International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Interaction between Biochar Sources and Phosphorus Rates on Maize Growth and Yields in Acrisols and Ferralsols of Bungoma County, Western Kenya
No full textLarge proportion of phosphate fertilizer applied to acrisols and ferralsols soils reacts with aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) to become unavailable for plant uptake. Biochar has been proposed to increase the bioavailability of phosphorus and other nutrients in the soil. The study aimed to increase maize production in low phosphorus (P) soils by evaluating the availability of phosphorus (P) in soils amended with different sources of biochar mixed with different rates of phosphorus in Acrisols and Ferralsols. Biochars were produced from three sources of feedstock: sugarcane bagasse (SB) from Butali sugar factory, wood sawdust (WS) from sawmills within Kakamega town and coffee husk (CH) from Kimukung’i coffee factory in Bungoma county. The feedstocks were pyrolysed using fabricated kilns at Kalro Kakamega. The agronomic evaluation of the fertilizers was carried out in two successive seasons of long rains and short rains of 2023 on maize crops Zea mays l.) In Kibabii site (Acrisols) and Chwele site (Ferralsols) field experiment using a split plot design with three replications. Biochar sources formed the main plots and the subplots were assigned phosphorus (P) rates. The treatments consisted of three sources of biochar (wood sawdust (WS), sugarcane bagasse (SB), coffee husk (CH) and three fertilizer use recommendation project (FURP) phosphorus (P) rates (0, 13, and 26 kg P/ha) on two soil types (Acrisols and Ferralsols). Treatments were applied simultaneously in plots measuring 2.5 m x 4.5 m in all the sites. Maize hybrid 513 at seed rate of 125 kg /ha was planted at a spacing of 75 cm x 25 cm giving a maize population of 53,333 per hectare. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at the rate of 75kg/ha-1 Nitrogen in two split applications of 35 kg/ha-1 Nitrogen at planting and 40 kg/ha-1 Nitrogen as topdressing at mid vegetative stage per season. Phosphorus rates and biochar sources interactions on maize grain yields were significant differences (P≤0.05). Maize stover and grain yields in Kibabii and Chwele was significantly high under a combination of coffee husks biochar with 26 kg/ha-1 phosphorus treatment. The study concludes that the interaction of biochar sources and phosphorus (P) rates was highly significant in Ferralsols soils and not significant in Acrisols soils. This may be due to chelation of sesquioxides in ferralsols which enhances fixed phosphorus release thereby leading to improved crop development
Influence of Integrated Nitrogen Management on Release Pattern of Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu under Different Soil Moisture Regimes
No full textA two-year incubation experiment (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) was conducted at College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal - 04 to ascertain the effect of integrated nitrogen management on release patterns of nutrients overtime at different moisture regimes in soils. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments with three different soil moisture regimes: 40%, 60%, and 80% water-holding capacity. The Incubation study was conducted by discard method and the experiment was conducted in FRBD. Soil samples were collected at 30-day intervals to assess DTPA-extractable micronutrients.
Analysis of the data of incubation study revealed that irrespective of different treatments, accumulation of available Fe and Mn gradually increased up-to 60th day of incubation, thereafter continued to decrease slowly up to the last stage of incubation. Comparatively, greater accumulation DTPA-extractable Zn, Cu was also observed at 60 % WHC followed by 40% and 80% WHC at different stages of incubation. Among the treatments, significantly higher concentration of available Zn and Mn was observed in T11 followed by T6. Further, the data pointed out that statistically higher accumulation of DTPA extractable Cu in soil was perceived in T4 followed by T11 throughout the incubation period.
The results indicate that Integrated Nitrogen management, particularly with moisture (60% WHC) and organic amendments will improve the soil availability potential of the micronutrients. They should be incorporated with organic & inorganic nutrient sources while managing soil moisture levels under integrated nitrogen management, to find better availability of micronutrients and improve uptakes, performance and long-term fertility of soils
Flash Flooding Effects on Post-Harvest Physiological and Phytochemical Responses of the Phourel-Amubi Rice Cultivar of Manipur
No full textFlooding due to heavy rainfall is a major abiotic stress that significantly affects rice (Oryza sativa L.) production during the monsoon (Kharif) season, particularly in rain-fed lowland areas. This study evaluates the impact of flash flooding on the traditional rice cultivar Phourel-Amubi. The experiment was conducted by growing 15-day-ol d seedlings in plastic pots, followed by submergence stress treatments in a concrete tank for 5, 10, and 15 days at 30, 60, and 90 days after transplanting. Morpho-physiological, biochemical, and yield-related parameters were analyzed. Results indicated a gradual increase in total free amino acid content, total phenol content, and total proline content as flooding duration increased, indicating a biochemical stress response. However, key growth and metabolic indicators, such as plant height, total chlorophyll content, soluble protein, and total soluble sugars, declined significantly. Yield and its components at 120 days after transplant were also adversely affected, with a substantial decrease in panicle number (8 to 4.17 ± 0.14), grain number per panicle (135.83 to 95.17 ± 1.52), grain weight (20.69g to 16.19g ± 0.62), and overall grain yield per hill (25.08g to 11.67g ± 0.64). These findings suggest that Phourel-Amubi is highly susceptible to submergence stress, emphasizing the need for breeding flood-tolerant rice varieties or adopting effective water management strategies to mitigate yield losses in flood-prone regions
Soil Microbial Population and Enzyme Activities as Influenced by Different Nutrient Management Practices in Arecanut and Black Pepper Cropping System of Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka, India
No full textThe diverse range of microorganisms live in soils and are responsible for the decomposition of organic matter and the mobilisation of nutrients. Thus, they play an important role in the cycling of nutrients in nature. Arecanut and black pepper, these commercial cropping systems are mainly grown in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, where microorganisms play an important role in nutrient cycling, as they are both sources and sinks for mineral nutrition and can carry out biochemical transformations. A survey was conducted to study the soil microbial population and enzyme activity in arecanut and black pepper gardens at Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur taluks of Uttara Kannada district during 2020-21. Geographically, the study area (Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur) lies between 140 37’ N - 740 50’ E, 140 20’ N - 740 53’ E, 140 57’ N - 740 42’ E, latitude and longitude respectively. The altitudes of the study area are at 611, 564, and 541 m above mean sea level, respectively. It lies under a tropical monsoon climate; therefore and the weather is hot and humid throughout the year. The mean rainfall of the tract is 2500 mm, with 103 rainy days in a year. These gardens were classified based on different nutrient management practices as INM, Organic and ZBNF gardens. The soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of those selected groups of gardens at two depths, 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. A study revealed that soil biological properties varied significantly among different nutrient management practices and soil depths. The organic areca-black pepper garden has recorded higher bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes populations, which were on par with ZBNF areca-black pepper gardens. The surface soil has exhibited higher bacterial and fungal populations, whereas the actinomycetes population was found to be highest in the subsurface soil. Urease activity among different nutrient management practices varied significantly in the order INM > Organic = ZBNF. Whereas dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activities varied significantly in the order Organic = ZBNF > INM practices. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was recorded as highest in surface soil than in subsurface soil. Similarly, higher MBC was observed in organic areca-black pepper gardens than in other gardens at Sirsi, Siddapur and Yellapur taluks. It was observed from the current study that in organic areca-black pepper gardens due to higher application of organic nutrient sources resulted in higher organic carbon accumulation which resulted in higher microbial population
Influence of Nano Fertilizers on Yield of Black Aromatic Rice (Oryzasativa L. indica)
No full textPresent investigation was carried out during the KharifSeason of 2024 at Himalayan University farm, Jollang, Itanagar, to determine the response of nano fertilizer on yield of black aromatic rice (Oryzasativa L. indica). The experiment was outlined in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications. The treatments included combination nano nitrogen and nano zinc. The study recorded significance difference among treatments in terms of yield i.e, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index after harvesting of the rice. The result revealed that the treatment T5 (nano nitrogen at 4ml/L + nano zinc at 2ml/L) was found to be best treatment for obtaining maximum grain yield (1.86kg/ha), straw yield (13 kg/ha) and harvest index (12.85 %) this indicating the combined effect of nano fertilizer on black aromatic rice
Review Paper on Strategies for Off-Season Flower Production in Cut Flower Crops
No full textThe aim of this review is to critically assess and interpret the recent advancements in flowering regulation techniques applied in the cut flower industry, which is increasingly driven by market-oriented and off-season demands. The scope of this paper encompasses key physiological, chemical, environmental and genetic approaches to manipulate flowering, including photoperiod manipulation, plant growth regulators (PGRs), temperature regulation (vernalization and thermal treatments), mechanical methods like pinching and pruning, staggered planting and genotype selection. These technologies enable growers to produce high-quality blooms irrespective of natural flowering seasons, thus ensuring year-round availability, enhanced market value and resource optimization. Advanced applications such as the use of precision agriculture tools, genotype-specific flowering scheduling and bulb forcing techniques have revolutionized the floriculture industry by improving predictability and consistency in flower production. Integration of cold storage for bulbs (e.g., tulips, lilies) with specific light treatments has proven effective in synchronizing flowering. Similarly, growth retardants and ethylene modulators are used to tailor floral traits as per market preferences. Mechanical methods contribute to increased flower uniformity and quality by influencing hormonal pathways and branching behaviour. While these advancements have significantly improved economic returns and production efficiency, challenges remain in the form of environmental concerns, overuse of chemicals and variability in cultivar responses. The review concludes that future strategies must emphasize sustainable technologies, including the integration of molecular breeding and eco-friendly inputs. This synthesis serves as a comprehensive reference for researchers, horticulturists, and commercial growers aiming to modernize cut flower production through advanced flowering regulation practices
Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Analysis in Advance Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Breeding Lines
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) holds significant importance as one of the leading cereal crops in the world, serving as a primary source of food. The genetic improvement of any breeding population largely depends on the amount of genetic variability present in a crop species. The current study was undertaken to obtain information of important genetic variability parameters in a set of fifty genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the farm of Wheat and Maize research Unit, Parbhani (Maharashtra) during Rabi season 2023-24. The genotypes were grown in randomized block design with two replications and data were collected on ten morphological traits. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters studied, indicating availability of wide range of variability among the genotypes. The estimation of genotypic coefficient of variance were found to be high for number of grains per spike, number of productive tillers/plant, grain yield/plant, 1000 grain weight. Heritability estimates were highest for number of grains per spike followed by days to 50% heading, grain yield/plant and spike length. The estimates of genetic advance as % of mean were highest for number of grains/spike, number of productive tillers/plant, grain yield/plant, and harvest index. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent mean was observed for number of productive tillers per plant, number of grains per spike, grain yield per plant which suggested that selection for these characters would be more effective for desired genetic improvement
Evaluation of Budding Techniques in Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L): Timing and Success
No full textThe budding technique is the primary method for sweet cherry plants to be propagated asexually. This research has been carried out at RHR & TS, Mashobra, situated near Shimla city, India, to identify the optimal timing and technique for budding, aiming to achieve the highest success rate in bud compatibility. The present study aimed to identify the most effective timing and techniques for the commercial propagation of sweet cherry plants. The experimentation took place during the periods of 2017-18 and 2018-19. The research comprised four different budding techniques, namely T-budding, chip budding, annular budding, and patch budding, as the primary plot treatments, and five distinct budding dates, specifically the 15th of May, June, July, August and September, as the subplot treatments. The findings indicated that among the four budding techniques, chip budding demonstrated the highest success rate in terms of bud-take success, with a rate of 49.24 %. Among the various budding methods, chip budding exhibited the shortest duration for bud sprouting (77 days), the highest percentage of bud sprouting (69.00 %), the greatest scion linear growth (69.76 cm), the highest count of leaves (69), the largest leaf area (25.16 cm2) and the highest proportion of saleable plants (61.58 %). Among the various budding dates examined, plants budded on May 15th exhibited the highest bud-take success rate (65.84 %). Additionally, significant values have been observed for growth parameters such as percent sprouting (69.41 %), linear growth (64.80 cm), and leaf area (22.82 cm2) on May 15th. Furthermore, study revealed that the chip budding performed between May 15th and 30th is the most effective method for sweet cherry propagation in Himachal Pradesh, offering superior growth and commercial viability
Estimation of Genetic Variability and Trait Association for Yield and Yield Related Traits of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
No full textThe selection of superior traits in plants is a key component of natural selection. Genetic diversity in plant populations is one of the fundamental drivers of natural selection and serves as a valuable resource for crop improvement through trait selection. The present experiment was conducted on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) during the autumn–winter season of 2024–2025, with the primary objective of assessing the genetic variability, heritability (in the broad sense), and genetic advance as a percentage of mean among chilli genotypes. The experimental material consisted of 35 genotypes, including a check variety (Kashi Anmol), laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Observations were recorded for thirteen quantitative traits. Among all the traits, the highest phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed for ascorbic acid content (39.13% and 37.48%, respectively), followed by average fruit weight (35.45% and 31.86%), fruit yield per plant (34.54% and 31.84%), fruit length (28.11% and 22.83%), and plant height (22.65% and 19.45%). Heritability (in the broad sense) estimates ranged from 24.56% (in days to mature red ripe stage) to 98.18% (in ascorbic acid content). High heritability was recorded for ascorbic acid (98.18%), followed by fruit yield per plant (94.37%), pedicel length (90.00%), average fruit weight (88.68%), fruit length (88.00%), number of fruits per plant (79.89%), and plant height (74.90%). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that there exists substantial genetic variability within the studied chilli genotypes. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advance for key traits such as ascorbic acid content, fruit yield, and fruit size indicates that selection would be effective and genetic improvement through breeding is feasible. Therefore, there is ample scope for successful crop enhancement aimed at improving yield and yield-attributing traits in the current chilli germplasm
A Review of Carbon Neutrality to Climate Resilience Evolving Strategies in Agriculture
No full textCurrent agricultural practices contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of non-CO2 emissions of agriculture include methane (54%), nitrous oxide (28%) and carbon dioxide (18%), which collectively account for 12% of the world\u27s yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (7.1 Gt CO2 equivalent). GHG emissions contribute to agricultural activity in direct and indirect activities, accounting for 30% of total global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Agriculture serves a major role in climate change. Agricultural practices lead to the emission of greenhouse gases. Moreover, conventional farming uses synthetic fertilisers. Deforestation and soil degradation are examples of inappropriate land use practices that lower the amount of organic matter in soil. The inappropriate carbon footprint of agriculture is a result of these activities as well as the wasteful use of inputs like water. carbon-neutral methods that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the production of crops and livestock, and agricultural rice, enteric fermentation, and manure. Agriculture use the renewable energy irrigation source they help to reduce the GHG emissions. It also help to Sustainable development goal climate change.it is crucial role in the climate resilience.
These include switching to alternative rice farming techniques, using technologies for managing nitrogen fertilisers, decarbonising on-farm energy use, and developing feeding and breeding strategies that lower enteric methane. When taken as a whole, these actions can cut agricultural GHG emissions by as much as 45%. However, to achieve net-zero agriculture, carbon dioxide removal technology offsets will be needed to balance residual emissions of 3.8 Gt CO2 equivalent per year. Bioenergy with improved carbon collection and storage. Greenhouse Gas emissions profound influence on their effects. Here an overview of inventions and technology was provided with the aim of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. The study concluded that the rate and amount of SOC sequestration differ with soil types, depths, land use and land cover and vary from one region to another. Sequestration of carbon in soil can improve soil health, and improvement in soil health will help in improving input use efficiency in agriculture. Thus sequestering carbon in soil and biota can mitigate climate change