bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fertility levels and weed-management practices on yield potential, nutri- ent uptake and economics of spring-planted sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)
Authors: VACHIN KUMAR  , SANDEEP KUMAR  , SANJAY KUMAR  , OMBIR SINGH  , VIPIN KUMAR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the spring seasons of 200708 and 200809 at Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of NPK levels and weed-management practices on yield potential, nutrient uptake and economics of sugarcane ( Saccharum officinar um L.). The crop was fertilized with 75% recommended dose of fer- tilizer (RDF), 100% RDF (150:60:60 kg/ha of N: P O : K O) and 125% RDF in combination with 7 weed manage- 2 5 2 ment practices, viz. weedy check; weed free; three hoeing at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting; one hoeing at 30 days after planting followed by atrazine @ 2.0 kg a.i./ha; atrazine @ 2.0 kg a.i./ha as pre-emergence (PE) + 2,4-D @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha at 60 days after planting; glyphosate @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha at 25 days after planting + one hoeing at 60 days after planting and Sesbania sowing in inter-row space followed by 2,4-D @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha at 45 days after planting. The crop fertilized with 125% RDF being at par with RDF resulted in the highest cane yield and number of millable canes, being 15.5 and 22.3% higher respectively, than lower fertility level mainly because of remarkable improvement in individual cane weight, cane girth, cane length, tillering and lower mortality. The dose of 125% RDF was found economically more sound, as it generated the highest return of 86,740/ha with benefit: cost ratio of 2.35. The highest nutrient uptake by sugarcane and total nutrient removal by sugarcane + weeds was recorded with 125% RDF which was significantly higher over RDF. The total uptake of nutrients followed the trend similar to that of nutrient removal by sugarcane. Among the weed-management practices, 3 manual hoeings at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting being at par with the treatment post-emergence application of glyphosate @ 1.0 kg a.i. at 25 days after planting + one hoeing at 60 days after planting proved efficient in controlling the weed population and dry-matter production all the growth stages, as evident by the highest weed control efficiency. The cane yield, millable canes and nutrient removal were witnessed higher under glyphosate @ 1.0 kg a.i. at 25 days after plant- ing + one hoeing at 60 days after planting, followed by 3 manual hoeing at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting. Under weedy check plots, weeds removed the maximum nutrients, whereas lower uptake was observed under weed free conditions. Glyphosate @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha at 25 days after planting + 1 hoeing at 60 days after planting was the best weed-management practices for higher net return ( 91,067/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (3.60) when it was com- pared to other treatments.
Grain yield, nutrient uptake, quality and economics of soybean (Glycine max) under different sulphur and boron levels in Punjab
Authors: HARI RAM  , GURIQBAL SINGH  , NAVNEET AGGARWAL
Published: December 2023

A 3-year field experiment was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during the rainy sea- son of ( kharif) 2006 to 2008, to study response of soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merrill] to different levels of sulphur and born. The experiment comprised of 13 treatments including all the combinations of 4 sulphur (S) levels (10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha) and 3 boron (B) levels (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg/ha) and absolute control (no S; no B). The highest grain yield, protein, oil content, gross and net returns of soybean were recorded with 40 kg S/ha, which were sta- tistically at par with 30 kg S/ha but significantly higher than other levels of sulphur. The productivity in 40 kg S/ha was enhanced 61.9% over the absolute control. The boron level of 1.5 kg/ha recorded the highest grain yield, gross and net returns, being statistically at par with 1.0 kg B/ha but significantly higher than 0.5 kg B/ha. The high- est S and B uptake were recorded in 40 kg S/ha and 1.5 kg B/ha respectively. The highest grain yield recorded in 40 kg S/ha and 1.5 kg B/ha was statistically at par with 40 kg S/ha and 1.0 kg B/ha, 30 kg S/ha and 1.0 kg B/ha, 20 kg S/ha and 1.5 kg B/ha and 30 kg S/ha and 1.5 kg B/ha treatments but was significantly higher than all the other combinations of sulphur and boron.
Nutrient requirement of Bt. cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: J.A. HOSMATH  , D.P. BIRADAR  , V.C. PATIL  , Y.B. PALLED  , L.H. MALLIGAWAD
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted on Ver tisols of Dharwad, Karnataka during the rainy seasons of 2007 and 2008, to ascertain the nutrient requirement of Bt cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) with the recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF, 1206060 kg N P O K O/ha) advocated to the conventional non-Bt cotton hybrid. The investiga- 2 5 2 tion focused on varying the recommended nitrogen application levels into 7 splits10% as basal, remaining 90% in equal splits at 30, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after sowing (DAS)with entire dose of P and K coupled with the soil application of MgSO @ 25 kg/ha, foliar nutrition of urea (2%), DAP (2%), MgSO (1%), KNO (2%), calcium 4 4 3 nitrate (1%), multimicronutrient (1%), Cytokinin (2 ppm) and polyethylene mulching (100 micron thickness). Bunny Bt (NCS 145) cotton genotype was sown with 90 cm 60 cm spacing. Foliar application of KNO 2%, soil 3 and foliar application of MgSO @ 25 kg/ha and 1% respectively, and soil application of MgSO @ 25 kg/ha alone 4 4 increased the seed-cotton yield by 25.0, 24.4 and 24.3% respectively, over the RDF. Sympodial branches and total number of bolls/plant followed the similar trend. At 120 DAS, increase in leaf potash content (1.02%) was recorded with foliar application of 2% KNO and the increase in leaf magnesium (1.86%) was noticed with soil and foliar ap- 3 plication of MgSO @ 25 kg/ha and 1% respectively. Significantly increased 2.5% span length (33.1 mm) and 4 bundle strength (24.8 g/tex) were observed with foliar application of KNO (2%) over the other treatments. Foliar 3 application of KNO (2%) (3 sprays on 15 October, 1 November and 31 November) significantly increased the 3 seed-cotton yield (2.54 t/ha), gross returns ( 56.2 103/ha), net returns ( 27.8 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.98).
Effect of zinc and magnesium nutrition on yield, quality and removal of nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: T.M. CHAUHAN  , JAVED ALI  , HARVENDRA SINGH  , S.P. SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) season of 200810 on alluvial soil of Bichpuri, Agra, to study the effects of Zn (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 kg/ha) and magnesium (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg/ha) on wheat [ Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] in respect of yield, quality and uptake of nutrients. Application of Zn up to 5 kg/ ha increased the grain and straw yield by 9.7 and 11.5% over the control respectively. Application of 5 kg Zn/ ha also recorded the highest values of net returns ( 70.2 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.74). The addition of Mg up to 20 kg/ha enhanced the mean grain (5.11 t/ha) and straw (6.13 t/ha) yield significantly over the control. The highest net returns ( 68.4 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.70) were recorded at 20 kg Mg/ha. The interaction ef- fect between Zn and Mg significantly and synergistically influenced the yields, being highest at 5 kg Zn in conjunc- tion with 20 kg Mg/ha. The removal of Zn by grain and straw increased from 152.8 to 202.5 and 129.5 to 182.5 g/ ha with the increase in Zn levels. The removal of Mg by grain and straw also increased significantly with the levels of Mg from 11.4 to 15.6 and 7.8 to 12.1 kg/ha respectively. On the other hand, Zn and Mg showed antagonistic ef- fect on their removal by wheat. The removal of N, P and K increased up to 5 kg Zn and 20 kg Mg /ha level. Protein content and yield also increased significantly with the increase of Zn and Mg over the control. The values of effi- ciency indices decreased with increasing levels of Mg and Zn.
Carry-over effect of weed management practices of maize (Zea mays) on weed dynamics and productivity of succeeding zero and conventional till wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: V.S. SUSHA  , T.K. DAS  , A.R. SHARMA
Published: December 2023

Effective weed control in no-till systems is mainly based on herbicides. Appropriate weed management strate- gies can reduce the application of herbicides to a considerable extent. In the study, a possible weed management has been envisaged in zero-till (ZT) with and without residue, and conventional till (CT) wheat [ Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] during 2010-11 and 2011-12 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi follow- ing residual effects of 12 weed control treatments, comprising of tank-mix and sequential application of herbicides in the previous rainy ( kharif) seasons, 2010 and 2011 in maize ( Zea mays L.). It was observed that total density of weeds did not differ significantly between weed control treatments adopted during previous rainy seasons. But, ZT with maize residue retention (ZT+R) caused a significant reduction on the population of grasses (e.g. Phalaris mi- nor, Avena ludoviciana), broad-leaved (e.g. Chenopodium album, Melilotus indica) and total weeds compared to CT and ZT (without residue). Wheat yield was almost similar in all previous season tank-mix and sequential herbi- cide applications except that in weed-free check adopted during both the seasons in both years. But, the tank-mix pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + imazethapyr 0.050 kg/ha combined with ZT+R resulted in higher wheat yield, and was comparable with weed-free check, indicating its considerable residual effect on weeds in wheat. This tank-mix pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha + imazethapyr 0.050 kg/ha when followed by ZT in wheat fetched higher net returns and net benefit:cost, which showed its superiority over other weed control treatments except weed-free check.
Introduction of Bt cotton hybrids in India: Did it change the agronomy?
Authors: D. BLAISE  , M.V. VENUGOPALAN  , A.R. RAJU
Published: December 2023

The introduction and subsequent rapid adoption of Bt. transgenic cotton hybrids ( Gossypium species) have un- doubtedly been the most significant event in the history of cotton in India. Besides providing resistance against lepidopteron pests, the Bt. hybrids matured earlier, were more determinate, had a rapid leaf area development, re- tained more early set fruiting forms and perhaps have a shallower root system. Both researchers and farmers dur- ing the last decade have been fine-tuning the agronomy to maximize the benefits from Bt cotton. Some prominent changes accompanying this technology have been, compulsory seed treatment with imidachloprid, advancement in sowing wherever supplemental irrigation was available, a delay in sowing in the traditional rainfed till the soil pro- file absorbs sufficient moisture, application of atleast 25% higher fertilizer dose, shift towards balanced fertilization, foliar application of K and micronutrient mixtures. Adoption of drip irrigation and fertigation, more widespread use of booth pre-emergence (pendimethalin) and post-emergence herbicides (quizalofop ethyl and pyrithiobac so- dium), practice of stale seed bed technique for weed management, pruning and extension of crop duration are some other agro techniques which are being adopted by Bt. cotton farmers.
Zinc requirement of green gram (Vigna radiata)wheat (Triticum aestivum) crop sequence in alluvial soil
Authors: SEEMA CHAUDHARY  , HARVENDRA SINGH  , SANDEEP SINGH  , VINAY SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200810 at Bichpuri, Agra on a zinc-deficient soil, to assess the direct and residual effect of different levels of applied Zn on yield of green gram [ Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and wheat [ Tr iticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] and uptake of nutrients by the crops and soil fertility under greengramwheat crop sequence. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 5 levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg/ha) with 4 replications. An application of 5 kg Zn/ha to greengram recorded significantly highest plant height (53.5 cm), pods/plant (35.8), seeds/pod (12.8) and 1,000-grain weight (32.04 g). Zinc fertiliza- tion in preceding greengram crop at 7.5 kg was found to be best for growth and yield attributes of wheat. Green gram crop responded significantly up to 5 kg Zn/ha by producing 1,052 kg grain and 1,816 kg straw/ha. The re- sidual effect in wheat crop was significant at 7.5 kg Zn/ha and grain and straw yield increments were to the extent of 15.3 and 12.4% respectively. The content and yield of protein in both the crops increased significantly with an increase level of zinc. The uptake of Zn by both the crops increased significantly by increasing levels of zinc. A phenomenal increase in N and K uptake, except of P and S, was recorded in greengram and wheat crop due to in- creasing levels of zinc up to 5 and 7.5 kg/ha respectively. DTPA-extractable Zn was reduced in the control plot har- vesting of wheat. At higher levels of Zn, sufficient DTPA-extractable Zn (0.80 mg/kg) remained in the soil after growing 2 crops and further crops could be taken without the application of Zn. The values of efficiency indices de- creased with the increase in levels of zinc. Net returns and benefit: cost ratio were the highest with 5 kg Zn/ha in the greengram-wheat crop sequence.
Evaluation of potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars for productivity, nitrogen requirement and eco-friendly indices under different nitrogen levels
Authors: M. MOZUMDER  , H. BANERJEE  , K. RAY  , T. PAUL
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) seasons of 201112 and 201213 at Adisaptagram Block Seed Farm, Hooghly, West Bengal, to optimize the potato ( Solanum tuberosum L ) cultivars and nitrogen lev- . els for growth attributes, tuber yield, nitrogen-use efficiency, sustainability, eco-friendliness and economics in new . alluvial zone of West Bengal. Fifteen treatment combinations, viz 3 potato cultivars (Kufri Himalini, Kufri Shailja and Kufri Jyoti) and 5 N doses (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300 kg N/ha) were laid out in a factorial randomized block de- sign with 4 replications. Kufri Himalini recorded the maximum tuber yield (31.3 t/ha), which was significantly higher than Kufri Shailja (26.6 t/ha) and Kufri Jyoti (24.1 t/ha). Correlation between tuber yield and plant height (R2=0.73), tuber yield and dry matter accumulation (R2=0.84), tuber yield and tuber bulking rate (R2=0.75) and tu- ber yield and total N uptake (R2=0.62) were significant. The correlation study between nitrogen and tuber yield showed high degree of correlation (R2=0.984) and N was derived as 202.6 kg N/ha for optimum economic yield. opt. Agronomic efficiency (AE ) and physiological efficiency (PE ) was more in Kufri Himalini at all N levels. There was N N a positive balance of nitrogen in all the treatments except one treatment (Kufri Jyoti with 300 kg N/ha). Kufri Himalini fertilized with 300 kg N/ha gave the highest net returns ( 1,45,156/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.58) with least difference from 225 kg N/ha, while the negative response was recorded in the control. Kufri Shailja potato was more eco-friendly, as its index was 18.4% higher than Kufri Jyoti. Kufri Shailja required 18.4% less applica- tion of fertilizer N to give the highest yield obtained by Kufri Jyoti (30.94 t/ha). So, for obtaining a given yield, less amount of fertilizer is being put to soil and hence comparatively less amount of N is being lost to the environment.
Influence of integrated nutrient management on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of maize (Zea mays)yellow sarson (Brassica rapa) cropping system under rainfed mid hill condition
Authors: DHIMAN MUKHERJEE
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201012 at Kalingpong, West Bengal, to study effect of doses of chemical fertilizers along with organic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of maize ( Zea mays L.)yellow sarson [ Brassica rapa (L.) Var. Yellow sarson] cropping system under mid hill condition. Maximum grain and stover yields of maize were obtained with of 150% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.1 and 9.3 t/ha respectively) and were statistically at par with the application of 100% RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.0 and 9.3 t/ha respectively). Amongst the organic sources of nutrients, more grain and stover yields were recorded with application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + for- est litter @ 2.5 t/ha and were at par with vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + forest litter @ 5 t/ha, and was significantly su- perior to rest of the treatments. Seed yield of yellow sarson was not influenced by chemical fertilizers. Significant result was registered with stover yield, and maximum was recorded with 150% RDF (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson) (3.2 t/ha) and was at par with 50% RDF (maize) + 100% RDF (yellow sarson) (3.0 t/ha). Amongst the or- ganic sources, more seed and stover yields were recorded with application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha (1.9 t/ha). Nutrient uptake pattern was also influenced by various sources under maizeyellow sarson cropping system. The productivity of cropping system was positively influenced by various in- organic and organic treatments. Maximum maize-equivalent yield (MEY) was recorded with 50% RDF (maize) + 100% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.3 t/ha) and was at par with the 100% RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson) and 150% RDF (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson). The highest MEY of 5.1 t/ha was recorded with FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha, being at par with vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + forest litter @ 5 t/ ha and vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, gave significantly higher value than rest of the treatments under the cropping sys- tem. Maximum net returns ( 19.4 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.1) amongst the chemical treatment, was ob- served with 100 % RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson). Application of organic nutrient sources revealed that maximum net returns ( 17.6 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.4) was registered with the FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha.
Effect of resource-conserving and planting techniques on productivity of maize (Zea mays)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system
Authors: RAMESH  , S.S. RANA  , S.C. NEGI  , SURESH KUMAR  , S.K. SUBEHIA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted on a silty clay loam soil of Palampur during 20092011, to study effect of till- age and planting-management techniques in maize ( Zea mays L )wheat { Triticum aestivum (L ) emend. Fiori & . . Paol.) cropping system. Zero tillage in rainy ( kharif) and winter ( rabi) seasons resulted comparable yield as with multi-crop planter, manual seed drill and conventional tillage methods. However, multi-crop planter and manual seed drill in the rainy season produced significantly higher effective plants/m2 of maize (8.0 and 7.8, respectively). In case of wheat, conventional tillage in the rainy season produced significantly the highest effective spikes/m2 (322.6) over the other treatments. However, multi-crop planter in the winter season produced significantly the high- est effective spikes/m2 (337.6). Water productivity in the rainy season was minimum under zero tillage (41.3 kg maize grain equivalent yield (mey)/ha-mm) and maximum under manual seed drill (48.5 kg mey/ha-mm), while wa- ter use was the lowest under manual seed drill and the maximum under zero tillage. Systems total energy output was the highest with conventional tillage in the rainy season and multi-crop planter in the winter season. In maize crop, manual seed drill and multi-crop planter in the rainy season produced significantly lower total weed count at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Similarly, the total weed dry weight 90 days after sowing (DAS) was lowest under manual seed drill. In wheat crop, multi-crop planter, manual seed drill and conventional tillage in the winter season produced significantly lower weed count (at 30 and 60 DAS respectively) compared to zero tillage. Seeding with zero tillage, multi-crop planter and manual seed drill in the rainy season and the winter season could save 9, 11.5 and 6 man-days and 22, 16 and 9 man-days, respectively, over the conventional tillage.
Drought in India: Its impact and mitigation strategies A review
Authors: R.C. GAUTAM  , R.S. BANA
Published: December 2023

Drought is temporary reduction in water or moisture availability significantly below the normal amount for a spe- cific period. It is a climatic anomaly characterized by deficient supply of moisture resulting either from sub-normal rainfall, erratic rainfall distribution, higher water need or a combination of all the 3 factors. Droughts, in general, are extreme hydrologic events causing acute water shortages which persist long enough to trigger detrimental effects on human, vegetation, animals and ecosystem over a considerable area. To a meteorologist, drought is the ab- sence of rain, while to the agriculturist it is the deficiency of soil moisture in the crop root zone to support crop growth and productivity. Based on the criteria, concept of its utilization and different schools of thought, drought is broadly categorized into meteorological drought, hydrological drought, agricultural drought and socio-economic drought. In rainfed areas, drylands are more prone to drought. Since last one decade of 21st Century, it has been observed that monsoon rains are deviating much from its predictions and the states/regions which never experi- ence such a natural calamity comes under mild to acute droughtprone regions. In cases of field crops and other vegetation, it creates moisture-stress conditions when the amount of water needed for evapotranspiration exceeds the total amount of moisture available in soil. To define, drought is taken to have occurred over an area where the annual average rainfall is less than 5075% of the normal southwest (SW) monsoon rains. Delayed onset of S W monsoon rains or early receding of monsoon rains towards halfway of the season or long gaps between 2 heavy and effective rains during rainy season are the general phenomenon of agricultural drought in India. The In- dia Meteorological Department (IMD) generally predicts the monsoon status (weak or normal) 34 months before for each state/region. In this article, the nature, impacts of recent agricultural droughts in India and mitigation strat- egies are reviewed.
Effect of weed management on chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system under irrigated conditions of Jammu region
Authors: RANJEET KOUR  , B.C. SHARMA  , ANIL KUMAR  , BRIJ NANDAN  , PARAMJEET KOUR
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried out during the winter ( rabi) season of 200910 and 201011 at Chatha, Jammu, to assess the yield along with the monetary benefits in chickpea ( Cicer ar ietinum L.) and Indian mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] intercropping system with different weed-management practices. Significantly higher values of plant height of chickpea (63.36 cm) and Indian mustard (174.72 cm), dry-matter accumulation of chickpea (22.13 g/plant) and Indian mustard (117.22 g/plant) were recorded under sole stands of the each crop followed by chickpea + Indian mustard (replacement series) intercropping system. Both the sole crops gave higher yields than chickpea + Indian mustard, when grown in additive and replacement series in the respective order. The highest chickpea-equivalent yield (1.39 t/ha), land-equivalent ratio (1.65), net returns ( 24,415/ha) and benefit: cost (1.63) ratio were obtained in chickpea + Indian mustard intercropping system in additive followed by replace- ment series. Weed management practices not only reduced the density and dry weight of weeds but also in- creased crop production potential of the intercropping system (productivity). Application of pendimethalin @ 1 kg/ ha as pre-emergence recorded the maximum weed-control efficiency (85.16%), net returns ( 20,373/ha) and ben- efit: cost ratio (1.71) followed by the application of fluchloralin @ 1kg/ha.
Effect of seedlings age and plant spacing on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes under system of rice intensification
Authors: HARDEV RAM  , J.P. SINGH  , J.S. BOHRA  , RAJIV K. SINGH  , J.M. SUTALIYA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy ( kharif) season of 2008 and 2009 at Varanasi, to evaluate the effect of seedlings age and plant spacing on growth, yield, nutrient uptake and economics of rice ( Or yza sativa L.) under system of rice intensification (SRI). Sixteen treatments were laid out in a split-plot design, keeping com- binations of 2 genotypes (PHB 71 and NDR 359) and 2 spacings (25 cm 25 cm and 30 cm 30 cm) in main- plots and 4 seedlings age (8, 10, 12 and 14 days old) in sub-plots with 3 replications. The rice hybrid PHB 71 showed significantly higher growth, yield attributes and 12.6% higher yield than NDR 359. This hybrid also gave the highest net monetary returns ( 46,700/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (1.56). Wider spacing i.e. 30 cm 30 cm gave significantly more tillers/hill (22.7), panicles/hill (21.9) and grains/panicle (168.1) than other spacing. How- ever, plant height (116 cm), leaf-area index (5.0), net monetary returns and yield were significantly higher in closer spacing of 25 cm 25 cm. The closer spacing resulted in around 12.30% higher grain yield over wider spacing. Amongst the ages of seedlings, 10 days old seedlings resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes, net monetary returns and yield than 8 and 14 days old seedlings but remained at par with 12 days old seedlings. The 10 days old seedlings gave 12.8 and 17.6% more grain yield than 8 and 14 days old seedlings, respectively.
Yield, water, radiation and nitrogen use efficiencies of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as influenced by nitrogen levels in a semi-arid environment
Authors: S. PRADHAN  , V.K. SEHGAL  , R.N. SAHOO  , K.K. BANDYOPADHYAY  , RAVENDER SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) season of 200910 and 201011 on a sandy-loam soil in New Delhi, to study the effect of nitrogen levels on the water, radiation and nitrogen-use efficiencies of wheat [ Tr iticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori. & Paol.] cultivars. The treatments comprising 2 wheat cultivars (PBW 502 and DBW 17) and 3 nitrogen levels (N : 0kg N/ha, N : 60 kg N/ha and N : 120 kg N/ha) were laid out in fac- 0 60 120 torial randomized block design (RBD). Both cultivars were statistically at par for grain yield, above-ground biomass yield, water-use efficiency (WUE) and radiation-use efficiency (RUE). Treatments N registered 71% and 25% 120 higher grain yield than N and N treatments respectively. Water-use efficiency (WUE) of N (9.92 kg/ha/mm) was 0 60 120 significantly highest, followed by N (8.40 kg/ha/mm) and N (6.56 kg/ha/mm) treatments. Similarly, radiation-use 60 0 efficiency (RUE) of N (2.49 gm/MJ) was significantly higher than N (1.90 gm/MJ) and N (1.85 gm/MJ) treat- 120 60 0 ments. The partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) of the cultivar PBW 502 (48.96 kg grain/kg nitrogen ap- plied) was significantly higher than that of DBW 17 (42.23 kg grain/kg nitrogen applied). Nitrogen @ 60 kg/ha (N ) 60 showed significantly higher PFPN (56.08 kg grain/kg nitrogen applied) than N (35.10 kg grain/kg nitrogen ap- 120 plied) treatment. Therefore, cultivar PBW 502 or cultivar DBW 17 can be grown with 120 kg N/ha for obtaining higher grain yield, above ground biomass, WUE and RUE in the semi-arid tropical environment of Delhi region.
Effect of zinc and magnesium nutrition on yield, quality and removal of nutrients in wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: T.M. CHAUHAN  , JAVED ALI  , HARVENDRA SINGH  , NARENDRA SINGH  , S.P. SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) season of 200810 on alluvial soil of Bichpuri, Agra, to study the effects of Zn (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10 kg/ha) and magnesium (0, 10, 20 and 40 kg/ha) on wheat [ Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] in respect of yield, quality and uptake of nutrients. Application of Zn up to 5 kg/ ha increased the grain and straw yield by 9.7 and 11.5% over the control, respectively. Application of 5 kg Zn/ ha also recorded the highest values of net returns ( 70.2 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.74). The addition of Mg up to 20 kg/ha enhanced the mean grain (5.11 t/ha) and straw (6.13 t/ha) yield significantly over the control. The highest net returns ( 68.4 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.70) were recorded at 20 kg Mg/ha. The interaction ef- fect between Zn and Mg significantly and synergistically influenced the yields, being highest at 5 kg Zn in conjunc- tion with 20 kg Mg/ha. The removal of Zn by grain and straw increased from 152.8 to 202.5 and 129.5 to 182.5 g/ ha with the increase in Zn levels. The removal of Mg by grain and straw also increased significantly with the levels of Mg from 11.4 to 15.6 and 7.8 to 12.1 kg/ha, respectively. On the other hand, Zn and Mg showed antagonistic ef- fect on their removal by wheat. The removal of N, P and K increased up to 5 kg Zn and 20 kg Mg /ha level. Protein content and yield also increased significantly with the increase of Zn and Mg over the control. The values of effi- ciency indices decreased with increasing levels of Mg and Zn.
Effect of nitrogen and weed management on productivity and quality of durum wheat (Triticum durum)
Authors: S.L. JAT  , V. NEPALIA  , JAGDISH CHOUDHARY  , DILIP SINGH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during the winter ( rabi) seasons of 200708 and 200809 at Udaipur, Rajasthan, to study the effect of different herbicides and nitrogen levels on productivity and quality of durum wheat ( Triticum dur um Desf.). Tank-mix application of metsulfuron + sulfosulfuron (4+25 g/ha) reduced weed population and biomass significantly and thereby caused increase in plant height, crop dry matter and grain yield (5.22 tonnes/ha). The highest net returns ( 52,400) and benefit: cost ratio (3.78) were also recorded with tank-mix appli- cation of metsulfuron + sulfosulfuron. Application of metsulfuron + sulfosulfuron significantly increased the protein content, ?-carotene and sedimentation value. This was at par with metsulfuron + isoproturon and 2,4-D + sulfosulfuron. Weed biomass increased significantly with the increase in N level up to 120 kg/ha. Increasing nitro- gen level up to 120 kg/ha showed marked improvement in plant height, dry matter, ear-bearing tillers, grains/ear, 1,000-grains weight, thereby resulted in significantly highest grain yield of 4.81 tonnes/ha with net returns of 47,700/ha and benefit: cost ratio 3.44.
Effect of balanced nutrition on nitrogen-use efficiency, N balance and productivity of maize (Zea mays) in Inceptisol and Alfisol of Tamil Nadu
Authors: M. PARAMASIVAN  , P. MALARVIZHI  , S. THIYAGESHWARI
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during JulyOctober of 2006 and 2007 at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Coimbatore, to study the effect of balanced fertilization on yield of hybrid maize ( Zea mays L.), nitrogen-use efficiency and N balance in Mayamankuruchi and Madukkur soil series ( Inceptisol and Alfisol) of Tamil Nadu. The experiments was conducted in randomized block design with 13 treatments comprising different levels of N, P and K with Zn as inorganic fertilizers. The treatments were replicated thrice. The range of partial fac- tor productivity (PFP) was from 18.945.0 kg grain/kg nitrogen applied to hybrid maize in Mayamankuruchi soil se- ries and 18.744.3 kg/kg (N) in Madukkur soil series. The agronomic efficiency varied from 4.924.2 and 5.224.3 kg grains/kg N in Mayamankuruchi and Madukkur soil series respectively. The highest values (86.3 and 94.9 kg/kg (N) of physiological efficiency were registered in the treatments omitting Zn in both series soil. The fraction of ap- plied N that is absorbed by a crop is expressed as apparent N recovery. The mean recovery efficiency for applied N ranged from 29.585.6% and 28.681.3% for the two soils. The net positive nitrogen balance was found in Mayamankuruchi soil series and the negative nitrogen balance in Madukkur soil series.
Diversification of rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system for sustainable production in south Bihar alluvial plains
Authors: R.P. SHARMA  , SUSHANT  , S.K. DUTTA  , MAINAK GHOSH
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 200910 to 201112 at Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar to diversify the ex- isting rice ( Oryza sativa L.)wheat [ Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping system. Among the 12 rice-based cropping systems tested, scented ricepotato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) + radish ( Raphanus sativus L.)onion ( Allium cepa L.) + maize ( Zea mays L.) relay cropping gave the highest mean rice-equivalent yield (28.10 t/ha/year) and net returns ( 1,14,700/ha/year), followed by hybrid ricemaize + potatosorghum [ Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench] + cowpea [ Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] both grown for fodder (24.2 t/ha/year and 1,12,200/ha/year) and hybrid ricegarlic ( Allium sativum L.) + coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.)maize for grain purpose + cowpea in-situ incorporation (22.60 t/ha/year and 1,11,600/ha/day). However, the benefit: cost ratio was the highest (1.39) in long-duration ricewheatmungbean [ Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] both sown by zero till, which was at par with scented ricewheat + fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)mungbean grown for grain + residue incorporation (1.37). Scented ricepotato + radishonion + maize relay cropping required higher energy inputs (69.35 MJ 103/ha), whereas energy-use efficiency was the maximum (5.0) in ricemaize (ZT)clusterbean [ Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] (fodder). Hybrid ricemaize + potatosorghum + cowpea showed the high- est energy output (287.01 MJ 103/ha) and water-use efficiency (36.6 kg rice-equivalent yield/ha-mm). This crop- ping system removed the maximum quantity of N (448.4 kg/ha), P (130 kg/ha) and K (457.2 kg/ha) which resulted in maximum negative balance of phosphorus (32.8 kg/ha) and potassium (320.2 kg/ha). Potassium was negative in all the cropping systems, indicating that K was the most removable nutrient by the crops, which results in mining of soil K and thus calls for adequate fertilization.
Influence of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on maize (Zea mays)
Authors: ANIKET KALHAPURE  , BALASAHEB SHETE  , MADHUKAR DHONDE  , PRASHANT BODAKE
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Breeder Seed Production farm of Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, during the rainy ( kharif) seasons of 2011 and 2012, to find out most efficient and economic combination of different organic and inorganic sources of nutrients to increase the productivity of hybrid maize ( Zea mays L.) with- out deteriorating the soil qualities. Integrated application of 25% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) with biofertilizers ( Azotobacter chroococcum + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria), green-manuring with sunhemp ( Crotalaria juncea L.) and incorporation of compost @ 10 tonnes/ha improved soil physico-chemical properties, viz. pH, bulk density and infiltration rate, and the nutrient status of soil in respect of organic carbon, available N and available P. Maize grain yield was increased by 252.38% over the control and 147.62% over application of 100% RDF with combined use of organic and inorganic fertilizers, which was 7.4 tonnes/ha with highest gross re- turns ( 95.9 103/ha) and net returns ( 54.2 103/ha). Maximum benefit: cost ratio (1.30) was also observed in combined use of 25% RDF, compost, biofertilizers and green manuring and it was followed by application of 100% RDF (1.26), which was responsible for deterioration of nutrient status of soil.
Effect of conservation practices and fertilizer on sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) yield under rainfed conditions of northern India
Authors: SAMI I.M.N. GABIR  , MANOJ KHANNA  , MAN SINGH  , S.S. PARIHAR  , INDRA MANI  , T.K. DAS
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was carried during the rainy seasons of 2011 and 2012 in split-plot design at New Delhi, to study the impact of conservation practices and fertilizer levels on yield of sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Monech] under rainfed conditions. Sorghum variety CSH 14 hybrid was planted using 2 types of tillage (minimum and con- ventional) and 2 methods of planting (ridges and furrows, and flat bed). For each type of tillage and method of planting three levels of fertilizer were applied. No significant effects of the treatments and interaction was observed at 5% level of significance on the leaves/plant, plant height, stem girth, panicle weight, harvest index and benefit: cost ratio. However, it affected the panicle length, panicle girth, 1,000-seed weight, total cost of production, gross returns and net returns significantly. The plant-moisture content was affected by sowing method and tillage type re- gardless of fertilizer levels. The highest average grain yield (2.03 tonnes/ha), fodder yield (9.42 tonnes/ha), maxi- mum cost of production ( 7.7103/ha), gross returns ( 16.0103/ha), net returns ( 8.3103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.08) were found under sowing on ridges and furrows in conventional tillage with 100% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF). Yield attributes were affected by rainfall quantity between the 2 crop growing years. The system of ridges and furrows planting method in conventional tillage with 100% RDF for sorghum production, although it consumes higher expenditure (32.7%), but it provides higher return of money (139.1%) as compared to the flat bed planting in minimum tillage with 100% RDF.
Micro-nutrient management for soil fertility, nutrients uptake and productivity of greengram (Vigna radiata) and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) under semi- arid Alfisols
Authors: M.A. SHANKAR  , G.R. MARUTHI SANKAR  , M.N. THIMMEGOWDA  , M.K. NAGAMANI
Published: December 2023

Three field experiments of greengram [ Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] followed by finger millet [ Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.] in sequence with 12 treatments of micro-nutrients in combination with recommended NPK fertilizers applied to finger millet were conducted during 20052007 in a semi-arid Alfisols at Bengaluru, Karnataka. The ef- fects of treatments on available soil and plant uptake of nutrients and yield of crops were assessed. Using the rela- tionships of yield with soil and plant nutrient variables, regression models of yield through soil and plant variables were calibrated and effects of variables on crop yields were assessed. The models gave high and significant yield predictability in the range of 0.920.98 through different variables. The model of plant uptake through soil nutrients indicated that soil sulphur, iron and zinc had a significant positive effect; while soil N, K, boron and molybdenum had a negative effect on plant nutrient status in greengram. Similarly, soil P, manganese and zinc had a significant positive effect, while soil N, K and iron had a negative effect on plant uptake of nutrients in finger millet. Based on a relative efficiency index (REI) criterion, recommended NPK + ZnSO @ 12.5 kg/ha + borax @ 10 kg/ha + Mo @ 2 4 g/kg seed (9.68) was superior for maximum plant uptake, while recommended NPK + FYM @ 10 t/ha (9.21) was superior for maximum soil fertility of nutrients in greengram. In finger millet, recommended NPK + FYM @ 10 t/ha (8.70) showed the maximum REI for soil nutrients, while recommended NPK + ZnSO @ 12.5 kg/ha + borax @ 10 4 kg/ha (9.71) the maximum REI for plant uptake of nutrients. The combined REI over soil and plant nutrients for both crops indicated that application of NPK + ZnSO @ 12.5 kg/ha + borax @ 10 kg/ha + Mo @ 2 g/kg seed could 4 be prescribed for attaining maximum plant uptake of nutrients and productivity of greengram and finger millet in sequence, apart from maintaining maximum soil fertility of nutrients under semi-arid Alfisols.
Integrated nutrient management in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) in sub- tropical humid climate of north-east India
Authors: M. DATTA  , G.S. YADAV  , SANDIP CHAKRABORTY
Published: December 2023

An experiment was carried out at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Lembucherra, Tripura during 3 consecutive kharif seasons 20082010 to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on groundnut ( Ara- chis hypogaea L.). The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications and 10 treatments, viz. T , control, T , 10 t FYM/ha; T , 50 kg P O /ha; T , 50 kg P O + 10 t FYM/ha; T , 50 kg P O + 50 kg K O/ha; T , 0 1 2 2 5 3 2 5 4 2 5 2 5 Rhizobium; T , 10 t FYM/ha + Rhizobium; T , 50 kg P O /ha + Rhizobium; T , 50 kg K O + 10 t FYM/ha and T , 50 6 7 2 5 8 2 9 kg P O + 50 kg K O/ha + Rhizobium. Application of Rhizobium culture in combination with 50 kg P O + 50 kg K O/ 2 5 2 2 5 2 ha resulted in the highest pod and seed weight/plant. The inoculation of Rhizobium culture along with 50 kg P O + 2 5 50 kg K O/ha showed 45% increment in pod yield (from 1.37 to 1.95 t/ha) over the control. The highest haulm yield 2 (3.57 t/ha) was obtained with FYM 10 t/ha, The lowest cost of cultivation and energy input were recorded with the control. However, significantly higher total returns ( 84,020/ha), net returns ( 58,447/ha), energy output (49.8 103 MJ/ha) and net energy (43.2 103 MJ/ha) were recorded with inoculation of groundnut seed with rhizobium culture along with soil application of 50 kg P O + 50 kg K O/ha. The highest benefit: cost ratio (3.52) was recorded 2 5 2 in plot, which was inoculated with rhizobium culture. Highest energy-use efficiency (7.50), energy productivity (0.30 kg pod yield/MJ) and lowest specific energy (3.37 MJ/kg pod yield) were recorded in plot inoculated with rhizobium culture
Long-term effect of integrated nutrient management in rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system
Authors: V.B. UPADHYAY  , S.K. VISHWAKARMA
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted on permanent manurial trial, initiated during the rainy ( kharif) season 1985 at JNKVV, Jabalpur, to evaluate the long-term impact of fertilizer and manure and their integration on yield trends, production efficiency and soil-quality parameters and their inter-relationship with sustainable yield index (SYI) . under rice ( Oryza sativa L )wheat [ Triticum aestivum (L.) emend. Fiori & Paol.] cropping sequence. The treatment 50% NPK + 50% N substituted through farmyard manure (FYM) to rice and 100% NPK to wheat provided the highest wheat-equivalent yield (WEY 8.01 t/ha) with net monetary returns ( 42.7 103/ha) and recorded 430% higher system productivity over the control. The next best treatment was 50% NPK + 50% N substituted through green leaf manure (GLM) of sunhemp ( Sesbania aculeata L.) to rice and 100% NPK to wheat gave higher WEY of 7.97 t/ha with net monetary returns (42.1 103/ha). The treatment 50% NPK + 50% N substituted through farm yard manure (FYM) to rice and 100% NPK to wheat and 50% NPK + 50% N substituted through GLM to rice and 100% NPK to wheat also increased organic carbon (7.6 g and 7.9 g/kg), available N (282 and 292 kg/ha), P O 2 5 (15.4 and 17.2 kg/ha), K O (466 and 488 kg/ha), S (8.4 and 8.5 kg/ha) and Zn (0.43 and 0.45 kg/ha), sustained 2 soil pH (7.49 and 7.48) and electrical conductivity (EC) (0.58 and 0.63 dS/m) and lowered the bulk density (1.27 and 1.27 g/cm3). In the treatment receiving 100100% NPK through fertilizer to both rice and wheat crops, the total productivity was higher (7.72 t/ha). The higher sustainable yield index (0.83) was observed with 50% NPK + 50% N substituted through GLM to rice and 100% NPK through fertilizer to wheat crop. Maximum beneficial micro- organisms, viz. fungi, bacteria, azotobacter, phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and actinomycetes were recorded with the integrated nutrient practices. Negative trend of net monetary returns was noted with control plot.
Influence of integrated nutrient management on productivity, nutrient uptake and economics of maize (Zea mays)yellow sarson (Brassica rapa) cropping system under rainfed mid hill condition
Authors: DHIMAN MUKHERJEE
Published: December 2023

A field experiment was conducted during 201012 at Kalingpong, West Bengal, to study effect of doses of chemical fertilizers along with organic sources of nutrients on growth, yield and economics of maize ( Zea mays L.)yellow sarson [ Brassica rapa (L.) Var. Yellow sarson] cropping system under mid hill condition. Maximum grain and stover yields of maize were obtained with of 150% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.1 and 9.3 t/ha respectively) and was statistically at par with the application of 100% RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.0 and 9.3 t/ha respectively). Amongst the organic sources of nutrients, more grain and stover yields were recorded with application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + for- est litter @ 2.5 t/ha and were at par with vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + forest litter @ 5 t/ha, and was significantly su- perior to rest of the treatments. Seed yield of yellow sarson was not influenced by chemical fertilizers. Significant result was registered with stover yield, and maximum was recorded with 150% RDF (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson) (3.2 t/ha), and was at par with 50% RDF (maize) + 100% RDF (yellow sarson) (3.0 t/ha). Amongst the or- ganic sources, more seed and stover yields were recorded with application of FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha (1.9 t/ha). Nutrient uptake pattern was also influenced by various sources under maizeyellow sarson cropping system. The productivity of cropping system was positively influenced by various in- organic and organic treatments. Maximum maize-equivalent yield (MEY) was recorded with 50% RDF (maize) + 100% RDF (yellow sarson) (5.3 t/ha), and was at par with the 100% RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson) and 150% RDF (maize) + 25% RDF (yellow sarson). The highest MEY of 5.1 t/ha was recorded with FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha, being at par with vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + forest litter @ 5 t/ ha and vermicompost @ 5 t/ha, gave significantly higher value than rest of the treatments under the cropping sys- tem. Maximum net returns ( 19.4 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.1) amongst the chemical treatment, was ob- served with 100 % RDF (maize) + 50% RDF (yellow sarson). Application of organic nutrient sources revealed that maximum net returns ( 17.6 103/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.4) was registered with the FYM @ 2.5 t/ha + vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + forest litter @ 2.5 t/ha.