International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
Not a member yet
5728 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluation of Newer Insecticides against Rice Earhead bug (Leptocorisa acuta Thunberg)
No full textA study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of newer insecticides in managing rice earhead bug, Leptocorisa acuta Thunberg during the Kharif season of 2020. The treatments included two sprays of Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 300 ml/ha, Thiamethoxam 25 WG @100 gm/ha, Dinotefuran 20 SG@200 gm/ha, Clothianidin 50 WDG @ 50 gm/ha, Acetamiprid 20 SP@ 50 gm/ha, Chloropyriphos 50 EC + Cypermethrin 5% EC @1200 ml/ha and untreated control. The presence of earhead bugs was observed from the tillering stage to the harvesting stage of the crop, with the highest population recorded at 16.50 bugs per hill during mid-October. Among the six insecticidal treatments tested Dinotefuran demonstrated the highest efficacy against earhead bugs and resulted in least panicle and grain damage during the 1st and 2nd spray applications, respectively. Dinotefuran 20SG can be considered a promising option for managing rice earhead bugs to mitigate potential yield losses
Advances in Soil Health Monitoring: A Review of Digital and Sensor-Based Tools
No full textSoil health is a critical factor for ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity and environmental balance. Over the past decade, the rapid advancement of digital tools and sensor-based technologies has revolutionised the way soil health is monitored and managed. Traditional methods, which often involved labour-intensive manual sampling and limited spatial coverage, have been gradually replaced by digital platforms and real-time sensor systems that offer precise, continuous, and scalable data collection. These innovations, ranging from IoT-based sensors, drones, and satellite imagery to advanced machine learning algorithms, are now enabling farmers, researchers, and policymakers to monitor soil conditions with unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. This review article explores the evolution of soil health monitoring tools, focusing on the integration of digital and sensor-based technologies. It examines the types of tools currently available, their applications in precision agriculture, and the challenges and limitations faced in their implementation. Additionally, the article highlights the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in transforming data analysis and predictive modelling for soil health. Finally, the article discusses the future potential of these technologies, exploring opportunities for scaling them globally and the role of policy in supporting their widespread adoption. As digital and sensor-based tools continue to advance, they promise to play a pivotal role in achieving agricultural sustainability and improving soil management practices worldwide
Statistical Characterization and Trait Association Studies for Selection of Elite Mutant Lines of Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
No full textThe study presented to assess the scope of genetic variability and the interrelationships among different traits of the mutant lines of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) after treatment of the variety PM 21 with sodium azide mutagenesis. Seventy-one M4 generation mutant lines were evaluated in the field for nine agronomic and yield-related traits. The genotypes differed significantly for all the traits, indicating vast genetic diversity. The range of days to 50% flowering was 44.00 to 58.50 days (mean = 50.22 ± 3.07, CV = 6.1%), and days to maturity ranged from 88.00 to 107.00 days (mean = 100.37 ± 5.92, CV = 5.9%), indicating moderate variability. Plant height varied greatly from 124.90 to 223.77 cm (mean = 172.44 ± 16.66, CV = 9.7%), while the number of seeds per plant showed the highest variability (74.27 to 381.50; mean = 194.92 ± 65.11, CV = 33.4%), thus revealing a wide genetic base. The seed yield per plant ranged from 3.96 to 16.64 g (mean = 9.25 ± 2.76, CV = 29.8%), thus indicating high genetic variability for yield potential. Correlation analysis showed that days to 50% flowering had a positive correlation with days to maturity (r = 0.157 and a negative correlation with the number of seeds per plant (r = –0.163). Also, plant height was strongly positively correlated with the number of siliqua per plant (r = 0.44) and seed yield per plant (r = 0.181). The number of siliquae per plant showed the strongest positive correlation with seed yield (r = 0.34), identifying it as a main yield-determining factor. The findings of this study emphasize the presence of considerable genetic variability and the importance of choosing genotypes with a high number of siliqua and moderate plant height to enhance mustard yield potential
Interaction of Rhizobium Inoculation, Phosphorus Application and Planting Density Affects Green Gram Yield and Economic Benefit
No full textThere exists limited green gram production in Kirinyaga County. Increasing green gram production and yield in this area can make it a substitute of beans, cowpeas and maize. Farmers in this area have limited information on use of rhizobia and phosphorus and using the right spacing hence resulting to low yields. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of rhizobia inoculation, phosphorus application and planting density on yield and net economic analysis of green gram production. The study was conducted at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Industrial Crops Research Centre – Mwea where the experiment was laid out as a 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement using Randomised Complete Block Design and replicated three times and in two consecutive cultivations. Treatments included three levels of phosphorus (0 kg/ha, 60 kg/ha and 90 kg/ha), three planting densities (40 x 10 cm, 45 x 15 cm, and 50 x 20 cm) and three levels of rhizobium inoculation (0 g, 20 g and 40 g per kg of seeds) in K26 variety of green gram. Data was collected on number of pods and grains per pod, grain yield and net economic benefit. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and significantly different means separated using the Turkeys test at α = 0.05. The findings indicated that rhizobia and phosphorus application and plant density had a significant effect on the grain yield and net economic benefit. There was significant (p < 0.05) interaction effect for rhizobia inoculation, phosphorus application and planting density on the grain yield per green gram plant. The yield increased from 98.81 kg and 212.29 kg; 64.15 kg and 118.52 kg in trial I and II, respectively. The analysis of integrated treatment effect of rhizobia rates, phosphorus application and densities showed that the net economic benefit ranged from KSh -21205 to KSh 24512 .5 and KSh -600 to Ksh -24600 for trial I and II, respectively. Treatment with the highest net economic benefit was rhizobia 40 g, phosphorus 20 kg/Ha and 45 x 15 cm. Application of rhizobia rate 40g/Ha, phosphorus 60 kg/Ha and at planting density of 45 × 15 cm produced the highest grain yield. The study recommends application of rhizobia at 40 g/Ha, phosphorus at 60 kg/Ha and planting density at 45 x 15 cm to produce the highest grain yield and rhizobia 40 g, phosphorus 20 kg/Ha and 45 x 15 cm for highest net economic benefit
Influence of Maturity Stage, Seed Treatment, and Storage Containers on the Storability of Combine-Harvested Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. CO (R) 50)
No full textThe current research aimed to investigate the impact of different maturity stages on the moisture content and storability of the combine-harvested rice variety CO (R) 50. Seeds were harvested at various stages of maturity - physiological maturity, two days after, four days after, and six days after physiological maturity. The seeds were treated with water-soluble polymer at a rate of 4 ml + 12 ml water per kg of seed, as well as vithai amirtham at 25 ml per kg of seed, and compared to untreated control seeds. The treated seeds were stored in both super grain and gunny bag containers under ambient conditions, along with the control. Quality parameters were initially assessed and then monitored at monthly intervals for 12 months to evaluate seed storability. Results showed that seeds harvested at physiological maturity exhibited the highest germination (88%), longer root(21.8cm) and shoot lengths(12.5cm), increased dry matter production (0.144g/10 seedling), superior seedling vigour index (3039), reduced pathogen incidence (4.6%), and lower seed leachates(0.124dSm-1). Seeds stored in super grain bags demonstrated higher germination rates, seedling vigour index, and lower pathogen incidence and seed leachates, regardless of variety or treatment. The study concluded that the CO (R) 50 rice variety harvested at physiological maturity (135 days), coated with water-soluble polymer at a rate of 4 ml + 12 ml water per kg of seed, and stored in a super grain bag-maintained seed quality above minimum certification standards for up to 12 months
Heterosis Analysis for Grain Yield and Its Attributing Traits in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.)] Using Cytoplasmic Male Sterile Based Hybrids
No full textA line × tester mating design involving five CMS lines and nine restorer lines of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] was used to generate 45 F₁ hybrids, which were evaluated along with their parents and a standard check hybrid (GHB 1129) for nine agronomic and yield-related traits. The hybrids showed substantial variation for most traits, and the analysis of variance indicated ample genetic variability and significant differences among both female and male parents. Marked heterotic responses were observed particularly for grain yield per plant, number of effective tillers per plant, earhead length, and harvest index, whereas days to 50% flowering, earhead girth, and test weight expressed comparatively lower to moderate levels of heterosis. Among the crosses, ICMA 15666 × HBL-11 R consistently recorded the highest relative heterosis and maximum heterobeltiosis for grain yield per plant, followed by ICMA 15666 × ICMR 11666, indicating the strong yield-enhancing potential of ICMA 15666-based hybrids. Based on per se performance and standard heterosis, four hybrids—ICMA 15666 × HBL-11 R, 7A × ICMR 0911, ICMA 14222 × ICMR 17333, and ICMA 21999 × ICMR 08222—were identified as superior to GHB 1129 for grain yield per plant, with several of them also expressing desirable heterosis for earhead length, earhead girth, and test weight. The predominance of highly heterotic combinations, particularly those involving complementary CMS and restorer parents, highlights the effectiveness of the line × tester approach for identifying elite hybrid combinations and provides promising genetic material for developing high-yielding, heterosis-based pearl millet hybrids suited to dryland production environments
Influence of Phosphorus and Zinc Nutrition on Growth and Yield of Wheat
No full textA field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2020-21 at Agronomy Instructional Farm, C. P. College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar. The soil of experimental field was loamy sand in texture with neutral in reaction (pH 7.01) and electrical conductivity within safe limit (0.19 dSm-1). The soil was low in organic carbon content (0.39 %), DTPA-extractable Fe (2.59 mg kg-1), DTPA-extractable Mn (4.51 mg kg-1); medium in available P2O5 (41.26 kg ha-1), K2O (162.65 kg ha-1), DTPA– extractable Zn (0.71 mg kg-1) and DTPA– extractable Cu (0.31 mg kg-1). The experiment consisted of two factors each having four levels each of phosphorus (P0–0 kg P2O5 ha-1, P1–30 kg P2O5 ha-1, P2–60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and P3–90 kg P2O5 ha-1) and zinc (Zn0–0 kg Zn ha-1, Zn1–2.5 kg Zn ha-1, Zn2–5.0 kg Zn ha-1 and Zn3–7.5 kg Zn ha-1). Total sixteen treatment combinations were laid out in randomized block design with factorial concept and replicated three times. The results revealed that application of 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 (P3) and 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 recorded significantly the higher no. of effective tillers/plant, length of ear head, no. of spikelets per ear head and grain and straw yields; which was found at par with 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 5.0 kg Zn ha-1. Thus, application of 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 + 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 in wheat were optimum doses for obtaining higher productivity, growth parameters
Effects of Motorized Tillage on Soil Physico-chemical Properties in the Senegal River Valley
No full textThe present study aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the effects of motorized tillage on the soil. In Senegal, one of the major problems facing agriculture is the pronounced loss of soil fertility due, among other things, to the combined effects of sustained exploitation, poor soil management and a lack of mastery of agricultural machinery operating techniques and conditions. To this end, the first step was to optimize the tractor-tool linkage using 3 adjustment workshops. Subsequently, a complete block experimental set-up with a single factor, motorized tillage, was set up for 2 successive years. This work was carried out in 2 modes: minimum tillage and conventional tillage. Soil samples were taken from each plot before tillage and after harvest at the 0-30 cm horizon for physical and chemical analysis. The results show that the soils at the 2 sites have a clayey texture. Structural stability varied significantly from one year to the next (p<0.002). The Lab 40 treatment at the Lampsar site, with a value of around 6.3, showed the highest stability. Soil bulk density varied significantly (p<0.002) from site to site and from year to year. The Off10 treatment in the second year at the Lampsar site, with a value of around 1.7 g/cm3, had the highest density. This could explain the high penetration resistance observed in the same treatment (1180 N). Organic matter (OM), CEC and C/N ratio varied significantly from year to year and site to site (p<0.05). pH remained more or less the same, always below 7
Influence of Distillery Byproducts Along with Farm Yard Manure on Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Rabi Sorghum Crop in Vertisols
No full textThe field experiment was laid out to know the “Influence of distillery byproducts along with Farm Yard Manure on soil organic carbon pools in rabi sorghum crop in vertisols at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Vijayapura, Karnataka, during rabi seasons of 2020-21. The experiment comprising 11 treatments was laid out in recommended complete block design with three replications.The treatments consisting FYM @ 3t ha-1; Pressmud@ 3 t ha-1; Spentwash@ 5ml kg-1 of soil (1:10 dilution spentwash: water); 3 t ha-1 (Spentwash+FYM (1:3 mixing and curing for 25 days)); 3 t ha-1 (Spentwash+Pressmud (1:3 mixing and curing for 25 days)); addition of 100% RDF to above treatments and Absolute control. Result revealed that the highest organic carbon pools (DOC, MBC, LFC and HFC) were recorded when spentwash at 5 ml kg-1 of soil (1:10 spentwash and water dilution) applied in conjunction with recommended dose of fertilizers over all other treatments and similar trends were followed at 24, 48, 72 DAS and after harvest and followed by when combined application of spentwash with FYM and same with pressmud (both the combinations were cured and mixed at 1:3 ratios for 25 days) as compared to applied FYM or pressmud alone. Hence, the application spentwash at 5 ml kg-1 of soil (1:10 spentwash and water dilution) applied in conjunction with recommended dose of fertilizers and combined application of spentwash with FYM and same with pressmud are the best options for dryland agricultural production for enhancing the soil as well as crop productivity
Effect of the System Intensification on Growth and Yield of Mustard Varieties
No full textThe gradual changes in season and temperature are making mustard growing more challenging. The method of planting is the main factor that determines the optimal growth and development of mustard. The study was conducted at Regional Research Station (OAZ), UBKV, Majhian during two rabi season (2021-22 and 2022-23), on growth and production of three mustard hybrid varieties viz. Pioneer 45S46, Kesari 5100, and Kesari Gold, using three types of planting techniques: S1: broadcasting, S2: line sowing, and S3: system of mustard intensification. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design replicated thrice. The results showed that system of mustard intensification was significantly higher responses in seedling growth and yield characteristics than the direct sowing of broadcasting and line sowing methods. The variety V3 was found most superior in terms yield traits. The V3S3 treatment was found most significant interaction effect which was recorded highest seed yield (1875.26 kg ha-1), dry matter content (115.0 g), leaf area index (4.46), and crop growth rate (6.43 g/m2/day). The maximum production efficiency was found in V3S3 (18.16 kg ha-1 day-1) in 2022, whereas in 2023 it was maximum in V1S3 (19.76 kg ha-1 day-1).The mustard intensification system is a potential agricultural invention that aids in production, reduces import demands, and encourages efficient and sustainable mustard farming