International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Effect of Varying Water Temperature on Germination of Selected Tree Species in Delta State, Nigeria
No full textAims: Effective seed germination is a prerequisite for successful tree planting project. Effect of varying water temperature on germination of selected tree species was examined.
Study Design: 4 X 4 factorial experiments in Completely Randomized Design with 3 replicates.
Place and Duration of Study: Experiment was conducted in the laboratory of Science Laboratory Technology of Delta State University, Abraka between June 12 and July 26, 2023.
Methodology: Twenty-four seeds each of Terminalia mantaly (TM), Senna siamea (SS), Delonix regia (DR), Polyalthia longifolia (PL) were randomly selected and soaked at varying durations in cold-water (120C- 24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs and 0hrs); warm-water (40oC- 5mins, 10mins, 15mins and 0mins); hot-water (100oC-30secs, 60secs, 90secs and 0secs) and control. A 4 X 4 factorial experiment in Complete Randomized design was adopted. Data on days to germination, sprouts and germination percentage were obtained and analyzed using ANOVA at α0.05.
Results: Germination and soaking duration of seeds in cold-water were not significant (P>0.05). Seeds of SS and PL recorded the least and highest days to germinate (11.92±2.31 and 15.30±2.31) and sprout (14.83±2.39 and 18.10±2.39), respectively. One seed each of SS soaked for 24 and 48 hours germinated at day 4 with 66.7% germination (at week 2). Hot-water had significant effect (P<.05) on germination and sprout of seeds while soaking duration and interaction were not significant for germination. Seeds of SS and DR performed best with (6.67±1.33 and 7.58±1.33; 8.42±1.62 and 10.50±1.62) average days to germinate and sprout, respectively. Seeds of SS (60 seconds) and DR (30 seconds) germinated and sprouted within 5 and 8 days with 91.7% germination (weeks 2). Warm-water had significant (P<.05) effect on germination, sprout and soaking duration of seeds. Seeds of SS germinated and sprouted at 6.42±0.78 and 9.57±0.88 days respectively, with earliest days to germinate (5.00±2.22-10mins) and sprout (8.00±2.14- 5mins). DR soaked in warm-water for 10 mins germinated and sprouted within 4 and 8 days after planting. At week 2, seeds of SS and DR had 91.7% germination.
Conclusion: Seed pretreatment contributed to the germination of species as no seed was damaged
Economic Evaluation of Indigenous Aromatic Rice Cultivars of Manipur under Different Weed Management Practices
No full textA field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm (kharif 2021 and 2022), College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University, Imphal (24°81′ N, 93°89′ E; 790 m above MSL), to evaluate the economic performance of aromatic rice cultivars under different weed management practices in the subtropical conditions of Manipur Valley. The experiment followed a split-plot design with three replications, featuring four cultivars- Khamanui Lungra (C1), Chaphemai (C2), Nambew (C3) and Chakhao Poireiton (C4) and five weed management strategies: W1-Manual weeding, W2-Pre emergence application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 450g a.i ha-1 followed by post emergence application of Metsulfuron methyl 10% + Chlorimuron ethyl 10% WP @ 4g a.i ha-1, W3-Pre emergence application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 450g a.i ha-1 followed by post emergence application of Penoxsulam 2.67% @ 25 g a.i ha-1, W4-Pre emergence application of Pyrazosulfuron Ethyl 10% WP @ 50 g a.i ha-1 followed by post-emergence Penoxsulan 2.67% @ 25g a.i ha-1 and W5-Control. Results revealed that among the cultivars, ‘Chaphemai’ (C2) recorded the highest plant height (196.9 cm), number of tillers per hill (11.3) and leaf area index (5.41), contributing to a superior grain yield of 4.69 t ha-1. The W3 treatment was most effective in suppressing weeds and enhancing growth, yield and profitability, recording the highest grain yield (3.28 t ha-1), net returns (₹1,04,062.87 ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.32). In contrast, the control (W5) registered the lowest yield (20.26 q ha-1), net returns (₹39,785.53 ha-1) and B:C ratio (1.75), highlighting the economic risk of poor weed management in aromatic rice cultivar of Manipur. Economic analysis confirmed that the combination of Chaphemai with Pretilachlor+ Penoxulam (W3) treatment offered the most promising outcome for aromatic rice cultivation in the region, both agronomically and financially
Effect of Intercropping System and Nutrient Management Through Organic Sources on Yield Attributes and Yield of Pigeonpea Crop (Cajanus cajan L.) Under South Gujarat Condition
No full textAn experiment was conducted for two consecutive years at Rambhas farm, Hill Millet Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Waghai, Dangs, Gujarat during kharif season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 to study the effect of intercropping system and nutrient management through organic sources on yield attributes and yield of pigeonpea crop (Cajanus cajan L.) under south Gujarat condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept having two factors with twenty-four treatment combinations and three replications. Yield attributes viz., number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod of pigeonpea were recorded significantly higher under treatment I4 (sole pigeonpea) during both the years and in pooled analysis which being at par with treatment I3 (pigeonpea + drilled paddy). Significantly higher seed yield and stalk yield of pigeonpea were recorded in sole pigeonpea (I4) during both years of study and in pooled analysis. Significantly higher number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod, seed yield and stalk yield of pigeonpea were noted with application of 10 t/ha FYM + Three spray of 2 % Enrich banana pseudostem sap (N4) which remained statistically at par with treatment N6 (5 t/ha vermicompost + Three spray of 2 % Enrich banana pseudostem sap) and N1 (10 t/ha FYM) during both the years and in pooled analysis
Modulating Maize Productivity, Grain Quality and Economic Resilience through Conjoint Use of Phosphorus, Boron and Lime under Typic Hapludalf Soils
No full textSoil acidity is a pervasive obstacle to global crop productivity, profoundly restricting availability of essential nutrients especially, phosphorus (P) and boron (B). Addressing their deficiencies along with liming is the key to secure sustainable harvests. The present study explores the impact of graded applications of P, B and liming under maize in the Typic Hapludalf soils of Palampur region of Kangra valley, H.P. This endeavour tested graded doses of P (P0: 0, P1:45 and P2: 60 kg P ha-1) and B (B0: 0, B1: 1 and B2: 2 kg B ha-1) with 2 liming rates (L0: no lime and L1: 3.6 t ha-1) in a randomized completely block design replicated thrice. The study assessed their impacts on nutrient acquisition, quality and monetary returns with the hypothesis that maximum doses would prove their superiority. Significant interactions (P × L, B × L, P × B) were evident only for plant height. Grain and stover yields increased notably with 60 kg P and 2 kg B ha⁻¹. Liming boosted yields by about 13.4 and 18.7%, respectively over controls. Likewise, total nutrient uptake (N, P, K and B), protein content and protein yield also enhanced under same treatments. Economic analysis identified T18 (P2B2L1) as the highest yielding with net returns of ₹49681 but was, second in economic viability (B:C, 0.87), behind T5 (P1B1L0) with highest ratio (0.94)
Effects of Age and Storage Time on Vegetative Recovery and Growth of Bombax buonopozense P.Beauv. (Malvaceae) Stumps in Nurseries in Côte d\u27Ivoire
No full textBackground: Bombax buonopozense is a species of great socio-economic importance that deserves to be included in reforestation campaigns in Côte d\u27Ivoire. Indeed, the exploitation of wood from this species is not sustainable, as it mainly involves natural stands and constitutes a threat that is likely to increase the risk of extinction of the species. For this reason, it is vital to carry out research into the biology of B. buonopozense in order to obtain reliable data on germination and initial growth parameters, if the species is to be sustained.
Aim: The general objective of this study was to contribute to the improvement of knowledge on the propagation pathways of B. buonopozense with a view to its inclusion in reforestation programmes in Côte d\u27Ivoire.
Materials and Methods: The trials were carried out with stumps that were more than one year old and less than one year old before being harvested. The stumps were planted in nursery bags and placed in an experimental set-up comprising two blocks corresponding to the age of the stumps. Each block was subdivided into three sub-blocks for three treatments related to the length of time the stumps had been stored before planting. The vegetative recovery and growth dynamics of the stumps were monitored.
Results: The results showed that plants from stumps less than one year old had the highest recovery rate (80.5 ± 1.73%) with a relatively short vegetative recovery time (7.75 ± 0.96 days) when planted on the same day. In general, a regression in the vegetative recovery parameters of the stumps was observed according to their storage time. In terms of growth dynamics, plants from stumps more than one year old recorded the highest mean value for height (11.07 ± 8.55 cm) and number of leaves (9.53 ± 4.45 leaves), while those from stumps less than one year old recorded the highest value for diameter. Height and diameter growth were strongly correlated in plants from both stump categories.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability to reproduce B. buonopozense using stumps, which constitute a means of vegetative propagation. This propagation method offers an alternative for the production of nursery plants for forestry purposes
Influence of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth Attributes, Yield and Soil Chemical Parameters of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)
No full textThere is a growing need for Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in turmeric cultivation due to declining soil fertility, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, and the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. To evaluate the effectiveness of INM in turmeric, a field study was conducted during the kharif season of 2022–2023 at the Regional Research Station (Vegetable Science), CCS HAU, Karnal. The study focused on assessing the impact of various INM treatments on soil fertility and yield of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) grown on clay loam soil. The experiment consisted of ten treatments viz., control, recommended dose of fertilizer (N:P:K-100:50:50), 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), 75% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), FYM @ 25 t ha-1, 50% RDF + FYM @ 25 t ha-1, 75% RDF + FYM @ 25 t ha-1, vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1, 50% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 and 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1. Significantly higher number of tillers per plant (3.67) were recorded in the treatment with 75% RDF+ FYM @ 25 t ha-1. Maximum plant emergence (84.66%), leaf area index, plant height (14.04 cm), and yield were observed with 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1. The physico-chemical properties of the soil such as bulk density, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and pH were not significantly affected by the different integrated nutrient management treatments. However, available nitrogen and phosphorus were found to be significantly highest, i.e., 192.60 kg ha-1 and 25.8 kg ha-1 respectively, in the treatment with 75% RDF + vermicompost @ 5 t/ha. In contrast, the highest available potassium (186.81 kg ha-1) was recorded in the treatment receiving 75% RDF + FYM @ 25 t/ha
Heterosis and Combining Ability Analysis of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) Genotypes for Yield and Its Attributing Traits
No full textIndia is the world\u27s largest producer and consumer of pulses, accounting for 36.8% of the global cultivated area, 24.2% of global production, and 27% of global consumption. The paper aims to conduct heterosis and combining ability analysis of mungbean genotypes for yield and its its attributing traits. An experiment consisting of 75 genotypes (21 parents + 54 F1s) was conducted in a randomised block design with three replications during Kharif 2022 at Student’s Instructional Farm, C. S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur, to assess the Heterosis and Combining Ability of different mungbean genotypes. The analysis indicates that the variance due to lines was significant for pod length (cm) and biological yield per plant (g). Additionally, the variance due to testers was significant for several traits, including days to 50% flowering, number of pod clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight (g), and biological yield per plant (g). The mean sum of squares resulting from their interaction was significant for all traits studied. The significant and positive GCA effects for grain per plant were exhibited by three lines, viz., KM 2364, IPM 604 and NM 1705. The present investigation revealed that the seven cross combinations viz, KM 2448 x IPM 02-3, KM 2448 x KM 2195, KM 2449 x KM 2195, IPM 208 x PDM 139, IPM 604 x IPM 02-3, SML 1839 x PDM 139, and PUSA 2071 x IPM 02-3, were good specific combiners for seed yield per plant. In the present investigation, KM 2364 x PDM 139, having per se performance as well as the highest economic heterosis (27.18 %) for yield, also revealed significant desirable heterotic effects for days to maturity, plant height, and harvest index. Similarly, the other best hybrid, PUSA 2072 x KM 2195, showing high per se coupled with high magnitude of economic heterosis (26.80%), also showed significant useful heterosis for days to maturity, plant height and harvest index. The present investigation revealed that the seven cross combinations viz; KM 2448 x IPM 02-3, KM 2448 x KM 2195, KM 2449 x KM 2195, IPM 208 x PDM 139, IPM 604 x IPM 02-3, SML 1839 x PDM 139, and PUSA 2071 x IPM 02-3 were good specific combiners for seed yield per plant
Integrated Nutrient Management in Sustainable Agriculture: Advances and Challenges
No full textIntegrated Nutrient Management (INM) is a critical strategy in sustainable agriculture to maximise the utilisation of organic and inorganic nutrient sources to sustain soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and minimise environmental degradation. As concerns about soil health, climate change, and food security have grown, INM provides a realistic solution to harmonise agricultural productivity with sustainability. This review discusses recent progress in INM practices, their contribution towards sustainable agriculture, and the challenges involved. Emphasis is laid on technological breakthroughs, policy structures, and field-level constraints in implementation, as well as suggestions for further research and development. INM is founded on a series of scientifically valid principles that seek to maximise crop yields while maintaining soil and environmental integrity. These include Balanced Use of Nutrients, Integration of Nutrient Sources, Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), and Sustainability Focus. Moreover, it was noted that great strides have been taken in developing and using biofertilizers. Microbial inoculants like Rhizobium, Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) are being used increasingly for biological nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization. The development of smart fertilisers has added a new dimension to INM. Tools like Nutrient Expert, developed by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), provide tailored fertiliser recommendations based on soil health, crop needs, and management practices. Mainstreaming INM practice will require reinforcing research and innovation, capitalising on capacity building, enhancing public-private partnerships, and incorporating climate-smart agriculture principles. Widespread adoption has the potential to bring about a more harmonious and environmentally friendly agricultural model for future and current generations
Influence of Organic Manures and Bio-fertilizers on the Growth and Productivity of Indian Spinach
No full textThe present study was conducted during the winter season of 2024–2025 at CRC-3, Turari, Department of Horticulture, ITM University, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) comprising ten treatments, replicated thrice. Treatments included combinations of organic manures (FYM and Vermicompost) and bio-fertilizers (PSB and Azotobacter). The results demonstrated that the combined application of FYM (10 t/ha), Vermicompost (4 t/ha), PSB (8 kg/ha), and Azotobacter (8 kg/ha) (T₁₀) significantly enhanced growth and yield attributes. The highest plant height (25.50 cm), number of leaves per plant (15.00), fresh weight per plant (88.61 g), yield per plot (7.60 kg), and yield per hectare (168.88 q/ha) were recorded under T₁₀. In contrast, quality parameters such as chlorophyll content (7.93 mg/100g), and total soluble solids (8.06 °Brix) were highest in T₇ (FYM 12 t/ha + Vermicompost 5 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha). Root length (13.73 cm) was maximized in T₅ (Vermicompost 10 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha), and the highest number of roots per plant (2.97) was recorded under T₃ (FYM 25 t/ha + PSB 10 kg/ha). Treatments T₇ and T₁₀ were found to be significantly superior in enhancing both quality and yield parameters
Effect of Farmyard Manure, Zn and Fe on Soil Nutrients and Chemical Status in a Pearl Millet–Chickpea Cropping System
No full textA field trial on the pearl millet–chickpea cropping sequence was conducted during the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2023–24 and 2024–25 at the Agronomy Farm, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat, to study the effect of FYM, zinc, and iron on soil chemical properties. The experimental soil was loamy sand (“Goradu” soil), slightly alkaline (pH 7.94), normal in salinity (EC 0.18 dS/m), low in organic carbon (0.32%) and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium, and adequate in zinc and iron The experiment, laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications, comprised two levels of FYM (0 and 10 t/ha), three levels of zinc (0, 12.5, and 25 kg/ha as ZnSO4) and three levels of iron (0, 25, and 50 kg/ha as FeSO4), with treatments applied to pearl millet and residual effects studied in chickpea. Application of FYM (10 t/ha), ZnSO4 (25 kg/ha), and FeSO4 (50 kg/ha) had no significant effect on soil pH, EC and organic carbon (OC) after chickpea harvest in either year or on a pooled basis. However, these treatments increased available N, P2O5, K2O, Zn and Fe in the soil. All zinc fractions (water-soluble plus exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe/Mn oxides-bound, organically bound, total Zn and residual Zn) were enhanced by FYM and ZnSO4 application, while all iron fractions (water-soluble plus exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe/Mn oxides-bound, organically bound, total Fe and residual Fe) were improved with FYM and FeSO4 application. The results demonstrate that integrated nutrient management using FYM, zinc and iron can improve soil nutrient status and micronutrient fractions in loamy sand soils under a pearl millet–chickpea system