bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Productivity, nutrient uptake and profitability of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus) as influenced by irrigation and fertilizer-management practices under sub-tropical climate of West Bengal
Authors: A. ALIPATRA  , H. BANERJEE  , K. BHATTACHARYYA  , P. BANDOPADHYAY  , D. MAZUMDAR  , S. SARKAR
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted at farmers field at Madandanga, Gayeshpur, Nadia, West Bengal during the winter seasons 201112 and 201213, to study the effect of water and nutrient-management practices on growth and yield of hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design, assigning 3 irrigation levels in the main plot and 7 fertilizer treatments in the sub-plots. The experiment consisted of 21 treat- ment combinations replicated thrice. Results revealed that N P K B S (80, 40, 40, 1.5 and 25 kg/ha of N, 80 40 40 1.5 25 P O , K O, B and S respectively) treatment significantly and synergistically increased plant height at 100 days af- 2 5 2 ter sowing (DAS), leaf-area index at 75 DAS, total dry-matter accumulation at 100 DAS, crop-growth rate during 5075 DAS, basal girth at harvesting and capitulum diameter of hybrid sunflower (9.6, 65.1, 49.7, 49.0, 11.6 and 11.9% higher values than the crop in farmer fertilizer practice (FFP) plot respectively). The yield attributes, namely filled seeds/capitulum, filled seed weight/capitulum, total seed weight/capitulum and 100-seed weight, were signifi- cantly higher by 52.8, 63.5, 38.6 and 16.9% when grown with 3 irrigations, given at 30, 60 and 80 days after sow- ing (I ) than the plants receiving 1 irrigation (I ) and 75.7, 73.2, 97.8 and 30.0% with N P K B S treatment 30/60/80 30 80 40 40 1.5 25 than the FFP plots. Average seed and stalk yield of sunflower Aditya was the highest in I treatment, ac- 30/60/80 counting 44.1 and 78.8% more than the crop yield obtained under I treatment, respectively. Application of 30 N P K B S resulted in significantly higher seed and stalk yield (38.6 and 48.1% more than the values in FFP 80 40 40 1.5 25 plots). Irrigation with I resulted 1.2% more oil percentage compared to the I treatment. The oil content of 30/60/80 30 tested cultivar was significantly and synergistically increased by the application of N P K B S , accounting 80 40 40 1.5 25 6.4% more than that obtained with FFP. Irrigation fertilizer interaction had significant effect on oil content and the highest value was observed to be in seeds obtained in plots fertilized with N P K B S under 2 irrigations (I 80 40 40 1.5 25 30/ ). The maximum net return and benefit: cost ratio were recorded with the crop irrigated thrice (I ), accounting 60 30/60/80 118 and 35%, respectively, more over the crop irrigated once (I ). Irrespective of irrigation levels, combined appli- 30 cation of NPK and B (N P K B ) resulted in the highest net returns and benefit: cost ratio among all fertilization 80 40 40 1.5 practices, accounting 52 and 23%, respectively more over the crop fertilized with N P K (FFP). 60 30 30
Energy-efficient and economically viable agro-techniques for sustainable maize (Zea mays)-based cropping systems in light-textured soils of West Bengal
Authors: BIMAN DE  , SUBHENDU BANDYOPADHYAY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201012 at Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, to analyse crop- ping systems in energy terms and to evaluate alternative solutions, especially for arable crops. The trial was car- ried out in a split-plot design with 2 main-plot (tillage), 2 subplot (mulching) and 4 sub-subplot treatments (INM). The highest net energy value was obtained with the conventional system, and the lowest with the conservation system. With respect to the treatments in maize (Zea mays L.)blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] cropping system, conventional tillage produced the 3 years highest output energy (264.47 103 MJ/ha). Maize was the crop that contributed much to the total output energy in the tillage systems, followed by blackgram. The highest benefit: cost ratio (1.73) was observed at zero tillage. Conservation tillage, mulching and application of vermicompost by partial replacement of chemical fertilizer opened up the better scope of energy conservation within the system by renewable sources.
Performance of mechanically transplanted Basmati rice (Oryza sativa) under different age of seedlings and planting densities
Authors: J.S. KANG  , JAGROOP KAUR  , S.S. SANDHU
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the effect of age of seedlings and planting density on growth and yield of mechanically trans- planted Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.). Mechanical transplanting of 3-weeksold seedlings at 30 cm 12 cm spac- ing showed significantly higher plant height, dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index and number of effective tillers/unit area than 3, 4 and 5-weeksold seedlings at 30 cm 16 cm. The grain yield of mechanically trans- planted 3-weeksold seedlings at 30 cm 12 cm spacing was 4.1 and 12.1% higher than 30 cm 14 cm and 30 cm 16 cm spacing respectively. Although the grain yield under mechanical transplanting of 3-weeksold seed- lings at 30 cm 12 cm spacing was statistically similar with manual transplanting at 20 cm 15 cm and 30 cm 12 cm, but the net returns and benefit: cost ratio of mechanically transplanted 3-weeksold seedlings at 30 cm 12 cm spacing ( 77.58 103/ha and 3.61) were significantly higher than manual transplanting at 20 cm 15 cm ( 71.50 103/ha and 2.87) and 30 cm 12 cm ( 72.27 103/ha and 2.90) spacing, respectively.
Influence of sowing dates and irrigation schedules on growth and yield of drip irrigated wheat (Triticum aestivum) under semi-arid conditions of Punjab
Authors: EAJAZ AHMAD DAR  , AJMER SINGH BRAR  , TODARMAL POONIA  , MOHAMMAD AMIN BHAT
Published: December 2023

A study was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 201416 at Ludhiana, Punjab, to evaluate the influ- ence of sowing time and drip-irrigation schedules on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experi- ment was conducted in a split-plot design consisting of 4 sowing dates (D , 25 October; D , 10 November, D , 25 1 2 3 November and D , 10 December) in main plots and 5 irrigation treatments in subplots, replicated thrice. Four irri- 4 gation treatments based on soil water deficit from field capacity, were: 15% depletion (FC ); 25% depletion (FC ); 15 25 35% depletion (FC ); and 45% depletion (FC ) from field capacity (FC) and the fifth irrigation treatment was taken 35 45 as conventional practice (CP). The results revealed that plant height, dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index and number of tillers decreased significantly with delay in sowing from D to D at all stages of plant growth. The grain 1 4 and biological yields were significantly higher in D than the other sowing dates. The pooled grain and biological 1 yields decreased by 9 and 8% from D to D , 18 and 17% from D to D and 29 and 27% from D to D respectively. 1 2 1 3 1 4 Significantly higher values of growth attributes and yield were recorded with application of irrigation at FC than 15 the other irrigation schedules. The pooled grain yield in FC treatment was higher by 9, 25, 42 and 10% than FC , 15 25 FC , FC and CP respectively. Thus, irrigating the crop at FC using drip irrigation saved 50% irrigation water as 35 45 15 compared to the conventional practice of irrigating the crop at 45 week interval with 75 mm of water.
Effect of seed-priming methods on nodulation, nutrient uptake and quality in soybean (Glycine max) under bed-sown condition
Authors: RUPINDER KAUR JASSAL  , HARMEET SINGH
Published: December 2023

A experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2015 and 2016 at Ludhiana, Punjab, India, to standardize the best seed-priming treatment in relation to symbiotic characters, NPK uptake by seed and straw and quality content of soybean crop [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Different methods of priming, viz. hydro-priming, halopriming and hormonal priming, compared to the control (unprimed) were evaluated by soaking seeds for 2 hr duration and at different concentrations such as T , unprimed (control); T , hydro-priming (water); T , halopriming 1 2 3 (KNO 5%); T , halopriming (KNO 10%); T , halopriming (KH PO 5%), T , halopriming (KH PO 10%); T , 3 4 3 5 2 4 6 2 4 7 halopriming (KCl 50 ppm); T , halopriming (KCl 100 ppm); T , hormonal priming (GA 50 ppm); T , hormonal prim- 8 9 3 10 ing (GA 100 ppm); T , hormonal priming (cytokinin 50 ppm); and T , hormonal priming (cytokinin 100 ppm). The 3 11 12 seeds treated with 100 ppm GA showed significant increase in root nodules/plant and root nodule dry weight than 3 control, which was statistically similar in result with 100 ppm cytokinin. Similarly, leghaemogobin content in 100 ppm GA treated seeds recorded at par response to 100 ppm cytokinin-treated seed. Nutrient uptake (N, P and K) 3 in seed and straw at harvesting were also higher with 100 ppm GA treatment. Similarly, quality parameters exhib- 3 ited relatively higher mean performance with hormonal priming of soybean seeds with 100 ppm GA . 3
Effect of tillage and weed management on weed biomass and productivity of summer maize (Zea mays)
Authors: D.P. MODAK  , B. BEHERA  , S.N. JENA  , P.K. ROUL  , STUTI DEBAPRIYA BEHERA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2014 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha to study the ef- fect of tillage and weed management on weed biomass and productivity of summer maize (Zea mays L.). The ex- periment comprised of 3 tillage methods, viz. conventional tillage, minimum tillage and zero tillage, and 6 different types of weed management practices, viz. atrazine 1.25 kg/ha pre-emergence, 2,4-D 0.5 kg/ha (post-emergence),
Effect of integrated crop management practices on root-shoot characteristics, yield and nutrient harvest index of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) under irrigated north Indian Plains
Authors: T. VARATHARAJAN  , ANIL K. CHOUDHARY  , VIJAY POONIYA  , ANCHAL DASS  , D.S. RANA  , K.S. RANA  , HARISH M.N.
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during rainy season of 2017 at experimental farm of ICARIndian Agricul- tural Research Institute, New Delhi under pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp]wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] crop- ping system to assess the effect of different integrated crop management (ICM) modules [04 conventional tillage (CT) based: (ICM ICM ); 04 conservation agriculture (CA) based: (ICM ICM ); 01 organic agriculture based: 1 4 5 8 (ICM )] on root-shoot characteristics, seed yield and nutrient harvest index (NHI) in pigeon pea. The experiment 9 was planned in a randomized block design with 03 replications. The results show that ICM modules (ICM , ICM , 8 6 ICM , and ICM ) supplied with 75% NPK through chemical fertilizers + arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) + NPK- 4 2 biofertilizer (NPK-bf) had an edge over the 100% NPK alone supplied ICM , ICM , ICM , ICM modules with re- 7 5 3 1 spect to root characteristics. However, branches/plant (22.7) and pigeon pea productivity (1.92 t/ha) were signifi- cantly higher under ICM module over ICM . Similarly, the 100% NPK supplied ICM modules had an edge over 7 8 75% NPK + AMF + NPK-bf supplied ICM modules with respect to number of branches/plant and seed yield owing to balanced supply of plant nutrients readily available to crop. The effect of different ICM modules on nutrient har- vest index (NHI) for NPK was found non-significant. In general, the CA based ICM modules showed an edge over CT based ICM modules with respect to root-shoot characteristics, seed yield and NHI. Overall, the CA based mod- ules like ICM and ICM can be recommended to the farmers for enhancing the crop productivity in pigeon pea 7 8 alone or on pigeon peawheat cropping system based in irrigated Indo-Gangetic plains region.
Effect of nutrient management options on productivity and economics of soybean (Glycine max) varieties
Authors: Y.A . BHOSALE  , D.P. PACHARNE  , U.S. SURVE  , M.B. DHONDE
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) season of 2015 on a silty clay loam soil at Rahuri, Maharashtra, to study the effect of varying nutrient management on productivity and economics of different variet- ies of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with 15 treatment combinations of 3 varieties KDS 344, JS 9305 and KS 103 and 5 nutrient-management levels, viz. general recommended dose of fertilizer (GRDF)50, 75, 0-N, P O , K O kg/ha + 5.0 tonnes FYM/ha (N ); 75% 2 5 2 1 GRDF + 0.5% foliar spray of grade II at 30 and 45 days after sowing (N ); 100% GRDF + 0.5% foliar spray of 2 grade II at 30 and 45 DAS (N ); 125% GRDF + 0.5% foliar spray of grade II at 30 and 45 DAS (N ); and 50, 75, 30 3 4 N, P O , K O kg/ha + 5 tonnes FYM/ha (N ). The variety KDS 344 and application of nutrient dose of 125% GRDF 2 5 2 5 + 0.5% grade II foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS recorded higher growth and yield attributes, viz. plant height (cm), branches/plant, pods/plant and weight of seeds/plant (g) than KS 103 and JS 9305. Similarly, the treatment combination of KDS 344 and application of nutrient dose of 125% GRDF + 0.5% grade II foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS recorded significantly higher grain yield (8.76 and 31.65%) than the variety KDS 344 with GRDF and 50, 75, 30 N, P O , K O kg/ha + 5.0 tonnes FYM/ha. The variety KDS 344 gave the highest net returns ( 87.3 103/ha) 2 5 2 and benefit: cost ratio (3.17). Similarly, application of nutrient levels 75% GRDF + 0.5% grade II foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAS recorded the highest net returns ( 82.7 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.24). Thus, the maximum productivity and profitability of soybean can be achieved from variety KDS 344 fertilized with 75% GRDF (37.5, 56.25, 0 N, P O , K O kg/ha + 3.75 tonnes FYM/ha) + 0.5 % Grade II foliar spray of micronutrient at 30 and 45 2 5 2 DAS.
Productivity and profitability of tropical sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) varieties under various land configurations in Vertisols
Authors: STUTI DEBAPRIYA BEHERA  , M.K. ARVADIA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201516 at Navsari, Gujarat to study the response of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) varieties to land configuration under south Gujarat climatic conditions. Nine treatment combinations, comprising 3 land configurations, viz. L , flat bed; L , ridge furrow; and L , raised 1 2 3 bed, in main plots and 3 varieties, viz. V , SV 887; V , SV 889 and V , SV 892 in subplots were evaluated in 1 2 3 split-plot design with 4 replications. Significantly the maximum values for fresh foliage, root and total biomass of sugarbeet were observed in raised bed (23.36, 68.36 and 91.72 t/ha), being 40.3, 22.3 and 26.5% higher, respec- tively, over flat bed. Similarly, raised bed also resulted in the maximum net realization ( 127.6 103/ha) and ben- efit: cost ratio (2.32). Sugar beet showed the highest fresh foliage, root and total biomass (21.53, 64.63 and 86.16 t/ha) in variety SV 887, with increased magnitude of fresh foliage, root and total biomass to the tune of 27.5, 10.6 and 14.4%, respectively, over variety SV 889. Similarly, variety SV 887 also exhibited the maximum net re- alization ( 118.2 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.18). The treatment combination involving raised bed with vari- ety SV 887 accrued the maximum net realization ( 131.4 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.39) and proved sig- nificantly superior to all the other treatment combinations except raised bed with all varieties and ridge furrow with variety SV 887. The results revealed that planting all the 3 varieties of sugar beet on raised beds and cv. SV 887 under ridge and furrow method performed equally well in heavy black soil of south Gujarat with the maximum pro- ductivity and profitability.
Balanced fertilization in rice (Oryza sativa)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cropping system
Authors: A.K. PATRA  , L.M. GARNAYAK  , K.N. MISHRA  , T.R. MOHANTY  , B.K. MOHAPATRA  , S.K. SWAIN
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted in farmers field of Angul district under mid-central table land zone of Odisha by involving 48 farmers during 201315, to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.)groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping system to balanced nutrient application. The highest system rice-equivalent yield (REY) (10.78 t/ha) was recorded with the recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P and K @ 80, 17.5 and 33 kg) + 25 kg ZnSO /ha to rice and recommended doses of N, P and K @ (40, 17.5 and 33 kg/ha) + 4 250 kg CaSO /ha to groundnut followed by recommended NPK alone without ZnSO /CaSO (10.36 t/ha). The av- 4 4 4 erage increase in system REY of these 2 treatments was 73 and 66% over the control (6.23 t/ha) and 25 and 20% over the farmers practice (8.63 t/ha). Agronomic efficiency (AE) of N, P and K was 19.8, 29.0 and 17.2 kg REY/kg applied nutrient for ricegroundnut system. The agronomic efficiency of N increased by 49, 55 and 108% in rice groundnut system by applying the recommended quantity of N with recommended quantity of P, K and PK, re- spectively, instead of N alone. The AE of P and K increased by 40 and 34% in ricegroundnut system when the recommended quantity of P or K was applied with recommended quantity of NK or NP instead of with N alone. Ap- plication of NPK + ZnSO to rice and NPK + CaSO to succeeding groundnut recorded the highest system net re- 4 4 turns ( 63,123/ha) followed by application of recommended NPK to both the crops ( 60,509/ha). These 2 treat- ments also recorded higher nutrient uptake due to the high biomass production with application of balanced nutri- ents.
Evaluation of balanced nutrient application for improving productivity and nutrient-use efficiency of rice (Oryza sativa)green gram (Vigna radiata) cropping system in Coastal ecosystem
Authors: M. RAY  , P. HALDAR  , S. CHATTERJEE  , SUSHANTA SAHA  , S.K. MUKHOPADHYAY
Published: December 2023

An on-farm experiment involving 96 farmers (24 farmers/year) in farmers participatory mode was conducted during 201112 to 201415 in Mandirbazar and Kakdwip blocks of South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal to study the response of rice (Oryza sativa L.)green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] cropping system to balanced nutrition. Both the crops of the experiment were treated with 7 nutrient combinations, viz. control, recommended N alone (80 kg N to rice and 20 kg to green gram), N with P (40 kg P O /ha), N with K (40 kg K O/ha) to both the 2 5 2 crop, N with P+K, N with P+K+Zn (25 kg ZnSO ) (Zn only to rice) and farmers practice which were replicated at 24 4 fields in 6 villages of the blocks. Application of 80 kg N, 40 kg P O and 40 kg K O along with 25 kg ZnSO /ha to 2 5 2 4 rice alone recorded significantly higher grain (4.51 t/ha) as well as straw (6.48 t/ha) yield of rice, while 20 kg N, 40 kg P O and 40 kg K O/ha recorded significantly higher seed (0.92 t/ha) yield in the succeeding green gram. The 2 5 2 maximum system rice equivalent yield (8.81 t/ha) and unit time system productivity (24 kg/ha/day) were also ob- served under balanced application of nutrients. Higher partial factor productivity (PFP) for N and K was recorded under farmers practice and the same for P was higher under application of N with P+K+Zn. Significantly higher net returns ( 46,994/ha) with cost of cultivation of 62,710/ha, B:C ratio (1.76) and sustainable yield index (0.83) were recorded with application of N with P+K and Zn to rice and N+P+K alone to greeng ram in the system. Agro- nomic efficiency (AE) of applied nutrients were observed to be in the order of N
Effect of seed rate and integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and economics of direct seeded hybrid rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: HEMRAJ MEENA  , M.K. SINGH  , MEENA RANI  , R.N. MEENA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons of 2016 and 2017 at Agricultural Research Farm, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management and seed rate on growth, yield and economics of direct-seeded hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.). The treatments comprised 3 seed rates (16 kg, 20 kg and 24 kg/ha) and 5 nutrient management, i.e. 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) through inorganic fertilizer, 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer + ZnSO .7H O 25 kg/ha followed by (fb) 4 2 0.2% FeSO and 0.2% Borax foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS), 75% recommended dose of nitro- 4 gen (RDN) through inorganic fertilizer + 25% N through FYM, 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 50% N through FYM, and 75% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 25% N through vermicompost. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications. Rice hybrid sown at seed rate of 20 kg/ha showed superior performance in respect of tillers/m2, dry-matter accumulation, leaf-area index (LAI), soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value and yield parameters, i.e. grain and straw yields, net returns and benefitcost ratio as compared to seed rate of 16 and 24 kg/ha. Amongst the integrated nutrient management options, an application of 50% RDN by urea + 50% N by FYM resulted in better performance, being comparable with those of 75% RDN through inorganic fer- tilizer + 25 % N through FYM. However, 100% RDF through inorganic fertilizer recorded the lowest growth and yield parameters. Seed rate of 20 kg/ha along with 50% RDN through inorganic fertilizer + 50% N through FYM was found to be a better option for obtaining optimum crop plants and nutrient-management practices in direct- seeded hybrid rice.
Enhancement of productivity potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under different tillage and nitrogen-management strategies
Authors: DHIMAN MUKHERJEE
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during 201516 and 201617 at Kalyani, West Bengal, to evaluate the pro- ductivity potential of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in relation to tillage and timing of nitrogen application. The high- est grain yield was obtained with reduced tillage (3.8 t/ha), being statistically superior to other options. This was followed by zero (3.4 t/ha) and conventional tillage (3.2 t/ha). Sowing of wheat under reduced tillage showed yield superiority of 23.86, 19.43 and 11.14%, respectively, to the surface seeding, conventional and zero tillage owing to better utilization of available resources with minimum disturbance of soil, and higher values of yield-attributing components. Results indicated that increasing the number of splits cannot compensate for basal nitrogen applica- tion. Application of nitrogen in 3 splits [one-half before sowing + one-fourth at 21 days after sowing (DAS) + one- fourth at 42 DAS] resulted in significantly taller plants, more dry-matter accumulation, higher leaf-area index and grain yield (3.6 t/ha). This treatment showed parity with one-third N before sowing + one-third at 21 DAS + one- third N at 42 DAS (3.4 t/ha). Reduced tillage resulted in higher net returns ( 51 103 /ha) and benefit: cost (B:C) ratio (2.22) than the other tillage practices. Time of nitrogen application revealed that, one-half before sowing + one-fourth at 21 DAS + one-fourth at 42 DAS resulted in more net returns ( 42.8 103/ha) and B:C ratio (2.06) and was followed by zero tillage for net returns ( 43.9 103 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.18).
Productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by weed and nitrogen management under semi-arid conditions
Authors: ANSHUL GUPTA  , S.S. YADAV  , L.R. YADAV  , SUSHILA KANWAR  , NEELAM YADAV  , HANSA LAKHRAN  , MEENA CHAUDHARY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201617 and 201718 at Agronomy re- search farm, Jobner, Rajasthan, to assess the effect of weed-management practices and nitrogen fertilization on productivity and profitability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Pooled results indicated that, 2 hand-weeding treat- ment (HW)25 and 45 days after sowing (DAS)was the most superior treatment in reducing the weed dry matter and weed count, and significantly improved the growth and yield-attributing characters of wheat and net returns. This treatment was closely accompanied by mesosulfuron 3% + iodosulfuron 0.6% @ 14.4 g/ha. Among weed- management practices, the highest grain and straw yields (4.65 t/ha and 5.72 t/ha) were obtained with 2 hand- weeding treatment. However, post-emergence application of mesosulfuron 3% + iodosulfuron 0.6% @ 14.4 g/ha was the most superior and equally effective herbicidal treatment (4.46 t/ha and 5.24 t/ha). Nitrogen fertilization at 90 kg/ha significantly improved the growth and yield attributes as well as yield of wheat over preceding levels. However, it remained at par with 135 kg N/ha.
Effect of tillage, organic manures and fertilizer doses on productivity, profitability and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum) under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: KHUSHBOO RANA  , JANARDAN SINGH  , SHILPA MANHAS
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2015-16 and 2016-17 at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, to study the effect of tillage, organic manures and fertilizer doses on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with 3 replications. There were 6 main-plots, consisting of combinations of 3 tillage (zero tillage, minimum tillage and conventional tillage) and 2 organic manures (vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and FYM @ 10 t/ha) treatments, and 3 subplots with 3 fertilizer doses (50, 75 and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers). Significantly higher values of effective tillers/m2, ear length, filled grains/ear, 1,000-grain weight, grain, straw and biological yields, harvest index, gross and net returns, benefit: cost and profitability were recorded under conventional tillage followed by minimum tillage. Application of 100% followed by 75% recommended dose of fertilizers recorded significantly higher effective tillers/m2, ear length, spikelets/ear, total number of grains, 1,000-grain weight, harvest index and protein content. The highest grain (2.7 t/ha), straw and biological yields, productivity (15.59 kg/ha/day) and gross returns (61.56 103 /ha) were recorded with the application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. Application of recommended dose of fertilizers resulted in the highest grain (2.88 t/ha), straw and biological yields, gross returns (65.05 103 /ha), net returns (26.28 103 /ha), benefit: cost (1.65) and profitability (151.85 /ha/day). Minimum tillage, vermicompost @ 5 t/ha and 100% recommended dose of fertilizers proved to be the best economical treatment for enhancing productivity, profitability and quality of wheat.
Nitrogen management in forage oat (Avena sativa) under North Gujarat Agro- climatic conditions
Authors: SURENDRA KUMAR  , A.G. PATEL  , J.R. JAT  , R.R. SHAKHELA  , RIDDHI V. JOSHI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) seasons of 201314 to 201617 under North Gujarat Agro-climatic conditions at Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat, to study the effect of nitrogen management on perfor- mance of forage oat (Avena sativa L.) at Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat. Application of 140 kg N/ha resulted in signifi- cantly more tillers/plant (3.22), leaves/plant (10.98), leaf length (41.47 cm), leaf width (1.49 cm), green and dry fodder yield (58.25 and 10.29 t/ha) of oat crop over rest of the treatments, i.e. N (80 kg N/ha) N (100 kg N/ha) and 1 , 2 N (120 N/ha). The same treatment of N realized the maximum net monetary returns ( 53,444/ha) and benefit: 3 cost ratio (2.58). Among the different time of nitrogen application treatments, 50% N basal and 50% N after the first cut i.e. 45 days after sowing (DAS), resulted in significantly more tillers/plant (3.03), green (51.79 t/ha) as well as dry (9.64 t/ha) fodder yields than 50% N basal + 50% N after 30 DAS and 50% N as basal + 25% N after 30 DAS + 25% after the first cut i.e. 45 DAS, and the maximum net returns ( 44,282/ha) and B:C ratio (2.32) was ob- tained by the treatment of 50% N as basal and 50% N after the first cut i.e. 45 DAS of oat crop.
Economic optimum dose of potassium fertilization for enhancing productivity and profitability of hybrid maize (Zea mays) under semi-arid condition of Kandahar
Authors: SHARIFULLAH SHARIFI  , Y.S. SHIVAY  , S.L. JAT  , HIKMATULLAH OBAID
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out at the main block of Tarnak Farm of Afghanistan National Agricultural Sci- ences and Technology University, Kandahar during the summer season of 2015, to determine the effects of differ- ent potassium fertilizer levels on yield and economics of hybrid maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment consisted seven potash application treatments of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 kg K O/ha and a control in a randomized 2 complete block design (RCBD) and replicated thrice. Grain and stover yields were significantly affected by 90 kg K O/ha which were at par up to 210 kg K O/ha. Significantly higher net returns (108.6 103 Afghani/ha) and ben- 2 2 efit: cost ratio (1.16) were observed by the application of 180 and 60 kg K O/ha, respectively. However, a dose of 2 157.7 kg K O/ha was found as economic optimum dose for growing maize in semi-arid condition in Kandahar 2 province of Afghanistan.
Performance of baby corn varieties under varying planting geometry
Authors: K. ADITI  , Y. SIVA LAKSHMI  , A. SRINIVAS  , S. NARENDER REDDY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 201415 at PJTSAU, Hyderabad to identify a suitable baby corn variety and optimum geometry for Southern Zone of Telangana. Treatments were laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept consisting of three baby corn varieties (30V92, Seed Tech-740 and VL-42) along with four planting geometries (45 cm 15 cm, 45 cm 20 cm, 60 cm 10 cm and 60 cm 15 cm) and replicated thrice. The results of the experiment revealed that baby corn yield was 56% higher in VL-42 with 45 cm x 15 cm over Seed Tech-740 at the same spacing. Contrastingly, cost of cultivation was highest with VL-42 under the planting geometry of 60 cm x 10 cm, whereas net returns and benefit cost ratio were highest in VL-42 with 45 cm x 15 cm. The study showed that VL-42 with a population of 1,48,148 plants /ha is a viable option for growing baby corn on sandy loam soils of Southern Zone of Telangana.
Effect of foliar application of nitrogen on productivity and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Authors: B.A. SARVARI  , V.K. SINGH  , KAPILA SHEKHAWAT  , H. OBAID  , BUAHANUDDIN WIQAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2017 at the research farm of the National Agri- cultural Science and Technology University, Kandahar, Afghanistan to evaluate the effect of foliar application of nitrogen on growth, productivity and economics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Treatments 12 were laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications on the sandy clay loam soil. The treatment of 50 kg N as basal + 1.5% urea foliar spray at 20 and 40 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in the highest seed yield (2,461 kg/ha), maxi- mum cost of cultivation (54,800 AFN /ha), higher gross return (148,516 AFN/ha), maximum net returns (93,716 AFN/ha) and higher benefit: cost (2.71) ratio. However, this treatment was found significantly at par where 50 kg N/ha was applied basal, followed by a 1.5% foliar spray either at 20 or 40 days after sowing (DAS). Thus, a foliar spray of 1.5% N, either at 20 or 40 DAS along with 50 kg N/ha resulted in higher productivity and economics in sunflower under the semi-arid conditions of Afghanistan.
Growth, nodulation and productivity of rainfed soybean (Glycine max) as influenced by mulching and anti-transpirants
Authors: HARPREET KAUR VIRK  , GURIQBAL SINGH  , NAVNEET AGGARWAL  , POONAM SHARMA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy seasons (kharif) of 2012, 2013 and 2014 at the research farm of the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, to study the effect of straw mulching and anti- transpirants on growth, nodulation and productivity of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr]. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized complete, block design with 3 replications. The treatments included 2 mulching lev- els [wheat straw mulch @ 5 t/ha after sowing and control (no mulch)] and 5 anti-transpirants [5% magnesium carbonate (MgCO ), 5% glycerol, 5% sodium carbonate (Na CO ) in 2012 and during 2013 and 2014 sodium carbon- 3 2 3 ate was 2%, potassium nitrate (KNO ) 1% and control] during all the 3 years. Application of straw mulch @ 5 t/ha 3 after sowing recorded the highest dry matter/plant, nodulation, plant height, pods/plant, straw yield and seed yield of soybean. Straw mulch recorded 17.6% higher seed yield and 22.6% higher rainfall use efficiency over no mulch. Straw mulching resulted in significantly higher gross ( 8,037) and net returns (3,037) as compared to the control (no mulch). Application of anti-transpirants had no significant effect on nodulation and seed yield of soy- bean. Application of potassium nitrate provided higher gross returns, net returns and benefit : cost ratio than the other anti-transpirants. However, use of anti-transpirants was not economical over the control. It is con- cluded that application of straw mulch @ 5 t/ha after sowing provides higher seed yield of soybean over no mulch.
Effects of ZnO nano-particles embedded nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on productivity, physical grain quality and nutrient harvest indices of aromatic rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: KIRTTIRANJAN BARAL  , DINESH KUMAR  , YASHBIR SINGH SHIVAY
Published: December 2023

A field experiment on aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) was conducted during kharif 2018 at the research farm of ICARIndian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, to know the effect of ZnO nano-particles [Nps; 38 nano- meter (nm) mean particle size] embedded NPK fertilizer on grain yield, protein content and protein yield, physical grain quality, nitrogen harvest index (NHI), phosphorus harvest index (PHI) and potassium harvest index (KHI). The experiment consisting of 10 treatments, viz. control (0 : 0 : 0 N : P O : K O kg/ha), 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha alone, 2 5 2 100% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), 100% NPK (120, 60 and 40 kg/ha N, P O and K O, respec- 2 5 2 tively) + 5 kg Zn/ha through ZnSO .7H O, 100% NPK + 5 kg Zn/ha through ZnO (Bulk, i.e. size > 100 nm), 100% 4 2 NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha, 75% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha, 50% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha, 25% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha and 12.5% NPK+ 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha, were laid out in a randomized block design with 3 replications. Appli- cation of 100% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha registered the highest grain yield and crude protein content which was at par with 75% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha. Not only yield and protein content, application of 100% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha also recorded the highest hulling, milling and head rice recovery which were statistically similar to applica- tion of 75% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha. However, non-significant difference was observed among fertilizer treat- ments with respect to rice grain length, breadth and length : breadth of milled rice. Significant improvement in nutri- ent harvest indices was noticed owing to combined application of ZnO Nps with NPK fertilizers over the control. Hence, it can be concluded that application of 75% NPK + 7.5 g ZnO Nps/ha is the best option for increased pro- ductivity and nutrient-use efficiency.
Effect of phosphorus on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays) under arid conditions of Kandahar, Afghanistan
Authors: N.M. AHMADI  , T.K. DAS  , N. NASRAT  , S.S. RATHORE  , A.K. PAUL
Published: December 2023

An experiment was conducted during summer 2015 at the research farm of the Afghanistan National Agricul- tural Science and Technology University, Kandahar, to assess the effect of variable levels of phosphorus on growth and productivity of maize (Zea mays L.) under semi-arid conditions of Kandahar, Afghanistan. The experi- ment was laid out in a randomized complete, block design with 3 replications, having a plot size of 4.25 m 5.60 m with row-to-row distance of 0.60 m and plant-to-plant distance of 0.25 m. The levels of phosphorus were 0 (con- trol), 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 kg P O /ha. Different levels of phosphorus significantly influenced all growth param- 2 5 eters of maize, viz. plant height, leaf area index, number of green leaves per plant, dry-matter accumulation, leaf area duration, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate; and yield. The application of 75 kg P O /ha resulted in 2 5 the maximum plant height (200.6 cm), higher leaf area index (6.41), greater dry matter accumulation (222 g/plant), net assimilation rate (10.9 g/m2/d) and grain yield (6.51 t/ha) compared to the control. Thus, P may be applied at the rate of 75 kg P O /ha for getting higher grain yield and income in the agro-ecological conditions of 2 5 Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Crop diversification with high-value crops for higher productivity and profitability under irrigated ecosystem
Authors: B. BHARGAVI  , U.K. BEHERA  , K.S. RANA  , RAJ SINGH  , SHIV PRASAD  , R.N. PANDEY  , GEETA SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field investigation was carried out during the rainy (kharif), winter (rabi) and summer seasons of 201517 on sandy- clay- loam soil at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi to evaluate 5 cropping sys- tems, viz. maize (Zea mays L.) pea (Pisum sativum L.) okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.)], maizemustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj] greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek], cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl] onion (Allium cepa L.) and okrawheat, for productivity, profitability and labour requirement. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 4 replications. Bottle gourdonion cropping system recorded the highest wheat-grain-equivalent yield (WGEY) 19.9 t/ha, followed by maizepeaokra (14.06 t/ha). The lowest WGEY was recorded with maizemustard greengram (9.12 t/ha). The net returns ( 216.34 103/ha) were higher with bottle gourdonion cropping system, while maizemustardgreengram registered lowest net returns ( 73.39 103/ha). Highest labour requirement was observed in maizepeaokra system (197 man-days/ha) followed by okrawheat system (166 man-days/ha). The minimum number of labour was required for maizemustardgreengram system (117 man-days/ha) followed by cottonwheat system (121 man-days/ha); however, there is no significant difference between the two systems.
Effect of phosphorus and potassium application on productivity of greengram (Vigna radiata) under semi-arid conditions of Kandahar, Afghanistan
Authors: YAMMA NOORI  , KHAL MOHAMMAD AHMADZAI  , S.L. MEENA  , HIKMATULLAH OBAID  , RAZ MOHAMMAD STORI  , SAYED AHMAD SAYEDI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the summer (AugustNovember) season of 2017 at Kandahar, Afghanistan, to study the effect of phosphorus and potassium levels on growth, yield attributes and yield of greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek]. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 10 treatment combinations consisting of 3 phosphorus levels (40, 60 and 80 kg P O /ha), 3 potassium levels (20, 40 2 5 and 60 kg K O/ha) and 1 absolute control. Significantly higher plant height (43.9 cm), dry-matter accumulation 2 (15.7 g/plant), leaf area index (1.70), number of pods/plant (22.9), pod length (7.59 cm), number of seeds/pod (7.97), 1,000-seed weight (47.6 g), grain yield (1.55 t/ha), stover yield (4.01 t/ha) and harvest index (27.80) were recorded under the application of 80 kg P O with 60 kg K O/ha over rest of the treatments . The application of 80 2 5 2 kg P O with 60 kg K O was found better treatments for higher productivity of greengram in semi-arid region of 2 5 2 Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Yield, quality and nutrient status of soil under different integrated nitrogen management practices in wheat (Triticum aestivum) forage cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) cropping sequence
Authors: P.K. SURYAWANSHI  , V.D. PAGAR  , N.M. KUMBHAR  , A.C. SADHU
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during winter and summer season of 201112 and 201213 at college Agronomy farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, to study the yield, quality and nutrient status of soil under different integrated nitrogen management practices in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) forage cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] cropping sequence. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 21 treatment combinations, comprising 7 nitrogen management through chemical fertilizer and organic manures and 3 bio-fertilizer inoculants. Application of 75% RDN from chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN from FYM followed by 100% RDN from chemical fertilizer and 75% RDN from chemical fertilizer + 25% from vermicompost resulted significantly higher grain yield with protein content in wheat. Significantly higher nutri- ent contents were recorded in the plots fertilized with 25% RDN from chemical fertilizer + 25% RDN from FYM + 25% RDN from vermicompost + 25% RDN from castor cake followed by 50% RDN from chemical fertilizer + 25% vermicompost + 25% castor cake. Seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum re- sulted in the higher grain yields and protein content in wheat. This treatment also showed higher available nitro- gen, potassium and phosphorus status of soil. Significantly higher green and dry fodder yield, and protein content in forage cowpea were recorded owing to residual effect of combined seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum. Application of 25% RDN chemical fertilizer + 25% from FYM + 25% from vermicompost + 25% from castor cake along with combined seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum + Azospirillum lipoferum improved nutrient status of soil in wheatforage cowpea sequence.
Effect of nutrient management modules on soil properties, yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: DINESH KUMAR  , VED PRAKASH  , MAHENDRA KUMAR VERMA  , PRASHANT SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of nutrient management modules on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-(NW 1014) yield and quality at students instructional farm, Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Narendra Nagar, Ayodhya during winter season (rabi) of 201415 and 201516. The experimen- tal soil was silty loam having organic carbon 3.4 g/kg with pH 8.38, available N 170.50, P 11.80 and K 215.50 kg/ ha, S 6.10 and Zn 0.38 ppm. The experiment consisted of 14 treatments, viz. T , RDF (150:60:40 kg/ha N, P O 1 2 5 and K O); T , RDF + 20 kg ZnSO /ha; T , RDF + 5 t FYM/ha; T , RDF + 2.5 t VC /ha; T , RDF + 5 t FYM + 20 kg 2 2 4 3 4 5 ZnSO /ha; T , RDF + 2.5 t VC + 20 kg ZnSO /ha; T , 75% RDF; T , 75% RDF + 20 kg ZnSO /ha; T , 75% RDF + 4 6 4 7 8 4 9 10 t FYM/ha; T , 75% RDF + 5 t VC/ha; T , 75% RDF + 10 t FYM + 20 kg ZnSO /ha; T , 75% RDF + 5 t VC + 20 10 11 4 12 kg ZnSO /ha; T , 125% RDF; T , 125% RDF + 20 kg ZnSO /ha. Pooled analysis revealed that the application of 4 13 14 4 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + vermicompost at 2.5 t/ha + ZnSO at 20 kg/ha recorded highest 4 grain yield (4.91 t/ha), straw yield (6.75 t/ha) and protein content (11.71 %) followed by 100% RDF + FYM at 5 t/ha + ZnSO at 20 kg/ha. Similar trend was also noted in soil properties after wheat harvest. 4
Performance of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in response to planting methods and seed rates under north-western Indian conditions
Authors: RENU BALA  , BUTA SINGH DHILLON  , AMANDEEP SINGH BRAR  , PRITPAL SINGH  , AMARJEET KAUR
Published: December 2023

The study was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 201617 and 201718 at Ludhiana, Punjab with the objective to evaluate the effect of sowing methods and seed rates on productivity, quality and economics of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design keeping sowing methods, i.e. bed (1 row), bed (2 rows), ridge (1 row), ridge (2 rows), flat (60 cm) and flat (30 cm), in main plots and seed rates, i.e. 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 kg/ha, in subplots. Results revealed that, the higher plant population under bed (2 rows) and better yield attributes under ridge (1 row) resulted in the highest root yield and net returns. Although crop sown as flat (30 and 60 cm) also gave root yield similar to former sowing methods but roots obtained under flat sowing were physically distorted, i.e. forked and cracked. Growth, photosynthetic parameters and root yield and benefit: cost ratio showed increasing trend only up to 1.0 kg/ha seed rate but shoot yield increased linearly up to 1.5 kg/ha seed rate. Final plant population, plant height at harvesting, root length and shoot yield had direct positive effect on root yield but dry matter of root at harvesting had positive indirect effect on root yield via. plant population
Influence of seed rate and nipping practice on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) varieties in Irrigated Arid Western Plains Zone
Authors: ASHOK CHOUDHARY  , P.S. SHEKHAWAT  , A.S. GODARA  , S.P. SINGH  , M.L. REGAR  , SHRI RAKESH*
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during winter season 201617 and 201718 at Bikaner, Rajasthan, to study the effect of seed rates and nipping on yield, nutrient uptake and quality of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties. Among varieties, GNG 1581 recorded significantly higher seed yield (2,142 kg/ha)
Productivity and profitability of seed dhaincha (Sesbania cannabina) + relay yard long bean (Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis) under different date of planting and row spacing
Authors: SUCHISMITA DWIBEDI  , BASUDEV BEHERA  , SANAT KUMAR DWIBEDI  , STUTI DEBAPRIYA BEHERA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, during the rainy (kharif) 2019 and winter (rabi) season 201920, to study the effect of date of planting and row spacing on the performance of seed dhaincha [Sesbania cannabina (Retz.) Pers.] and relay yard long bean [Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sequipedalis (L.) Verdc.]. The treatments comprising 5 dates of planting of dhaincha, viz. onset of monsoon (13 June), and one (20 June), two (27 June), three (4 July) and four (11 July) week(s) after onset of the monsoon, and 3 row spacing, viz. 80, 120 and 160 cm, giving rise to 15 treatment combinations, were tried in split-plot design with 3 replications. The dates of planting and row spacings were allocated to the main and the sub plots, respectively. Yard long bean (bodi) was planted as relay crop after the first picking and before final harvesting of dhaincha. Planting dhaincha on 13 June at row spacing of 80 cm resulted in the maximum seed yield of 1.27 t/ha, while planting on 13 June at row spacing of 120 cm and planting on 20 June at row spacing of 80 and 120 cm recorded statistically similar seed yield. Planting of yard long bean on 5 October at row spacing of 80 cm gave the maximum fresh pod yield of 2.83 t/ha and planting on 5 October at row spacing of 120 cm and planting on 12 October at row spacing of 80 and 120 cm exhibited statistically similar fresh pod yield. Planting dhaincha on 13 June and relay yard long bean on 5 October at the closest row spacing of 80 cm resulted in the maximum system productivity (dhaincha seed-equivalent yield) of 3.06 t/ha, the maximum gross return of 192.68 103 `/ha and the maximum net return of 96.17 103`/ha. All combinations of 2 earliest date of planting (13 and 20 June) and the closest and the moderate row spacing (80 cm and 120 cm) remained at par for these productivity and profitability indices