International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Identification of Critical Phosphorus Level Change in Red Soil by Influence of Different Organic Material in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)
No full textPhosphorus fixation refers to the process by which phosphorus (P) becomes unavailable for plant uptake by reacting with soil minerals. In soils, phosphorus is primarily fixed by forming insoluble compounds with aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) in acidic soils, or with calcium (Ca) in alkaline soils. A field experiment was conducted “Identification of critical phosphorus level change in red soil by influence of different organic material in black gram” at Ranadevi farm under Centurion University of Technology and Management Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Odisha, India. The experiment was laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with nine treatments and three replications were vermicomposting, poultry manure and cow dung manure. The observations on growth characteristics, number of leaves, number of nodules, and phosphorus in each pot recorded. Plant height was observed increase with the application of vermicompost at 10 and 30 tons per hectare (T2 and T4), relative compared to the control and other organic treatments, especially during the early growth phase (15-45 DAS). The highest number of leaves 7 was recorded in T3 and T8, while the fewest (5) were noted in T6 and T9. Intermediate results ranging from 6 to 6 leaves were obtained from the other treatments. Cow dung manure considerably boosted root nodule production at 45 and 60 DAS, particularly when administered at 20 tonnes per hectare (T9). All treatments demonstrated a significant decrease in phosphorus content. The highest phosphorus content (35 kg /ha) was recorded in T7, while the lowest value (6 kg P kg /ha) was observed in the control (T1)
Comparative Analysis of Microbiological Aspects in Forest and Agricultural Soils across Major Soil Orders of Haryana
No full textThis study evaluates and compares the microbiological properties of forest and agricultural soils across major soil orders (Inceptisols, Entisols, Aridisols, and Alfisols) in Haryana to assess the impact of land use on soil biological health. Surface soil samples were collected at five representative sites of each soil order, spanning districts including Sirsa, Hisar, Jind, Karnal, Ambala, Mahendergarh, and Bhiwani. Composite soil samples were prepared by mixing three randomly collected auger cores per site, avoiding disturbed or recently fertilized areas. Each sample was split: one part air-dried for physico-chemical analysis, the other kept moist for immediate microbiological assessment. Forest soils exhibited 83.78 µgNH4-N g h-1 higher urease activity vs. 38.36 µgNH4-N g h-1, 65.25 µg TPF/g/ h greater dehydrogenase activity (DHA) vs 27.13 µg TPF/g/ h, 937.60 µg PNP/g/h maximum alkaline phosphatase (APA) vs. 406.80 µgPNP/g/h, higher 383.89 mg kg-1 microbial biomass carbon (MBC) vs. 107.33 mg kg-1, and greater 88.82 mg kg-1 microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) vs. 28.32 mg kg-1 compared to agricultural systems. Among soil orders, Inceptisols and Alfisols supported more diverse and active microbial communities compared to Aridisols and Entisols, indicating a strong relationship between inherent soil characteristics and microbial functionality. The study concludes that land use type and soil order collectively influence soil microbial dynamics, with forest ecosystems preserving higher microbial vitality. A novel observation in this investigation was the remarkably high enzymatic activity recorded in forest Alfisols, suggesting their exceptional potential for nutrient cycling and soil health preservation. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate soil biological indicators into sustainable land management practices in Haryana’s diverse agro-ecological settings
Association and Genetic Variability Studies for Reproductive Stage Salinity Tolerance Traits in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
No full textSalinity is the second major abiotic stress which significantly affect the rice crop particularly at reproductive stage. Understanding the genetic variability and trait relationship in terms of direct and indirect effects is important to strength the breeding programme to develop salt tolerant rice varieties. Hence, a study was carried out in rice to evaluate 204 F3:4 (MTU 1061 × MTU 1121) progenies along with two parents and checks during kharif 2021 and rabi 2021-22. In this study, highest positive direct effects were observed for the traits number of total grains/panicle (0.4536, 0.4499), panicle length (0.1015, 0.0994), productive tillers per plant (0.1008, 0.0974) and spikelet fertility (0.0913, 0.0953) at genotypic and phenotypic levels. High PCV and GCV was observed for spikelet fertility, number of filled grains/panicle, number of total grains/panicle and grain yield/plant. The traits panicle length (64.28%), flag leaf length (74.34%), plant height (80.34%), productive tillers per plant (94.94%), number of filled grains/panicle (99.66%) and number of total grains/panicle (99.99%) displayed high heritability values. Higher genetic advance over mean (GAM) was observed for spikelet fertility, number of filled grains/panicle, productive tillers per plant and number of total grains/panicle. High GAM and heritability were observed for the traits number of filled grains/ panicle, number of total grains/panicle, productive tillers per plant and spikelet fertility. Thus, these traits should be prioritized while selecting rice lines for increasing yield under salt stress conditions as they have moderate to high PCV, GCV, heritability and genetic advance over mean
Cultivation-driven Soil Degradation in Rice Based Systems in Nalbari District, Assam: RSQI Thresholds for Sustainable Yield Maintenance
No full textAims: The present investigation was carried out to assess Relative Soil Quality Index (RSQI) for grouping of soils of two land use system viz. rice-fallow and rice-oilseed as good, medium and poor categories.
Place and Duration of Study: Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam during 2016.
Methodology: Geo-referenced soil samples were collected from rice-fallow and rice oilseed (toria) cropped field continuously cultivated for last ten years. In total 60 composite soil samples were collected from each of cultivated and uncultivated soils of rice- fallow system and 63 composite soil samples were collected from each of cultivated and uncultivated soils of rice- oilseed cropping system and from adjacent uncultivated soils in Nalbari district of Assam. The soils of the study area belong to the orders Inceptisols and Entisols. The sampling was done using core sampler and focused on the plough layer (0-15cm) and analyzed for selected physical, chemical and biological properties of soils following standard procedures. Soil management practices and crop yield data were recorded from identified farmers. The RSQI based on 14 soil parameters (Water Holding Capacity, Soil texture, Bulk density, soil pH, CEC, OC, Available N, Available P, Available K, Available S, DTPA-Zn, Available B, Available Fe and MBC) were computed.
Results: Results indicated that in rice-fallow system, 100% of the soils transformed to medium categories (RSQI value 50 – 70%) whereas 43% and 57% soils remained as medium (RSQI value 50 – 70%) and good category (RSQI value >70%) respectively in adjacent uncultivated soils. In rice-oilseed crop sequence, the RSQI values exhibited that 93% and 7% soils remained as medium and good category (RSQI value>70%) respectively as compared to 29% medium category and 72% good category soils under adjacent uncultivated soils. The regression lines were drawn between RSQI and % Relative yield of rice in rice-fallow system and yield of rice –oilseed system expressed in terms of equivalent yield of rice and RSQI values obtained were above 51.8% (rice-fallow) or 51.15% (rice-oilseed) to maintain 80% crop yields.
Conclusion: It was evident that continuous cultivation without proper soil management practices shifted the good quality soils towards medium quality soils. The RSQI study is important in reviewing the current fertility status of the soil as it indicates either the management or activities conducted is sustainable or not. Hence proper management practices are essential to maintain optimum RSQI values to sustain soil quality and agricultural productivity for increasing farmers’ income
Effect of Different Seed Priming Techniques on Growth, Flowering and Seed Attributes in Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)
No full textThe present experiment was carried out at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in balsam (Impatiens balsamina) using Factorial Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising of 5 genotypes and 5 seed priming treatments viz., control, biopriming with Trichoderma (1mg/g of seeds), thiourea (50 ppm), thiourea (50 ppm) + Trichoderma (1mg/g of seeds) and hydropriming with distilled water. The findings concluded that maximum plant height (82.67 cm), maximum plant spread (81.22 cm), highest number of leaves per plant (618.12), earliest flowering (48.74 days), longest flowering duration (64.12 days), flowers per plant (283.41), number of seeds per pod (11.62 seeds), number of pods per plant (302.22) and number of seeds per plant (2977.89) were recorded with the treatment including thiourea (50 ppm) + Trichoderma (1mg/g of seeds). Present study showed that pre-sowing treatment of balsam seeds with thiourea (50 ppm) + Trichoderma (1mg/g of seeds) for 24 hours significantly improved the vegetative, flowering and seed attributes
Seed bio-priming with Trichoderma harzianum isolates and its Rhizosphere Colonization in Wheat
No full textAims: In this study, the different isolates of Trichoderma harzianum have abilities like antifungal, insecticidal, soil- remediation, plant growth promoting and rhizosphere colonizing properties which assist its biocontrol action were investigated in vitro.
Study Design: CRD (Completely Randomized Design).
Place and Duration of Study: An experiment was conducted at Plant Pathology Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during 2023-2024.
Methodology: A seven days sporulated culture of Trichoderma harzianum isolates (ATH, BTH, CTH, DAG, Thdept) and wheat seeds were collected from Plant Pathology Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The best isolate was identified by using biopriming technique on wheat seeds and the root colonization was also observed.
Results: Among all the isolates, the best treatment having highest germination per cent, root and shoot length and SVI is T5 (Thdept) i.e. 72.50%, 23.60 cm, 15.97 cm, 2854.50 respectively followed by T2 (BTH). These results showed that two isolates of Trichoderma harzianum could be used as effective biocontrol for promoting the growth of wheat crop in vitro.
Conclusion: The growth and yield will increase by adding Trichoderma spp. in soil and make it most resistant wheat crop against different fungus. So by identifying the best isolate or combination of isolates will improve the health and quality of the product
Effect of Foliar Application of Ca EDTA and Boron on Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Thompson Seedless under Prayagraj Agro Climatic Condition
No full textGrapes (Vitis Vinifera. L) is one of the important commercial subtropical crops which is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It is grown throughout the world except the places with extreme temperature and high altitude. So, to find out Effect of foliar application of Ca EDTA and Boron on grapes for growth, yield and quality cv. Thompson Seedless under Prayagraj agro climatic condition; a field experiment was conducted at Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, technology and science, Prayagraj, U.P-211007 during the year 2024-2025. The experiment comprised of 9 different treatments of four different micro nutrients comprising of Ca [email protected]/L, Ca [email protected]/L, Boron@2g/L and Boron@4g/L respectively
Genetic Variability Studies for Yield and Yield Contributing Traits in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
No full textSesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops cultivated globally and is renowned for its high-quality oil, which possesses excellent resistance to oxidative rancidity. Despite its nutritional and economic importance, genetic improvement in sesame has lagged behind other oilseed crops, primarily due to its narrow genetic base, indeterminate growth habit, and limited research focus. The productivity of sesame remains low and stagnant in many regions, which underscores the need for systematic genetic studies to identify and utilize promising traits for crop improvement. Therefore, assessing the extent of genetic variability, heritability, and inter-trait relationships is essential for developing efficient breeding strategies aimed at enhancing seed yield and its contributing traits. The present investigation was undertaken to assess genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance for yield and its contributing traits in sesame. A total of 30 genotypes (28 genotypes and 2 check varieties) were evaluated at the Oilseeds Research Station, College of Agriculture, Latur, during Rabi 2024–2025 using a randomized block design with two replications. The trial was sown on November 28, 2024, at a spacing of 30 × 10 cm. The genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) ranged from low to high. The lowest GCV and PCV were observed for traits such as oil content, days to maturity, plant height, and number of seeds per capsule; moderate values were recorded for traits like number of capsules per plant, 1000-seed weight, and days to 50% flowering. In contrast, the highest GCV and PCV values were noted for seed yield per plant, number of branches per plant, and capsule length. All traits exhibited high heritability, with the highest values for days to 50% flowering, oil content, capsule length, number of branches per plant, and seed yield per plant. These findings suggest the predominance of additive genetic effects for these traits. Therefore, these traits represent promising targets for direct selection in breeding programs. In conclusion, the genotypes exhibited substantial genetic variability for yield and related traits, offering significant potential for improvement in future breeding efforts
Improving Soil Fertility and Tomato Yield Using Organic Matter and Vermicompost in the Agroecosystem of Netrokona, Bangladesh
No full textExcessive reliance on chemical fertilizers in modern agriculture has led to soil degradation and reduced sustainability. This study assessed the effects of organic matter (OM) and vermicompost (VC) on soil fertility and the growth performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under field conditions in Netrokona’s low-organic matter soils. The experiment was structured using a randomized block design comprising four treatment groups: Control (T₀), organic matter (T₁), vermicompost (T₂), and a combined organic amendment (T₃, consisting of 2.5 t/ha OM + 1.25 t/ha VC). The T₃ treatment improved tomato yield per plant by 66% and soil organic matter content by 93% compared to the control. The combined application (T₃) significantly enhanced plant height, fruit number, fruit weight, and yield compared to other treatments. Tomato yield increased by 66% and soil organic matter content rose by 93% under T₃ relative to the control. Soil analyses revealed that T₂ and T₃ improved organic matter content, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, sulfur, and micronutrients (Zn and B), with T₃ showing the most pronounced effects. Specifically, T₃ raised total nitrogen to 0.19%, available phosphorus to 22.8 ppm, potassium to 144 ppm, and micronutrients like Zn and B to 1.04 ppm and 0.38 ppm, respectively. Soil pH remained within the optimal range across all treatments, indicating the buffering capacity of the organic amendments. The results demonstrate that integrating compost and vermicompost synergistically improves soil nutrient status and crop productivity. These findings highlight the potential of OM + VC application as a sustainable nutrient management strategy. This is especially important for low-input, organic matter-deficient subtropical soils
Modelling the Impact of Regulated Water Management on Growth and Yield Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
No full textWheat is one of the most important cereal crops providing food to one fifth of the world population. Wheat cultivation faces numerous challenges, including climate change impacts like heat stress and water scarcity, biotic stresses such as diseases and pest and soil degradation. The food security under limited resources and global climate change has become a major challenge for sustainability. Therefore, the present field investigation was conducted in wheat crop during rabi 2021-22 at Irrigation and Water Management Farm of Department of Soil Science, CSK HPKV, Palampur to study the effect of regulated deficit irrigation on the growth and yield attributes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The treatments consisted of selected combination of four deficit levels viz. high (50% ETC), medium (70% ETC), low (90% ETC) and free from deficit (100% ETC) and three phases of application viz. phase I (CRI and jointing), phase II (flowering) and phase III (dough stage). A total of eight combinations viz. FFF: Free from deficit at all three phases; LLL: Low deficit at all three phases; MMM: Medium deficit at all three phases; FMM: Free from deficit at phase I, Medium at phase II, Medium at phase III; HFM: High at phase I, Free from deficit at phase II, Medium at phase III; MFH: Medium at phase I, Free from deficit at phase II, High at phase III; MFM: Medium at phase I, Free from deficit at phase II, Medium at phase III; HFH: High at phase I, Free from deficit at phase II and High at phase III, were tested under randomized block design, replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental site was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction, medium in organic carbon, available potassium, high in available phosphorus and low in available nitrogen. Results revealed that among all regulated water deficit schemes the low deficit LLL scheme of 90% ETC application at CRI and jointing, flowering and dough stage resulted in higher plant height (105.4 cm), higher dry matter accumulation (763.1 gm-2), more no. of tillers per meter square (236.4), more no. of ears per meter square (224.0), more no. of grains per ear (38.3), higher 1000 grain weight (42.6 g), higher grain yield (3129 kg ha-1), higher straw yield (4558 kg ha-1), higher values of biological yield (7687 kg ha-1) and harvest index (40.8) that was statistically similar to the wheat cultivation under water deficit free condition at all critical stages of growth (FFF) having values (107.0 cm, 780.3 gm-2, 242.7, 231.0, 39.5, 43.3 (g), 3320 kg ha-1, 4785 kg ha-1, 8105 kg ha-1, 41.0 g for plant height, dry matter accumulation, no. of tillers per meter square, no. of ears per meter square, no. of grains per ear, 1000 grain weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and harvest index, respectively). Any water deficit below 90% ETC especially a high deficit of 50% ETC at phase I (CRI and jointing) and phase III (dough) (HFH) resulted in significant decrease in yield