International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Effect of Varying Rates of Poultry Manure on the Morphological Characteristics of Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
No full textElephant grass is native to tropical Africa and the sub-Saharan region and has been introduced as a valuable and popular forage crop in many tropical and subtropical countries. Poultry manure is a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients that enhance soil fertility and promote the growth of crops. This study investigated the effects of varying rates of poultry manure on the morphological characteristics of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) at the Department of Crop Science Teaching and Research Farm, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The experiment employed a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with five treatments: 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 tons of poultry manure per hectare, replicated five times. Morphological parameters, including stem height, stem girth, leaf length, and number of shoots, were measured weekly for eight weeks after planting. The data obtained were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results demonstrated that poultry manure significantly (P<0.05) influenced elephant grass growth from weeks 2 to 8, while only stem height was significant in week 1. Although the application rates of 10 and 15 t/ha did not differ significantly (P>0.05), the 15 tons/ha application rate consistently produced the highest mean values across all morphological parameters, closely followed by the 10 tons/ha rate. Notably, the control treatment (0 tons/ha) exhibited the lowest growth responses, highlighting the critical role of organic amendments in soil fertility and plant development. The 20 tons/ha rate underperformed compared to moderate rates, suggesting potential nutrient toxicity or soil structure complications at higher application levels. The study concluded that moderate poultry manure application rates (10-15 tons/ha) optimise elephant grass establishment by providing an ideal balance of nutrients, improving soil moisture retention, and enhancing microbial activity. Ultimately, the research recommends a 10 tons/ha application rate for farmers, balancing cost-effectiveness, environmental considerations, and forage production efficiency
Impact of Land Resource Inventory (LRI) Interventions on Groundnut, Chilli and Cotton Growth and Yield Performance
No full textLand Resource Inventory (LRI) provides location-specific guidance for sustainable crop management by integrating soil, water, climate and land-use information. This study evaluated the influence of LRI-based interventions on growth, yield and resource-use efficiency of cotton, chilli and groundnut in the Shirur sub-watershed of northern Karnataka. Four treatments were compared: Farmers with LRI cards, training and inputs (T1); LRI cards and training (T2); LRI cards only (T3); and non-LRI farmers (T4) (control). Crop growth and yield parameters, including leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter (TDM) and crop-specific yield attributes, were recorded and T-test was assessed to see the treatment effects. Results showed that T1 consistently outperformed other treatments across all crops. Groundnut under T1 had the highest pod number (24/plant), pod yield (36.25 q/ha), kernel weight (116.90 g/plant) and shelling percentage (69.35%). Chilli recorded maximum fruit number (32/plant), fruit yield (12.50 kg/ha) and TDM (159.16 kg/ha), while cotton exhibited the highest opened bolls (31), seed cotton yield (21.63 q/ha) and TDM (2028.50 kg/ha). T4 showed lower yields despite sometimes higher LAI, indicating that canopy expansion alone does not ensure productivity. Superior performance in T1 is attributed to timely sowing, balanced nutrient application, soil moisture conservation and favourable microclimatic conditions. The study demonstrates that LRI-based integrated management improves nutrient and water use efficiency, enhances crop development and increases yield stability. Adoption of LRI interventions is thus an effective strategy for improving productivity, resilience and sustainability in rainfed agriculture
Harmful Insects of Okra and Eggplant : A Study Conducted in the Lowland Areas of Daloa
No full textAims: This study aims to inventorize and characterize the harmful insects associated with okra and eggplant in the city of Daloa (Central-Western Côte d’Ivoire).
Study Design: Descriptive transversal survey.
Place and Duration of Study: In various lowland areas of the city of Daloa during the dry season, from February to April 2025.
Methodology: Harmful insects were collected from okra and eggplant crops located in various lowland areas of the city of Daloa. At each site, ten (10) plants of each crop were randomly selected when okra and eggplant were cultivated together; when only one of the two species was present, the same procedure was applied to the available crop. Sampling focused on the leaves and fruits of mature, productive plants. Insects were captured using transparent white plastic bags. The method consisted of enclosing a portion of the plant, including leaves and/or fruits, inside a labeled bag and then gently shaking this part of the plant to dislodge and trap the harmful insects inside the bag.
Results: In total, three species of jassids were identified, along with two additional types of pests: phytophagous bugs and aphids. The molecular approach confirmed the identification of the jassids and reliably distinguished them from the other insects collected.
Conclusion: The combination of these approaches provides a better understanding of pest distribution, their relationship with host plants, and their relevance for developing effective plant protection strategies
Impact of Different Levels and Sources of P on Grain Quality and Crop Productivity of Pearl Millet in Semi–arid Region of Northwest India
No full textA field study was conducted during the Kharif season of 2021 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, CCS HAU, Hisar, to assess the influence of various phosphorus levels and sources on yield and nutrient uptake by pearl millet crop. The study included eleven treatment combinations, arranged in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. Adoption of different nutrient management practices significantly improved the crop yield and nutrients uptake (N and K). The highest (33.66 and 80.70 q ha-1) grain and straw yield of pearl millet was observed with the application of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 along with SSP over rest of the treatments. Highest N content (1.94 and 1.42 % in grain and straw, respectively) and protein content (12.13 %) of pearl millet was observed with the application of full recommended dose of P through SSP. Whereas, K content was found highest (0.44 and 1.85 %) with the supply of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 in conjunction with SSP. Similarly, highest N uptake (163.26 kg ha-1) by pearl millet was observed with the application of full recommended dose of P through SSP, whereas, K uptake was found highest (164.10 kg ha -1) with the supply of 7.5 t of FYM ha-1 in conjunction with SSP over other treatments. The results from the study indicated that instead of using P fertilizers alone, the integrated use of FYM and P fertilizers may be more effective to improve nutrient uptake and to sustain crop productivity
Assessment of Soils Water Erosion in the Department of Vélingara by Application of the RUSLE Model
No full textIn Senegal, water erosion poses a serious risk to the productivity and quality of agricultural land. This study aims to assess soil water erosion in the Vélingara department by applying the RUSLE model to estimate soil losses. According to the results, losses vary between 0 to 64 tons/ha/year, with an average of 0.51 tons/ha/year. 99% of areas have losses of less than 5 tons per hectare per year, which is relatively modest for the majority of the territory. However, some areas in the east of the department, close to the Gambie and Koulountou rivers, have greater losses (>20 tons/ha/year). The comparison between the RUSLE model soil loss map prediction and field data showed a significant impact on erosion processes due to the topography and the hydrographic network. This study contributes to decision-making and the development of more effective policies in soil management
Impact of Shade and Water Stress on Chinese Potato (Colocasia esculenta L.) Growth and Yield
No full textAims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of shade levels and deficit irrigation on the growth and physiological responses of Chinese potato (Colocasia esculenta), providing insights into optimal agronomic practices for improving crop performance under abiotic stress.
Study Design: A factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with two factors: shade levels (35%, 65%, and 100% daylight) and irrigation regimes (100% and 50% of field capacity). Eight replicates were used for each treatment for a total of 48 plants.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at the Experimental Plot of the University of the Pacific, located in Buenaventura D.E., Valle del Cauca, Colombia, between July 2023 and September 2023.
Methodology: Morphological and physiological parameters, including plant height, leaf area (LA), specific leaf area (SLA), dry mass accumulation, and relative water content (RWC), were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA to assess the main and interaction effects of shade and irrigation.
Results: Plants grown under 35% daylight exhibited greater height, LA, and SLA compared to those under higher light intensities, reflecting adaptive responses to low-light conditions. Fully irrigated plants accumulated higher dry mass and LA than deficit-irrigated plants, highlighting the importance of water availability for maintaining productivity. However, no significant interaction effects were observed between shading and irrigation, suggesting that these factors independently influence growth.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the adaptability of Chinese potato to varying environmental conditions and provide insights for optimizing its cultivation under abiotic stress, particularly in resource-limited settings. The findings of this study have practical relevance for agroforestry systems where shade management can improve crop performance
Evaluation of Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Northeastern Part of Rajasthan, India
No full textAn experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2023-24 to study the effect of organic and natural farming nutrient sources on growth and productivity of wheat. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and thrice in replication viz., 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer, 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake, 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake + NP consortium, 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha), 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake, 50% RDN +50% N through neem cake + NP consortium, 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha), 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake + NP consortium + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha), 50% RDN + NP consortium + jeevamrut (500 lit/ha) and NP consortium + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha). The results showed that application of 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha) recorded significantly higher growth attributes, yield attributes and yield, and economics. The maximum grain and straw yield (6280 and 8854 kg/ha) was registered by application of 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha) which was statistically at par with application of application of 100% RDN through chemical fertilizer, 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake + NP consortium and 75% RDN + 25% N through neem cake as compared to NP consortium + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha) (3885 and 3775 kg/ha) and 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake + NP consortium + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha), 50% RDN + 50% N through neem cake + Jeevamrut (500 lit/ha) and 50% RDN +50% N through neem cake + NP consortium
Effect of Rice Husk Mulching on Growth and Yield of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
No full textDuring the Rabi season of 2022–2023, a field experiment entitled "Effect of rice husk mulching on growth and yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)" was conducted at the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, located at Utlou, Bishnupur District, Manipur, in an attempt to ascertain the effects of mulching on seedling emergence and the effects of varying degrees of rice husk mulching on chickpea yield. There are 12 treatments i.e., T1 – Control (no rice husk mulch), T2– 10 q /ha, T3– 15 q /ha, T4– 20 q/ha, T5– 25 q/ha, T6– 30 q/ha, T7–35 q/ha, T8– 40 q/ha, T9 – 45 q/ha, T10 – 50 q/ha, T11 with 55 q/ha and T12 with 60 q/ha of rice husk mulching replicated thrice in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The result shows that mulching with 60 q/ha of rice husk i.e., treatment T12 had significant effect on crop’s germination percentage. Additionally, the results indicate that the treatment T12 – 60 q/ha of rice husk mulching had significantly highest growth and grain yield (17.10 q/ha) as compared to other treatments. Thus, from the experiment it can be concluded that the application of rice husk (60 q/ha) mulching is more favorable for attaining sustainable higher profits and productivity in the cultivation of chickpea during Rabi season of Manipur
Effect of Different Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) of Hardinath Hybrid Dhan-1 in Madhesh Province, Nepal
No full textDetermining the optimum dose of nitrogen fertilizer application for hybrid rice is vital for boosting production and productivity of rice. Therefore, this study examines the effect of different nitrogen levels on the growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of Hardinath Hybrid Dhan-1 in Madhesh Province, Nepal. A field experiment conducted in 2020 at the National Rice Research Program, Hardinath, Dhanusha tested six nitrogen levels (0, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 175 kg ha-1) with four replications under Randomized Complete Block Design during rainy season (June-September). The results showed that nitrogen application significantly improved plant growth and yield, with the highest grain yield (4.99 t ha-1) achieved at 150 kg N ha-1. Increasing nitrogen beyond this level did not further boost yield, indicating that excessive nitrogen does not improve productivity. Nitrogen use and agronomic efficiency were also highest at 150 kg N ha-1, marking it as the ideal rate for optimal rice performance. Soil health, in terms of organic matter and nutrient availability, improved with higher nitrogen levels, while the highest nitrogen uptake occurred at 175 kg N ha-1. In conclusion, 150 kg N ha-1 is recommended as the optimal nitrogen level to enhance hybrid rice yield and NUE, promoting sustainable rice production in the region. These findings highlight the need for optimal nitrogen management to improve crop yield and soil properties while minimizing environmental impact
Viricidal Activity of Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles against Cowpea Aphid Borne Mosaic Virus
No full textThe management of viruses in cowpea is a challenging task and the use of nanoparticles (NPs) presents a promising opportunity for novel antiviral strategies. This study evaluates the viricidal activity of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs) against cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) under controlled conditions. Silicon dioxide nanopowder formulation was used in this study. The virus, molecularly characterized as CABMV, was maintained through mechanical transmission. Pre- and post-inoculation of virus followed by NP foliar spray at different concentrations were done in local lesion host, Chenopodium amaranticolor, and propagative host, cowpea. The studies using various concentrations of SiO₂NPs on C. amaranticolor and cowpea revealed that pre- or post-inoculation of the virus combined with a foliar spray of SiO₂NPs at 1000 ppm is an effective treatment, exhibiting no local lesions compared to 34 local lesions in the viral control. In cowpea, among the various concentrations tested, foliar application of SiO₂NPs at 1000 ppm before CABMV inoculation reduced the vulnerability index (VI) to zero, followed by SiO₂NPs at 500 ppm, which achieved a VI of 2.77compared to viral control (VI – 94). The efficacy of NP treatment was further validated by assessing the viral titre using DAS-ELISA, with treated plants showing a sevenfold reduction in viral titre compared to the control. A significant reduction in the number of local lesions in C. amaranticolor and the vulnerability index in cowpea demonstrated the pronounced impact of SiO₂NPs on viral particles. Simultaneous inoculation of the virus and NPs showed reduced, diffused local lesions on leaves treated with viral sap-containing NPs, compared to a higher number of intact lesions in the control. This reduction is likely due to the disintegration of viral particles by NP treatment, leading to decreased disease severity. These findings further emphasize the potential of SiO₂ NPs in mitigating the severity of cowpea aphid-borne mosaic disease