorded higher number of clus- ters/plant, pods/plant, 1,000-seed weight, seed yield, stalk yield, net returns and benefit: cost ratio than RGC 936, RGC 1017 and HGS 365. Sowing of clusterbean at 30 cm 10 cm spacing recorded higher seed yield (575.4 kg/ha), net returns ( 10313.8/ha) and benefit cost ratio (1.63) compared to the other spacings. However, clusters/plant and pods/plant were higher under medium (37.5 cm 10 cm) and wider spacing (45 cm 10 cm). Among interactions, clusterbean varieties performed better under closer spacings, as the highest seed yield was recorded with RGC 1025 under 30 cm 7.5 cm, followed by same variety (RGC 1025) at 30 cm 10 cm and RGC 936 at 30 cm 7.5 cm spacing. To get higher yield and monetary return under semi-arid environment, clusterbean variety RGC 1025 may be adopted with narrow crop geometries, viz. 30 cm 7.5 cm and 30 cm 10 cm spacing.
Analysis of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) yield and quality in response to fertilizer application
Authors: SHUBHAM LAMBA  , VIJAY KUMAR  , K.S. GREWAL
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during 201314 at the Regional Research Station, Karnal, Haryana, to study the effect of various combinations of fertilizers on yield and quality of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). The ex- periment was conducted in randomized block design, comprising 12 treatments, viz. control (no fertilizer), N (150 kg N/ha), NP (50 kg P O /ha), NPK (50 kg K O/ha), NPKS (40 kg S/ha), NPK + Zn (25 kg ZnSO /ha), NPK + Fe (3 2 5 2 4 foliar sprays of 1% FeSO ), NPK + Mn (3 foliar sprays of 0.5% MnSO ), NPKS + Zn, NPKS + Zn + Fe, NPKS + Zn 4 4 +Fe + Mn and soil test based fertilizer application. Sugarcane yield, yield parameters, juice quality and sugar yield were found significantly affected by the treatments. The application of N, NP, NPK, NPKS and NPKS + Fe + Zn + Mn significantly increased cane yield compared to the control and the increase was in order of 27.4, 34.8, 39.3, 42.2 and 46% respectively. Similarly, the application of N, NP, NPK, NPKS and NPKS + Fe + Zn + Mn significantly increased sugar yield compared to the control, being 31.4, 39.2, 46.6, 50.6 and 57.2% respectively.
On-farm farmers participatory evaluation of intensification of rice (Oryza sativa)ricefallow system with vegetables in summer under humid tropical irrigated lowlands
Authors: D. JACOB  THOMAS MATHEW  , JACOB JOHN  , B. RANI  , P. SUKUMARI
Published: December 2023

An on-farm field experiment was conducted in 24 farmers fields in randomized block design with 5 treatments. Introduction of vegetables, viz. Vellayani Jyothika, yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata L. ssp. sesquipedalis), Arka Anamika okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), Saubhagya oriental pickling melon (Cucumis melo L. var. conomon) and Arun amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) in summer fallow of traditional double crop Uma rice (Oryza sativa L.) in a humid tropical irrigated lowland was attempted during 200913 at Pathanamthitta, Alapuzha and Kottayam districts of Kerala. System yield, soil-nutrient balance and economics of the systems were compared. Ricerice yardlong bean system could realize higher productivity and profitability. Recycling of yardlong bean residues back into system could add to actual N and K gain and overcome actual P loss observed in soil. Rice-grain-equivalent yield of ricericeyardlong bean was the highest (35.39 t/ha), followed by ricericeamaranth (28.65 t/ha). The lowest ricegrain-equivalent yield was recorded from ricericefallow (10.63 t/ha). Ricericeyardlong bean had better sustainable-yield index (0.62), system productivity (96.96 kg/ha/day), land-use efficiency (91.79%), appar- ent nutrient-use productivity (118 kg/kg N, 221 kg/kg P O and 177 kg/kg K O), net returns ( 252 103/ha), sus- 2 5 2 tainable-value index (0.40), system profitability ( 751/ha/day) and net returns per rupee invested (1.95) than the other systems. Soil-nutrient balance under ricericeyardlong bean showed gain of 39 and 47 kg/ha of N and K respectively.
Influence of manuring and irrigation scheduling on system productivity, resource use efficiency, nutrient uptake and incidence of early shoot-borer (Chilo infuscatellus) in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) and garlic (Allium sativum) intercropping system
Authors: NAVNIT KUMAR  , GEETA KUMARI  , ANIL KUMAR  , SUDHIR PASWAN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the autumn seasons of 201013 at Pusa, Bihar, to identify suitable fertilizer and irrigation requirement in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid complex) + garlic (Allium sativum L.) in- tercropping system for system productivity, resource-use efficiency, nutrient utilization and early shoot borer (Chilo infuscatellus Snellen) incidence in sugarcane. Sugarcane + garlic (1: 2) with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) to sugarcane (150, 37.1, 49.8 kg N, P, K/ha) and garlic (100, 34.9, 66.4 kg N, P, K/ha) showed sig- nificantly higher dry weight of garlic bulb (1.14 t/ha), bulb yield of garlic (3.5 t/ha), cane-equivalent yield (130.3 t/ ha), land-equivalent ratio (1.30), area-time equivalent ratio (1.08), net returns ( 1,96,300/ha) and benefit: cost ra- tio (2.96) than rest of the fertilizer treatments. The total N, P and K uptake by sugarcane and garlic were also found the maximum in this treatment. Fertility levels did not affect available N and K status after harvesting of sug- arcane and garlic but significantly increased organic carbon and available P when analyzed after harvesting of sugarcane and garlic. Intercropping system exhibited significantly lowest incidence of early shoot borer (6.7%) than sole sugarcane (11.4%). Different irrigation schedules significantly influenced growth and yield attributes. Ap- plication of 4 irrigations at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing (DAS), being at par with 3 irrigations, resulted in higher cane yield (92.4 t/ha), bulb yield of garlic (3.6 t/ha) and land-equivalent ratio (1.36) than the remaining irri- gation levels. With the increase in irrigation from 1 to 4 resulted increase in cane-equivalent yield, area-time equivalent ratio and net returns, maximum being recorded with 4 irrigations at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAS. However, benefit: cost ratio (3.05) and N, P and K uptake by sugarcane were significantly improved up to 3 irrigations (30, 60 and 90 DAS). There was increasing trend of soil organic carbon and available N, P and K in post-harvest soil with increasing irrigation levels, whereas increasing level of irrigation reduced the incidence of early shoot borer in sugarcane. Sugarcane + garlic with 100% RDF to both the crops in combination with 4 irrigations (30, 60, 90 and 120 DAS) resulted in the highest N (29.1 kg/ha), P (12.5 kg/ha) and K (27.6 kg/ha) uptake by garlic. The interac- tion effects showed that sugarcane + garlic (1: 2) with 100% RDF to both the crops in combination with 3 irriga- tions at 30, 60 and 90 DAS gave at par net returns with that of sugarcane + garlic with 100% RDF to both the crops along with 4 irrigations at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAS in sugarcane + garlic intercropping system.
Response of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa) to different irrigation regimes and nitrogen levels in western Odisha
Authors: B.R. NAYAK  , K. PRAMANIK  , C.M. KHANDA  , N. PANIGRAHY  , P.K. SAMANT  , S. MOHAPATRA  , A.K. MOHANTY  , A.K. DASH  , N. PANDA  , S.K. SWAIN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the summer seasons of 2013 and 2014 at Chiplima, Odisha, to deter- mine the effect of irrigation regimes and nitrogen (N) levels on yield, field water-use efficiency (FWUE) and eco- nomics of APO cv. of aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.). The treatments consisted of 4 irrigation regimes (irrigation at 3, 5, 7 and 9 days intervals) in the main-plots and 4 levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 60 and 80 kg N/ha) in the sub-plots, replicated thrice. The pooled mean results revealed that maximum grain yield (3.44 t/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.40) were obtained when irrigation was provided at 3-day interval. However, the both the parameters obtained with irrigation being provided at 5-day interval were at par with their maximum values. The field water-use effi- ciency was the maximum with irrigation at 7-day interval (36.01 kg/ha-cm) which was at par with irrigation at 5-day interval (34.48 kg/ha-cm). With regards to N level, application of 80kg N/ha recorded significantly higher grain yield (3.58 t/ha), FWUE (40.55 kg/ha-cm) and benefit: cost ratio (1.48) than that of other N levels. Thus, economi- cally higher grain yield, FWUE and benefit: cost ratio were obtained when crop was irrigated at 5-day interval and fertilized with 80 kg N/ha.
Soil management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration potential of degraded lands
Authors: T.J. PURAKAYASTHA  , DEBARATI BHADURI  , O.P. AISHWATH  , Y.S. SHIVAY
Published: December 2023

Reclamation of degraded lands has huge potential for carbon(C) sequestration to counteract the climate change. It was estimated that about 1,947 Mha of land is degraded worldwide and in Asia (excluding west Asia), the degraded soils occupied an area of 747 Mha. In India 59.3 Mha of land is degraded. The major land-degrada- tion processes in the World and in Asia are water erosion, wind erosion, salinity and alkalinity, nutrient depletion and metal pollution. Various management strategies like conservation agriculture, integrated nutrient manage- ment, afforestation, alternate land use, plantations and amendments and use of biochar hold promise for long- term C sequestration. It has been projected that in India the largest potential lies in erosion prevention (33.650.4 Tg/year), secondary carbonates and bicarbonates (21.825.6 Tg/ha), agricultural intensification (12.716.5 Tg/ year) and restoration of degraded soils (9.813.9 Tg/ha). Thus, total potential of soil organic C (SOC) sequestra- tion in India is 77.9 to 106.4 Tg/year. Conservation agriculture has tremendous potential on soil C sequestration to the tune of 1.8 t/ha/year during the first decade of adoption. In dryland agriculture, conjunctive use of crop resi- dues and Leucaena clippings had greater effect on C build up. The C sequestration potential of integrated nutrient management (100% NPK + FYM) was at the tune of 0.95 Mg/ha/year under rainfed agriculture. Overall the C se- questration potential of soils under arid and semi-arid climate is lesser than the soils under humid, per-humid climate. Afforestation could have remarkable increase in C sequestration in tropical climate than in either temper- ate of boreal climate. Alternate land use by adoption of agroforestry system is a promising strategy for enhancing the C sequestration by vegetation as well soil. Agroforestry plant species, e.g. Prosopis juliflora (SW.) DC.,) Vachellia nilotica (L.) P.J.H. Hurer & Mabb.; syn. Acacia nilotica, Casuarina equisetifolia L., Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst.; syn), Tamarix articulate Vahl, Diplachne fusca (L.) P. Beauv. Ex Roem & Schult.; syn. Leptochola fusca which are well adapted to saline and alkali soils are reported to increase in SOC contents. Certain plantations like Stylosanthes guianensis (Aubl.) Sw., Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex. Benth. and Dalbergia sissoo DC. hold promise to reclaim acid soils and enhancing SOC content. From long-term fertilizer experiment, it has been proved that balanced fertilization alone (NPK or NPK + FYM) or with lime (NPK + lime) not only reclaim the Alfisols but also enhance SOC content. Biochar, a pyrolysed product of biomass being resistant to microbial decomposi- tion has huge potential for carbon sequestration in soil. The reclamation of degraded land by various means can be promising for C sequestration and it has greater implications on enhancing yield of crops.
Productivity and quality of basmati rice (Oryza sativa) in relation to nitrogen management
Authors: C.S. AULAKH  , P. KAUR  , S.S. WALIA  , R.S. GILL  , S. SHARMA  , G.S. BUTTAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2010 and 2011 to study the effect of different sources of nitrogen on productivity and quality of basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). The experiment was conducted in randomized block design with 9 treatment combinations of chemical fertilizer, green manuring with sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) and farmyard manure (FYM) with 4 replications. Incorporation of green manure 50 days after its sowing resulted in statistically same grain yield (3.05 t/ha) as that with recom- mended nitrogenous fertilizer (3.06 t/ha) and different combinations of organic manures with nitrogenous fertilizer. There was no significant effect of additional application of chemical fertilizer or FYM to green manuring on the grain yield. Green manure, having supplied 77.2 kg N/ha, alone was sufficient to meet the recommended nitrogen requirement (40 kg/ha) of basmati crop. Application of FYM (19.8 t/ha) to supply 40 kg N/ha alone resulted in sig- nificantly lower grain yield (2.65 t/ha) than all the other combinations of nutritional sources. The quality parameters (brown and milled rice recovery, minimum cooking time, water absorption ratio, elongation ratio and cooking coef- ficient) were statistically at par among all the nitrogen sources except brown and milled rice recoveries which were significantly lower with FYM alone. Head-rice recovery and protein content of grains with different nitrogen sources were comparable to that produced with chemical fertilizer except green manure supplemented with FYM or FYM supplemented with 50% of recommended nitrogen which had significantly higher values of these two pa- rameters than the chemical fertilizer. Improvement in soil organic carbon and available N, P, K was observed with green manuring and FYM as compared to chemical fertilizer alone. The benefit: cost ratio was the highest with chemical fertilizer alone due to its lowest cost.
Yield, water use and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) as influenced by different levels of irrigation and mulches
Authors: S. SARKAR  , A. SARKAR  , A. ZAMAN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201011 and 201112 at Mohanpur, West Bengal, to evaluate the effect of irrigation and mulch on yield, nutrient uptake and water use of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Chickpea irrigated at an irrigation water: cumulative pan evaporation (IW : CPE) of 0.6 showed 7.22% and 22.65% higher seed yield than that an IW : CPE of 0.4 (0.98 t/ha) and rainfed (0.85 t/ha), respectively,
Weed-management strategies in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) for higher productivity and profitability in north-western part of India
Authors: TARUNDEEP KAUR  , RAJENDER KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200910 and 201011 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to investigate the effi- cacy of different herbicides in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) for effective management of grass and broad-leaf weeds. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete- block design with 15 treatments replicated thrice. The treatments comprised of pre-emergence (PE) application of oxyfluorfen @ 0.15 kg/ha followed by (fb) 1 hand- weeding 45 days after sowing (DAS), oxyfluorfen (PE) @ 0.175, 0.200, 0.225 kg/ha, alachlor (PE) @ 2.0 and 2.5 kg/ha each fb 1 hand-weeding at 45 DAS, pendimethalin (PE) @ 0.75 kg fb 1 HW at 45 DAS, tank-mix pendimethalin + alachlor (PE) @ 0.50 +1.25 kg/ha, 0.75 + 1.25 kg/ha, pendimethalin + oxyfluorfen (PE) @ 0.75 + 0.15 kg/ha, trifluralin + alachlor (PE) @ 0.50 + 1.25, 0.75 + 1.25 kg/ha, trifluralin + oxyfluorfen (PE) @ 0.75 + 0.15 kg/ha, weed free and unweeded control. The results showed that pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen @ 0.15 kg/ha fb 1 hand-weeding at 45 DAS significantly reduced weed density and dry weight, thereby attaining the highest average grain yield of 1.43 and 1.47 t/ha. Benefit: cost ratio was also the highest in pre-emergence appli- cation of oxyflourfen @ 0.15 kg/ha fb 1 HW at 45 DAS followed by pendimethalin 0.75 kg fb 1 HW at 45 DAS.