bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of conjunctive use of FYM and nitrogen on yield, quality and economic of FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: S.V. KRISHNA REDDY  , S. KASTURI KRISHNA  , K. DEO SINGH  , P. HARISHU KUMAR  , C. CHANDRASEKHARARAO  , V. KRISHNAMURTHY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-02 and 2002-03 at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh to find out op- timum level of farmyard manure (FYM) and nitrogen for getting higher productivity, quality, monetary returns of to- bacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.), and changes in soil fertility after tobacco. Application of FYM @10 t/ha, being com- parable with 20 and 30 t/ha, significantly increased mean yields of green leaf by 16.8, cured leaf by 15.6, bright leaf by 25, grade index by 20.2 and cured leaf production efficiency by 15.6%; the lamina N P and K uptake by 22.2, 21.0 and 18.9%; the residual soil organic C, available N and P by 0.08, 6.6 and 15.5%, respectively than that of no FYM application; and also accrued the highest net returns (Rs 25,800/ha), benefit : cost ratio (1.47) and prof- itability (Rs 191.11) compared with those of other FYM levels. Application of 40 kg N/ha, being comparable with 60 kg N/ha, significantly increased mean yields of green leaf by 9.5, cured leaf by 8.0, bright leaf by 12.8, grade index by 8.1 and cured leaf production efficiency by 7.9%; the lamina N and K uptake by 18.3 and 17.1%, respectively; the residual soil available N by 4.2% compared with those of 20 kg N/ha application; and also accrued highest net returns (Rs 23,590/ha), benefit : cost ratio (1.42) and profitability (Rs 174.74/ha/day) compared to those of 20 and 60 kg N/ha application. Increasing the rate of N fertilizer from 20 to 60 kg N/ha increased the concentration of total N, nicotine and decreased sugars and sugar : nicotine ratio in tobacco cured leaf. Conjunctive application of 10 t/ ha of FYM and 50 kg N/ha was found optimum for obtaining higher yields and better grade index of tobacco with acceptable chemical quality parameters and higher monetary returns under conserved soil moisture conditions in Vertisols of Andhra Pradesh.
Effect of preceding crops and nutrient management on productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum)based cropping system in arid region
Authors: RAJ SINGH  , BHAGWAN SINGH  , M. PATIDAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200304 and 200405 at Jodhpur to study the effect of preceding crops, viz. pearlmillet [ Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. emend. Stuntz.], greengram ( Phaseolus radiatus L.) and clusterbean [C yamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] and nutrient management practices on the production potential of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)based cropping systems in arid region of Rajasthan. Growing of clusterbean and greengram as the preceding crop resulted in significantly higher grain yield of wheat and the N and P uptake than the preceding pearlmillet. Among the rainy season ( kharif) crops, greengram gave the maxi-
Effects of sources of phosphorus and biofertilizers on productivity and profitability of soybean (Glycine max)wheat (Triticum aestivum) system
Authors: D. MAHANTA  , R.K. RAI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during 2005-06 and 2006-07 at New Delhi to study the effect of different sources of phosphorus [single superphosphate (SP) and rock phosphate (RP)] and biofertilizers (phosphate-solu- bilizing bacteria and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza) on productivity, nutrient uptake, P balance in the soil, phos- phorus-use efficiency and economics of soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.]wheat ( Tr iticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) cropping system. Application of 50% recommended dose of P as SP + PSB + VAM recorded the highest yield during the first year in soybean (2.0 t/ha) and during both the years in wheat (4.4 and 4.6 t/ha in the first and second years respectively), but that of 50% RD Pas RP + PSB + VAM registered the highest grain yield (2.2 t/ha) during the second year in soybean. P uptake and utilization efficiencies increased on application of both PSB and VAM under both the sources of P. In addition, the available P status of the soil improved by addition of both bio-fertilizers through both the sources. RP performed very poorly, but when inoculated with both the bio-fertil- izers, it was comparable to SP. Although the highest net returns per rupee invested was observed in 0.5 RP+PSB+VAM, but 0.5 SP+PSB+VAM provided highest net returns of 34.4 and 41.3 thousand rupees in first and second years respectively, it gave benefit: cost ratio (B:C) very close to that of the previous treatment in the soy- bean-wheat cropping system. Thus half the dose of P could be saved through inoculation with both P-solubilizing and mobilizing micro-organisms to obtain higher productivity and profitability.
Impact of row ratio and nutrient management on performance of clusterbean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) + sesame (Sesamum indicum) intercropping system
Authors: SAMRATH LAL MEENA  , M. SHAMSUDHEEN  , DEVI DAYAL
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rainy ( khar if) season of 2005 to 2007 at Kukma, Bhuj, (Gujarat) in sandy soil to study the effect of row ratio and nutrient management on sustainability of clusterbean [ Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] + sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) intercropping system under arid condition. Treatments comprised of 15 combinations of cropping systems, viz. sole clusterbean, sole sesame, clusterbean + sesame in 1:2, 1:1 and 2:1 row proportions and nutrient management, viz. the control, 40 kg N/ha and 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha. Intercropping declined the seed yield of clusterbean by 30% compared to sole crop (mean of 3 years 0.71 t/ha). However, clusterbean-equivalent yield (0.92 t/ ha), net returns (Rs 6,251/ ha) and benefit : cost (B : C) ratio (1.67) were higher with clusterbean + sesame (2 : 1) intercropping system over the corresponding values of 0.71, 3,572 and 1.41 in sole clusterbean. Irrespective of the cropping system, application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha recorded significantly higher clusterbean-equivalent yield (1.036 t/ha), net monetary returns (Rs 7,793/ha) and B: C ratio (1.79) than of 40 kg N/ha alone and the absolute control. Addition of 5 t FYM/ha along with 20 kg N/ha gave 8.5 and 9.8% higher uptake of N than of 40 kg N/ha and the control respectively. The sustainable yield index (SYI) and sustainable value index (SVI) were higher with clusterbean + sesame under 2:1 row ratio (0.74, 0.76), and the highest SYI (0.81) and SVI (0.82) indices were observed under the application of 20 kg N/ha with 5 t FYM/ha. Clusterbean + sesame (2:1) with application of 20 kg N + 5 t FYM/ha was more advantageous and saved 50% rec- ommended dose of N fertilizer.
Economic viability and residual soil-nutrient status in chewing tobacco (Nicoti- ana tabacum)based cropping system
Authors: SUNIL KUMAR  , S. A. FARUQUI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 2002-03 to 2004-05 at Vedasandur, Tamil Nadu to study the economic viability of various chewing tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) based cropping systems and their effect on residual soil-nutrient status. The treatments consisted of six chewing tobacco-based cropping sequences, viz. r agi [ Eleusine coracana Gaertn]tobacco [ Nicotiana tabacum L.]sunflower [ Helianthus annuus L.]; sunnhemp [ Crotalaria juncea L.]tobaccosorghum fodder [ Sorghum bicolor L. Moench]; maize [ Zea mays L.]tobaccosun- flower; maizetobaccogroundnut [ Arachis hypogaea L. sunflowertobaccomaize; and sunflowertobacco groundnut with a sole tobacco crop. The leaf length and width, first grade leaf yield (FGLY) and total cured-leaf yield (TCLY) of rabi chewing tobacco increased with sunnhemp as a green-manure crop in kharif and with sor- ghum fodder in summer . The increase in FGLY and TCLY was 15 and 14%, respectively. Residual soil-nutrient sta- tus and uptake of nutrients by tobacco lamina improved with sunnhemptobaccosorghum fodder sequence. To- bacco leaf-equivalent yield (6.14 t/ha) increased with maize-chewing tobacco-groundnut sequence. Sunflowerto- baccogroundnut sequence significantly increased the net returns by 76% over sole tobacco. It was concluded that the sequence sunflower tobacco - groundnut was economically viable and the residual soil nutrients im- proved with sunnhemptobaccosorghum fodder sequence.
Integrated weed management in dry-seeded irrigated rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: J.S. MISHRA  , V.P. SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007 on clay-loam soil at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh to find out the effect of tillage (zero and conventional), time of sowing (before and after monsoon) and weed-control measures (integration of hand weeding and Sesbania with herbicides and rotational use of her- bicides) on weeds, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of dry-seeded irrigated rice ( Oryza sativa L.). The major weeds associated with dry-seeded rice were: Echinochloa colona (31.5%), Phyllanthus spp. (26.5%), Commelina communis (17.8%), Cyperus ir ia (9.9%), Alter nanthera sessilis (5.9%), Dinebra retrolexa (5.1%), Physalis minima (1.8%) and Caesulia axillaris (1.2%). Zero tillage significantly reduced the total population and dry matter of weeds compared with conventional tillage, but the difference in yield was not significant. Dry seeding before monsoon re- sulted in lower grain yield due to higher population and dry matter of weeds. Infestation of weeds reduced the grain yield of dry-seeded rice by 60% compared with hand-weeding twice and removed 10.99 kg N, 2.78 kg P and 7.22 kg K/ha. The maximum rice yield (3.41 t/ha) was obtained from 2 hand-weeding. Integration of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha or pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha with 1 hand-weeding at 30 days after sowing or sequential application of pre-emer- gence herbicides followed by post-emergence application of 2, 4-D (0.5 kg/ha) and fenoxaprop (0.07 kg/ha), being on a par with each other, proved quite effective against weeds and gave significantly higher grain yields and ben- efits than weedy check.
Productivity, economics and nitrogen-use efficiency of specialty corn (Zea mays) as influenced by planting density and nitrogen fertilization
Authors: ASHOK KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment to study the effect of planting density and N level on pop corn and sweet corn ( Zea mays L.) was conducted during rainy season 2005 and 2006 at New Delhi. An increase in planting density recorded taller plants with reduced values of yield attributes of both pop corn and sweet corn. However, in sweet corn the number of cobs/ha increased with the increase in planting density. The planting density of 66,666 and 83,333 plants/ha re- corded 23.5 and 40.0% higher grain yield of pop corn compared with that of 55,555 plants/ha respectively. The cob and kernel yields of sweet corn however, improved significantly by 19.4 and 15.2% at a planting density of 83,333 over that of 66,666 plants/ha respectively, but further increase in planting density to 1,11,111 plants/ha de- creased both the cob and the kernel yields in comparison with 83,333 plants/ha. The net returns, net returns/Re invested, N uptake and N-use efficiency also showed a similar trend. The increase in N level up to 120 kg/ha re- sulted in taller plants with higher values of yield attributes of pop corn as well as sweet corn, which consequently resulted in higher yields and returns. The highest N uptake and residual soil N content were recorded at 120 kg N/ ha level. The N-use efficiency was the highest at 40 kg N/ha, and an increase in N level reduced the N-use effi- ciency. The results show that for getting higher yield and net return, pop corn and sweet corn should be planted at 83,333 plants/ha planting density and fertilized with 120 kg N/ha.
Efficacy of potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars under varying levels of nitro- gen and growth duration in eastern Indo-Gangetic plains
Authors: MANOJ KUMAR  , S.P. TREHAN  , M.K. JATAV  , S.S. LAL
Published: December 2023

A field study was conducted during winter seasons of 2004-05 and 2005-06 at Patna with three potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars namely Kufri Giriraj, Kufri Pukhraj and Kufri Jyoti, four nitrogen levels (0, 80, 160 and 240 kg/ha) and two growth durations (75 and 100 days) to work out the optimum level of N, efficiency and eco-friendliness. Kufri Pukhraj gave the highest yield (28.7 t/ha) and N uptake (105.8 kg N/ha) and was most effi- cient in utilizing N from soil and applied N (uptake efficiency 0.54 kg/kg N). The increase in growth durations im- proved the tuber yield at higher N levels (160 and 240 kg N/ha). The highest increase in agronomic and uptake effi- ciencies with increasing growth duration was recorded at 160 kg N/ha (42 for agronomic and 0.1 kg/kg N for up- take efficiency). Yield at economic optimum N was normally higher in longer growth durations with higher nitrogen requirement (9.7 and 7.6 t/ha at 81 and 37 kg/ha, higher N for Kufri Giriraj and Kufri Jyoti, respectively), however, for Kufri Pukhraj economic optimum N dose decreased by 22%. Eco-friendliness with respect to nitrogen utiliza- tion both in absolute and relative indices was maximum in Kufri Pukhraj followed by Kufri Giriraj. Net return and benefit:cost ratio was higher when longer growth duration was given, however, when crop is to be harvested early Kufri Pukhraj is the best option.
Effect of nitrogen management on yield, water use and nutrient uptake of grain amaranth (Amaranthus hypochodriacus) under moisture stress
Authors: P.P. CHAUDHARI  , PATEL P.T.  , L.J. DESAI
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted at Sardarkrushinagar during 2004-05 and 2005-06 on sandy loam soil to find out response of grain amaranth to moisture stress ( viz., no moisture stress, stress at active vegetative stage; and stress at active vegetative as well as grain filling stage) and N management (No N, 40 kg N /ha, 40 kg N /ha with Azotobacter liquid and powder 60 kg N /ha, 60 kg N /ha with Azotobacter liquid and powder). The study revealed that without moisture stress grain amaranth gave 16.58 and 22.07 % higher grain yield over moisture stress im- posed at active vegetative stage and at 2 growth stages, respectively in pooled data. However, the lowest water use (5.30 kg/ha-mm) and expense efficiency (4.41 kg/ha-mm) was obtained with maximum water consumption (246.2 mm) under no moisture stress. Among the N management treatments, 60 kg N/ ha integrating seed inocula- tion with Azotobacter liquid culture brought remarkable improvement in stem thickness, length of main inflores- cence, number of lateral spikelets and 1,000 seed weight which resulted in increase in grain and stover yields. Ap- plication of 60 kg N /ha + Azotobacter liquid showed its superiority in terms of consumption of water (218.6 mm), water use (7.19 kg/ha-mm) and expense efficiency (6.17 kg/ha-mm). Integration of 60 kg N /ha + Azotobacter liq- uid culture realized 9.42 and 11.26 % higher N and P uptake over 60 kg N /ha alone. Significant contribution of seed inoculation was noted on yield with interactive effect of moisture stress and with higher level of N. It can be concluded that application of 60 kg N/ha alongwith seed inoculation ( Azotobacter liquid culture) under assured irri- gation recorded the maximum values of yield, water use, nutrient uptake, and net returns.
Energy management in crop production
Authors: P. DEVASENAPATHY  , G. SENTHILKUMAR  , P.M. SHANMUGAM
Published: December 2023

In India, agriculture not only provides food for all, but also employment to 70% of the population, generates 40% of the national income and consumes about 10% of the commercial forms of energy. Crop cultivation requires application of both animate (bullock, human power) and inanimate (tractors, tillers etc.) forms of energy at different stages. Nutrients are provided through farmyard manure, chemical fertilizer or both. Pesticides are required to check or prevent pest attack. Irrigation is done either manually (manually and animal operated) or through diesel/ electric pumpsets (to lift ground water). To meet the basic food needs of our expanding human population, a pro- ductive sustainable agricultural system must become a major priority.The depletable resources are fossil fuels, which are non - renewable since the rate of their utilization far exceeds the rate at which they are formed.
Rainwater harvesting and water-saving technologies
Authors: B. CHANDRASEKHARAW  , B.J. PANDIAN
Published: December 2023

Water is an important life giving natural resource. Yet, human kind not done enough to replenish, conserve and safeguard sources of water supply. On contrary, we face the real prospect of reduced supply of water be- cause of climate change and global warming. Irrigation is the major source of water and it consumes about 80 % of the current water utilization in India. It is estimated that with increasing demand from other competing sec- tors, the share of water is likely to reduce by 10 to 15 in the next two decades. In addition, shrinking water re- sources due to falling ground water-tables, silting of reservoirs and pollution of water resources from untreated domestic waste, industrial effluents and agro-chemicals are threatening the sustenance of existing levels of ag- ricultural production. At the national level, the ground water contributes to about 50 % in the irrigated areas and its intensive development has been one of the key-driving elements in ushering the green revolution but over ex- ploitation of ground water has led to several other problems affecting the sustainability of the production base. Its unscientific exploitation is creating problems and leading to many areas in the country being classified as dark and grey blocks. The per caput water availability is declining continuously and likely to reach the stress and even scarcity levels in some regions in the next few years. There are variety of irrigation water saving tech- nologies that can improve the water use efficiency and productivity of water. These include in-situ water conser- vation, water auditing, increasing in irrigation efficiency adoption of improved irrigation methods and conjunctive use. Even a marginal improvement in the water use efficiency in irrigation sector will result in saving of substan- tial quantity of water which can be utilized either for extending the irrigated area or for diverting the saving to other sectors of water use. It is now widely recognized that water, especially irrigation water is finite and a vulner- able resource. There is also a wide consensus that water development and management should be based on a participatory approach, involving all stakeholders.
Combined effect of reduced dose of gypsum and salt tolerant varieties of rice (Oryza sativa) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) on rice-wheat cropping system in sodic soils
Authors: Y. P. SINGH  , RANBIR SINGH  , D.K. SHARMA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh during 2001-2002 to 2003-04 on a fine loamy, mixed, hyperthermic, sodic soil having high pH, low electrical conductivity, high exchangeable sodium percentage and very low water permeability to find out the combined effect of reduced dose of gypsum and salt tolerant variet- ies of rice ( Oryza sativa L.) and wheat ( Tr iticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) on productivity of rice - wheat cropping system in sodic soil. This study revealed that application of gypsum @ 25% gypsum requirement (G.R.) and growing of salt tolerant varieties of rice CSR 13 and wheat KRL 19 significantly increased the yield attributes and yields of these crops in the system over control treatment as well as 15% G.R. So much so it was at par with 50% G.R. with non- salt tolerant varieties. The magnitude of combined effect of reduced dose of gypsum and salt tolerant varieties was reflected as 17 and 8.2% increase in grain yield over their counterpart varieties. Interaction between gypsum levels and salt-tolerant varieties on grain yields indicated that gypsum @ 25% G.R. with sodicity tolerant varieties in rice-wheat cropping system could save about 43% of the total initial expenditure for the recla- mation of sodic soils over the recommended dose of gypsum (50% G.R.) with non-sodicity tolerant traditional high yielding varieties. Thus, for low-cost effective technology, treating the sodic soils with reduced dose of gypsum (25% G.R.) and growing salt tolerant varieties of rice 'CSR 13' and wheat 'KRL 19' proved highly economical and sustainable technology for resource scarce situations.
Weed dynamics and productivity of soybean (Glycine max) - based cropping systems as influenced by tillage and weed management
Authors: J.S. MISHRA  , V.P. SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-02 to 2004-05 at Jabalpur to find out the effect of 4 tillage se- quences [zero-till planting of both the crops (ZT-ZT), conventional planting in both the crops (CT-CT), and two rota- tional tillage sequences that altered between zero-till and conventional tillage (ZT-CT and CT-ZT)] and three weed control treatments (weedy check, herbicide alone, and herbicide + 1 hand weeding at 30 days after sowing) on weeds and productivity of soybean ( Glycine max L. Merr.)-based cropping systems, comprising soybean during the rainy ( kharif) and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) and linseed ( Linum usitatissimum L.) dur- ing the winter ( rabi). Weeds in weedy check caused 86, 18 and 15.8 % reduction in seed yields of soybean, lin- seed and grain yield of wheat, respectively. Soybean-wheat cropping system produced higher soybean equivalent yield (3.01 t/ha), net returns (Rs 24,318/ha) and B: C ratio (2.17) than soybean-linseed system (1.78 t/ha; Rs 8,709/ha and 1.48, respectively). Zero tillage in both the seasons and effective weed control increased the system productivity as well as profitability. Nearly 50% of the total weed seeds were located in 0-5 cm soil layer. Soybean- linseed cropping system significantly reduced the seed bank of Echinochloa colona but increased the seed bank of Vicia sativa and Chenopodium album. Rotational tillage systems significantly reduced the seed density of E. colona as compared to continuous zero or conventional tillage systems. Weed seed number decreased consider- ably in plots receiving effective weed control (herbicide + 1 hand weeding). Zero tillage with effective weed control was found more remunerative in soybean-wheat system.
Production potential and economic viability of food- forage based cropping system under irrigated conditions
Authors: SUNIL KUMAR  , S. A. FARUQUI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted between 2001 and 2006 at Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh) to evaluate the production potential, system productivity and economics of six food-forage based cropping system under irrigated conditions of Bundelkhand region. Groundnut ( Arachis hypogea L.) - berseem ( Tr ifolium alexandrinum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) - forage maize ( Zea mays L.) + forage cowpea ( Vigna unguiculata L. Wilczek.) recorded significantly supe- rior forage equivalent yield (155.8 t/ha/year), system productivity (0.43 t/ha/day), net returns (Rs.56,670/ha/year) and benefit: cost ratio (1.62) than other sequences. The increase in forage equivalent yield and net returns with groundnut - berseem - maize (F) + cowpea (F) over groundnut - wheat ( Tr iticum aestivum L.) - green gram ( Phaseolus radiatus L. Walp.) was 35 and 44, respectively. Lowest net returns (Rs 29,575/ha/yr) was recorded with sorghum (single cut) - wheat - green gram. The crop sequence of sorghum (multi-cut) - berseem recorded higher B: C ratio (1.60) than groundnut - wheat - maize + cowpea (1.42) indicating higher returns from forage based sys- tems. Integration of forage maize + cowpea during summer in food-forage system (groundnut - wheat - maize + cowpea) recorded 44 % increase in production efficiency over food-based system. Inclusion of forages [(berseem or maize (F)+ cowpea(F)] in groundnut-based cropping system, was found quite stable with sustainability index of 0.96 and 0.92, respectively. Land use efficiency (100.0) and employment generation efficiency (1.02 man-days/ ha/day) were highest in round the year forage production system [Napier bajra hybrid + (cowpea-berseem) ] due to intensive cropping schedule. Soil physico - chemical status of food-forage based system was improved with re- spect to organic carbon (17%) and available N (12.7%) and P (27%) in 0-15 cm soil over initial level. Infiltration rate was improved from 1.05 to 2.11 mm/hr. Soil pH, electrical conductivity and bulk density were marginally reduced. However, available K status was slightly increased indicating that food-forage based system not only maintains soil fertility but improves over period of time. Based on system productivity and net returns, groundnut - berseem - maize (F) + cowpea (F) was found most efficient food - forage based system for Bundelkhand region closely fol- lowed by groundnut - wheat - maize (F) + cowpea (F) and sorghum (multicut) - berseem.
Effect of rates and sources of phosphorus on productivity and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) as influenced by crop-residue incorporation
Authors: S. N. SHARMA  , R. PRASAD  , Y.S. SHIVAY  , M.K. DWIVEDI  , SANDEEP KUMAR  , D. KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at New Delhi for 3 years during rainy season ( kharif) of 2001 to 2003 to study the effect of crop-residue incorporation on the relative efficiency of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and Mussoorie rock phosphate (MRP) in rice ( Oryza sativa L.). Phosphorus application generally increased the growth and yield parameters, yields as well as gross and net returns of rice. The increase of these parameters was however signifi- cant when the rate of P application was increased from 0 to 35 kg P/ha. At 35 kg P/ha MRP in conjunction with phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was statistically on a par with DAP, increasing the grain yield by 10-17%, P uptake by 26-54%, available P content in soil by 12-99% and net profit by 15-37% over the control. Agronomic effi- ciency and apparent recovery of DAP were higher than those of MRP at 17.5 kg P/ha, but on a par with those at 35 kg P/ha. Crop-residue incorporation had no significant effect on grain yield but it significantly increased the appar- ent recovery of applied P and available P content of soil. Thus, the combined application of MRP, PSB and crop residue proved a good practice that can be used as P fertilizer for rice.
Nitrogen management in transplanted rice (Oryza sativa) in mid hill acidic soils of Sikkim Himalayas
Authors: RAVIKANT AVASTHE
Published: December 2023

Two field experiments were conducted at Tadong in Sikkim in the humid mid-hill acidic soils during rainy ( kharif) season of 2004, 2005 and 2006 to optimize the rate, source and schedule of nitrogen management for increasing the yield and nitrogen-use efficiency of transplanted rice ( Or yza sativa L.) under 9 schedules, 4 rates (0, 80, 120 and 160), 3 nitrogen sources (urea, farm yard manure and neem cake-coated urea) in comparison with farmers practices. N application @ 80 kg/ha as N 10 days after transplanting (DAT) + N at maximum tillering (MT) + at panicale initiation (PI) recorded the highest yield (5.44 t/ha), recovery efficiency (82%) and agronomic efficiency (47.9 kg grain / kg N applied). The grain yield increased with increase in the N rate from 80 to 160 kg/ha. Conjunc- tive application of FYM and urea increased the N uptake by 11.1 to 26.2%, recovery efficiency (11.1 to 46.7%) and agronomic efficiency (5.4 to 14.8 %). Basal application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha and top-dressing 80 kg N/ha through urea as N at 10 DAT + N at MT+ at PI stage recorded the highest recovery efficiency (66.3%) and agro- nomic efficiency (38.7 kg grain / kg N applied). At 120 kg N/ha neem cake increased the recovery efficiency by 12.1 and 37.6% and agronomic efficiency by 9.9 and 15.8% over N with and without FYM. Farmers practice of 120 application of FYM basal @ 5 t/ha and FYM @ 2.5 t/ha along with top-dressing of DAP @ 40 kg/ha at PI gave low yield and N-use efficiency.
Simulation of growth and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa) under tropical monsoon climate
Authors: GOURANGA KAR  , ASHWANI KUMAR  , B. CHANDRA BHASKAR BURLA
Published: December 2023

Simulation models in the field of agriculture are mathematical equations that represent the reactions occurring within the plant and the interactions between the plant and its environment to assess growth and productivity. In this study two simulation models, viz. CERES-Rice and ORYZA1, were validated to predict growth and productivity of 5 rice varieties (Lalat, Ranjit, Gayatri, Savitri and Swarana) under tropical monsoon climate of eastern India (Jatni, Khurda in Orissa) during rainy ( kharif) season of 2003-2005. On validation it was observed that the simu- lated values of dry weight of leaves, weight of stems, weight of panicles, above - ground biomass, grain yield and leaf-area index (LAI) were not significantly different from the observed values for both CERES-Rice and ORYZA1. Only simulated specific leaf weight (mg/dm2) was found significantly different from the observed values. Based on the correlation between above-ground dry biomass at flowering stage and yield, grain yield of the rice can be pre- dicted in advance, i.e. at least 30 days before harvesting the crop.
Organic farming: Development and strategies in Indian Perspective
Authors: S.K. SAINI  , SUNITA PANDEY
Published: December 2023

Increasing awareness about conservation of environment as well as health hazards associated with agro- chemicals and consumers preference, to safe and hazard-free food are the major factors that lead to the growing interest in alternate forms of agriculture in the world. Organic agriculture is one of the broad spectrum of produc- tion methods, being considered in support of the environment and human health. The demand for organic food is steadily increasing both in the developed and developing countries with an annual average growth rate of 20-25%. Organic agriculture, is one of the fastest-growing sectors of agricultural production. However, there are certain is- sues that need to be addressed before we go for a large-scale conversion to organic agriculture. Some of the im- portant issues are: Can organic farming produce enough food for everybody? Is it possible to meet the nutrient re- quirements of crops entirely from organic farming? Is the food produced by organic farming superior in taste and quality? Is it economically feasible? This article presents a critical review on these aspects in Indian perspective.
Crop diversification with oilseed crops for-maximizing productivity, profitability and resource conservation
Authors: B.N. REDDY  , G. SURESH
Published: December 2023

Crop diversification is intended to give a wider choice in the production of a variety of crops in a given area so as to expand production related activities on various crops and also to lessen risk. The crop shift (diversification) also takes place due to governmental policies and thrust on some crops over a stipulated time, e.g. establishment of the Technology Mission on Oilseeds to give thrust on oilseeds production as a national need for the country's re- quirement for less dependency on imports. Crop diversification and also the growing of large number of crops are practiced in rainfed lands to reduce the risk factor of crop failures due to drought or fewer rains. Market infrastruc- ture development and certain other price related supports also induce crop shift. Inclusion of trees in the farming system results in moisture and nutrient conservation in semi-arid tropics. The article attempts a critical review on crop diversification in rainfed regions of the country and also discusses several facets of crop diversification that include; diversification of rice-wheat system with oilseeds; diversification of oilseeds through intercropping, promis- ing crop sequences involving oilseeds in different states. Potential areas are suggested for various oilseed crops in different parts of the country. Further, the role of trees as a component of crop diversification for maximizing pro- ductivity, profitability leading to resource conservation is highlighted.
Medicinal and aromatic plants for crop diversification and their agronomic implications
Authors: E.V.S. PRAKASA RAO
Published: December 2023

Medicinal and aromatic plants fit very well in the current scheme of crop diversification in different agro- climatic regions of India. While considering lateral crop diversification, vertical diversification in processing and value addition vastly improves the crop economics. Agronomists are posed with challenge of scientifically fitting most suitable medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in different agroclimatic regions. This paper deals with different areas viz. nutrients and water and their management, cropping systems, utilization of waste/marginal lands, organic farming, quality of end products in relation to agronomic interventions, soil-health and related environmental issues related to MAPs and finally land use efficiency and economics of production systems involving MAPs.
Crop diversification for profitability in jute and allied fibre crops
Authors: M. K. SINHA  , SABYASACHI MITRA  , T. RAMASUBRAMANIAN  , B. S. MAHAPATRA
Published: December 2023

Jute ( Hibiscus cannabinus L. & H. sabdariffa L.) and allied fibres (mesta, sunnhemp, ramie, sisal and flax) play an important role in Indian economy. Raw jute (jute and mesta) farming, industry and trade provide liveli- hood support to about 5 million people in India and is grown in an area of about 1.0 million ha. Despite a two- fold increase in the productivity of jute since independence, the area is stagnant for last two decades. The acre- age of other fibre crops like ramie and sisal has not increased substantially though ramie and sisal fibres are costlier than raw jute, sunnhemp and cotton. The increased cost of cultivation of jute and the fluctuating market price often affects the farmers. So to enhance the profitability of jute and allied fibre farming, we have to intro- duce high value crops as components of jute-based cropping systems besides extending their cultivation to non-traditional areas. Ramie has shown a good growth and yield at Nilgiri hills, Goa, Maharastra while sisal has a great potential in the dry areas like western Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand. Diversification and value addition to the end products is needed as there is wide scope in the global market and the part of the ad- ditional profit must reach the farmers to motivate them. Jute ( Corchorus capsularis L. & C. olitorius L.) is the main commercial crop of the eastern and north eastern India providing livelihood security to about 5.0 million people (4.0 m farmers, 0.25 m mill workers and 0.50 m people engaged in jute based ancillary sectors). It is grown in an area of little over 0.8 m ha, producing nearly 10 million bales (1 bale 180 kg.) of fibre, which is about 40% of the worlds' production. Mesta is grown in an area of 0.15 m ha with a production of 1.0 m bales. The major jute growing states are West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura while mesta is mostly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa and Bihar. Sunnhemp ( Crotalar ia juncea L.) is cultivated mostly in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharastra and Tamil Nadu.
Mitigation options for climate change
Authors: M.C. VARSHNEYA
Published: December 2023

Climate change is defined as change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity. Adaptive capacity is the ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variabil- ity and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities or to cope with the conse- quences. Vulnerability is the degree to which a system is susceptible to, and unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. New options for carbon sequestration in agriculture and forestry as well as changes in land-use such as deforestation contributes respectively to 13 and 17 % of total anthropogenic greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions. Though the carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture are small, the sector accounts for 60 % of all nitrous oxide (N O mainly from fertilizer use) and 50 % of methane (CH , 2 4 emitted mainly from natural and cultivated wetlands and enteric fermentation). The IPCC estimates that the poten- tial of agriculture (excluding forestry) global technical mitigation for will be 5,500 to 6,000 Mt CO -equivalent/year 2 by 2030, 89 % of which are assumed to be from carbon sequestration in soils.
Precision nutrient management : A review
Authors: V. C. PATIL
Published: December 2023

Precision agriculture is a management strategy that employs detailed site specific information to precisely manage production inputs. Precision farming can contribute in many ways to long-term sustainability of agricul- ture. The idea is to know the soil and crop characteristics unique to each part of the field, and to optimize the production inputs within small portions of the field. Of all the production inputs, nutrients occupy the top position and nutrient management is crucial to the success of any farming system. The usual practice is to apply nutri- ents at one rate throughout the farming area. Such practice could lead to wastage of resources and maximum yields could not be achieved since, spatial variability is altogether ignored in the management option. Precision nutrient management system offers improved land stewardship, optimizes resource usage, since every part of a field receives precise amount of fertilizer required to maximize crop yields. Various strategies of precision nu- trient management system are being developed among which management zone technique is gaining impor- tance. The management zone strategy reduced the average N applied from 6.3 % to 46.1 % compared to uni- form N management. The variable rate N application using management zones increased net returns from 11.75 to $ 39.17/ha over uniform N management.
Resource conservation in arid and semi-arid regions of Gujarat
Authors: V.D. KHANPARA  , R.M. SOLANKI  , R.K. MATHUKIA
Published: December 2023

Resource conservation is the planned management of natural resources to optimise their utility, efficient usage in their original application, reuse, and recycling. The aim is to minimise the energy consumed and wastes gener- ated in all stages from production through the life of the product right up to final disposal. An effective resource conservation system can minimize impact on the planet by using the earth's resources wisely. For this, natural re- sources must be managed more efficiently to lessen the environmental impact of the products, from raw materials to production to distribution and on through ultimate disposal. In a pre-dominantly agricultural system, the objec- tive of improving the productivity, profitability and prosperity of the farmers and achieving agricultural development on an ecologically sustainable basis can be attained only when conservation, development and management of the land and water resources are assured.
Conservation Agriculture: A new paradigms to increase resource use efficiency
Authors: V. M. BHALE  , S. S. WANJARI
Published: December 2023

Worldwide, conservation farming systems play a major role in sustainable agricultural production. Even after realizing the full potential of irrigation, a major part of the farming areas of most countries will remain rainfed. Land holdings of the poor, small and marginal farmers are mostly dependent upon rainfall. Common property re- sources like grazing land, tree lots and village tanks which are the mainstay of the livelihood of the rural landless people are again entirely dependent upon the rainfall of the area. Rainfed areas have, therefore, assumed great importance for adequate and equitable food and livelihood security of the increasing population of the develop- ing countries. Land degradation is another threat to our food and environmental security. Almost 150 million ha land is degraded due to erosion, water-logging and salinization. Tillage practice in modern agriculture of devel- oped countries had most concern to sustain production in conservation of natural resources. Recycling of crop residues, growing crop of high volume biomass, change in cropping pattern, agroforestry, silvipasture are the some of the modules in conservation agriculture (CA). Annually, 400 m ha-m water is available through rainfall, out of which 75 m ha-m water lossed in erosion and courtly facing problem for drinking water, industrial use and very limited water (30%) is available for irrigation. Harvesting of rainwater in-situ and collecting through various mechanical measures and use of it for at least one protective irrigation during dry spell needs atmost attention in conservation agriculture. Crop management in changing weather and efficient utilization of bio-diversity to de- velop ideal plant genotypes for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance is another challenge in CA. CA is environmen- tally sustainable and generates considerable net social gains to society. Caution must be taken to avoid blanket adoption of just everywhere; it should be site-specific and need based.
Organic farming for sustainable agriculture: Global and indian perspective
Authors: B.S. MAHAPATRA  , T. RAMASUBRAMANIAN  , H. CHOWDHURY
Published: December 2023

Organic farming is developing rapidly and is now practised in more than 120 countries of the world. Globally 30.4 million ha of the agricultural land, are currently managed organically. India ranks 33rd in total area under organic cultivation. India has now become a leading supplier of organic herbs, organic spices, organic basmati rice, etc to the developed nations. The export realization during 2007 - 08 was around 78 million US $ registering a 200 % growth over the previous year. Though organic farming is an inevitable phenomenon, it alone cannot feed the billion population of India. To ensure the food and nutritional security, rather than promoting organic farming enmasse and universally, it would be desirable to carefully delineate areas for organic farming. In India, there is ample scope for pure organic farming in the rainfed areas, where there is little or no use of fertilisers and other agro-chemicals. The Government of India has taken considerable efforts to promote the organic farming without compromising the food grain production to feed the ever growing population in India. Launching of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and the dedication of National Institute of Organic Farming (NIOF) were the landmark achievements in the arena of organic farming in India.
Yield, economics and water use efficiency of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under various irrigation regimes on raised bed planting system
Authors: S.C. PRAMANIK  , N. B. SINGH  , K. K. SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Kanpur during rabi seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to elucidate the ef- fect of raised bed planting on growth, yield, water use efficiency and economics of chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) under various irrigation depths. Results revealed that raised bed planting increased nodulation significantly by 30.0% and nodule dry weight by 44.4% over flat bed planting. Raised bed planting also encouraged compara- tively more root growth than flat bed as evident through higher root: shoot ratio. Branching and podding were sig- nificantly higher in raised bed by 52.1% and 23.6%, respectively. Chickpea recorded maximum grain yield (aver- age 2.24 t/ha), water use efficiency (11.69 kg/ha-mm) and net return (Rs 20,810/ha) under raised bed planting system. Among depths, though 30 and 45 mm irrigation recorded significantly higher nodulation, root growth, branching and podding, the maximum grain yield was recorded with 30 mm irrigation (av. 2.22 t/ha) which was at par with 45 mm but significantly higher than 15 and 60 mm irrigations. Thus, on an average, raised bed planting increased grain yield by 17.3% and saved 37.5 to 50% irrigation requirement in chickpea.
Performance of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization and biofertilizers in Western Rajasthan
Authors: R. SAMMAURIA  , R.S. YADAV  , K.C. NAGAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of Rhizobium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) alone and in combination with different recommended NP levels i.e. RDF (20-17.4 kg N-P/ha) on perfor- mance of rain fed cluster bean ( Cyamposis tetragonoloba L. Taub.) at Bikaner. Increasing NP levels resulted in
Effect of irrigation and nutrients levels on productivity and profitability of sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: R.P. YADAV  , M.L. TRIPATHI  , S.K. TRIVEDI
Published: December 2023

A field trial was conducted for 3 consecutive spring season from 2005-06 to 2007-08 on sandy loam soil to study the effect of irrigation and nutrients on productivity, profitability and water use efficiency of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) at Morena, Madhya Pradesh. Irrigation applied at 8 days interval significantly improved the plant height, leave/plant, head diameter, weight/head, seed weight/head, 1,000-seed weight, nutrient use (12.83 kg seed/kg nutrients), production efficiency (21.81 kg/ha/day), seed yield (1.86 t/ha), stalk yield (6.57 t/ha), N, P and K uptake, net profit (Rs 12,885/ha) and B:C ratio (1.85) and recorded 24.21% and 58.19% higher seed yield of sunflower over 12 and 16 days irrigation interval. However, maximum water use efficiency (65.45 kg/ha- cm) was obtained with 16 days irrigation interval. Similarly the nutrient treatment of 125% recommended dose of fertilizer, RDF (75-40-41.5 kg N-P-K/ha) recorded significantly higher water use efficiency, production efficiency, seed yield (1.76 t/ha), stalk yield (6.56 t/ha), N, P and K uptake, net income (Rs 11,784/ha) and B:C ratio (1.80) over other nutrient levels.
Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nitrogen on productivity, quality and economics of FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: S. KASTURI KRISHNA  , S.V. KRISHNA REDDY  , K. DEO SINGH  , P. HARISHU KUMAR  , C. CHANDRASEKHARARAO  , V. KRISHNAMURTHY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 2001-02 and 2002-03 at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh to evaluate the response of FCV tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) to doses of N fertilizer (20, 40 and 60 kg/ha) and its inte- gration with organic N i.e. farmyard manure (FYM), groundnut [ Arachis hypogaea (L.)] cake (GNC) and green leaf manuring (GLM) with Pillipesara [ Vigna trilobata (L.) Verdc.]} in organic: fertilizer N of 0 : 100, 25 : 75 and 50 : 50. Results showed that the net returns were higher by Rs 2,330 and Rs 850/ha with GLM when compared with GNC and FYM, respectively. Application of organic: inorganic N in 25: 75 ratio increased mean yields of cured leaf by 0.14 t/ha, and net returns by Rs 3,000/ha over fertilizer N alone. However, 50% each of organic: inorganic N registered higher soil fertility status (OC%, available N,P and K) after crop harvest. The highest mean leaf yields, leaf production efficiency and net returns (Rs 24,450) were recorded with 60 kg N/ha. Leaf lamina con- centrations of N and nicotine increased while sugars, and sugars : nicotine ratio decreased with increase in the level of N from 20 to 60 kg/ha. Application of 60 kg N/ha, 25% through FYM or GLM and 75% through fertilizers improved the productivity, quality, economic returns of tobacco and soil fertility status. GLM with Pillipesara is a suitable alternative to FYM whenever its supply is limited in vertisols of Andhra Pradesh.