International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Growth and Quality Response of Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) to Varying Pruning Intensities and Foliar Micronutrient Applications
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of different pruning intensities and foliar applications of micronutrients on the vegetative growth, yield, and quality attributes of phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis D.C.) under subtropical conditions.
Study Design: Factorial randomized block design with two factors—pruning intensity and foliar micronutrient application.
Place and Duration of Study: Main Experiment Station, Department of Fruit Science, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, during the 2018–2019 cropping season.
Methodology: The experiment comprised various pruning intensities (50 cm, 75 cm, and others) combined with foliar sprays of micronutrients including FeSO₄ (0.4%), ZnSO₄ (0.4%), and Borax (0.2%). Data on vegetative traits (shoot length, number of shoots, leaves per shoot, internodal length), yield parameters (fruit yield per hectare), and quality traits (reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, total sugars) were recorded using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was performed to determine treatment effects and significance levels.
Results: Pruning at 75 cm resulted in the maximum shoot length (216.19 cm), whereas 50 cm pruning produced the highest number of shoots (49.88), leaves per shoot (80.24), and fruit yield (23.81 q/ha). Among foliar applications, FeSO₄ at 0.4% enhanced shoot length (213.86 cm), shoot number (50.00), and leaf count (81.61). ZnSO₄ at 0.4% produced the longest internodal length (7.15 cm). Fruit yield was highest with FeSO₄ at 0.4% (23.36 q/ha), statistically comparable to Borax at 0.2%. Quality attributes were significantly improved under 50 cm pruning, which recorded the highest reducing sugars (15.24%), non-reducing sugars (3.97%), and total sugars (19.22%).
Conclusion: Moderate pruning at 50 cm combined with foliar application of FeSO₄ at 0.4% proved most effective in enhancing vegetative growth, fruit yield, and quality of phalsa. This integrated approach offers a practical and efficient strategy for improving phalsa productivity in subtropical regions
Red Rot of Sugarcane: A Comprehensive Review of Pathogen Biology, Epidemiology and Current Management Paradigms
No full textIndia is the largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world and sugar is an important commercial commodity in the world. Colletotrichum falcatumis one the most known pathogen of sugarcane crop causing red rot disease. Red rot disease is considered as the main constraint for sugarcane production and due to its devastating nature also known as cancer of sugarcane. The pathogen variability plays crucial role in the breakdown of red rot resistance as it is highly variable in nature, the resistant sugarcane varieties gets prone to red rot within a short time period. Farmers should pay adequate attention in adoption of improved production technologies toovercome the problem of sugarcane production. Red rot continues to be the major production constraint that always threatens crop productivity as well as economic stability in the sugar sector. Continuous research, awareness among farmers, and coordinated disease management efforts will be required to reduce the menace caused by this "cancer of sugarcane" and ensure resilient and profitable sugarcane cultivation for the future
An Overview of Zero Budget Natural Farming: Problems and Prospects in Implementation
No full textIn the current agricultural landscape, increase in production cost, decrease in soil productivity, food with pesticide residues, driven by escalating input expenses, are placing a significant financial stress on farmers. In response to this challenge, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) or Subhash Palekar Natural Farming (SPNF), a farming method promoted by Shri Subhash Palekar, offers a potential solution by emphasizing cost reduction while producing high-quality, safe food. ZBNF gives priority to indigenous cows, utilizing their dung and urine in various preparations. The system is based on four core principles: Beejamrutha (seed treatment), Jeevamrutha (liquid bio-fertilizer), mulching, and Vapsa (moisture conservation), which collectively enhance nutrient availability, create a favorable micro-climate, and protect crops using locally sourced tree leaves. While ZBNF has shown benefits for farmers, particularly in producing safe food for personal consumption, critical questions remain about its broader adoption. Key concerns include the scalability of natural farming among farmers and its implementation in the absence of intensive scientific validation. Addressing these challenges requires further research into both the obstacles and potential pathways for integrating natural farming into mainstream agricultural practices
Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies for Red Gram, Sorghum and Blackgram-Based Intercropping Systems
No full textA field experiment was conducted at the National Pulses Research Centre, Vamban, Pudukkottai District, during the kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 to evaluate integrated nutrient management strategies for redgram-based intercropping systems. The study included two intercropping treatments: (I₁) Redgram + Sorghum (1:2) and (I₂) Redgram + Blackgram (1:2), along with three organic fertilizer treatments: (F₁) Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), (F₂) RDF + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1, and (F₃) RDF + Farmyard Manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha-1. Two biofertilizer treatments were also evaluated: (B₁) without Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and (B₂) with PSB. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The study utilized the red gram variety VBN 3, intercropped with the sorghum variety K 11 and the black gram variety VBN 6. Results indicated that the redgram + blackgram (1:2) intercropping system produced the highest redgram plant height (347.6 cm), branches per plant (21.2), and number of pods (295.8 per plant). This system also achieved the highest redgram seed yield (858 kg ha-1), redgram grain equivalent yield (1139 kg ha-1), and benefit-cost ratio (2.69). The application of RDF + vermicompost at 2.5 t ha-1 produced the tallest redgram plants (348.8 cm) and the highest number of branches (21.6), with significantly higher pod numbers (300.6 per plant) and seed yield (856 kg ha-1). PSB application further enhanced seed yields, with the highest redgram grain equivalent yield (1122 kg ha-1) and benefit-cost ratio (2.76). The study concluded that the combination of redgram + blackgram intercropping, RDF + vermicompost, and PSB application offers an effective integrated nutrient management strategy, optimizing both grain yields and profitability
Effectiveness of Talc Formulation (TNAUPc001) Nematode Egg Parasitic Fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia on the Management of Root-knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in Brinjal (Solanum melongena)
No full textA pot culture experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of talc formulation of nematode eggparasitic fungus, Pochonia chlamydosporia in different method of application viz., seed treatment, nursery application in growth media and soil application at he time of transplanting in brinjal for the management of Meloidogyne incognita at Vegetable Research Station, Palur, Tamil Nadu, India during 2020-2021. These experiments clearly indicated the effectiveness of a bio-agent P. chlamydosporia, TNAU (Pc001) talc formulation were more when applied in combined application viz., seed (8g/kg seed) + nursey (10/kg growth media) + soil application method (5kg/ha). The brinjal yield was significantly high in vegetable yield (880 g/plant) in brinjal (Var PLR 2), Which is 55.3 per cent increase over untreated control and recorded with lowest root-knot nematode, M. incognita population (81.66/250 cc soil and 8.33/ 5 g of root) which was more than 60 per cent reduction over control. The colony farming units in the soil also more (75 X104) in the above treatments. Through these investigations we could standardize a strategy for the sustainable management of nematode by integration of seed treatment @ 8g/kg, nursery application @10g/kg growth media and soil application @5kg/ha in the main field in brinjal
Status of Different Forms of Nitrogen in Soils of Navsari District of South Gujarat, India
No full textTo study the nitrogen fraction under different cropping and management system, the present investigation was carried out at NAU, Navsari (Gujarat) during year 2022-2023. From each taluka of Navsari district, ten soil samples were collected randomly from 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth by using different cropping and management systems by GIS base grid sampling method. Soil samples were subjected to preliminary analysis for pH, EC, SOC and then analysis of different N-fractions was carried out. Nitrogen is one of the main limiting factors of crop productivity and many studies have sought possibilities to reduce the need for N application and extend the period of availability to plants. Organic N forms constitute up to 90% of the total N in the plow layer of mineralsoils and only about 1–4% is mineralized as plant- available N (NH4–N and NO3–N). Plant-available N released from soil organic N (SON) or applied in fertilizer is highly susceptible to loss from the soil– plant system through leaching and denitrification. The overall distribution of avail. N, NO3-N, NH4-N and total N in Navsari district was ranged from 72.80 to 375.20 mg kg-1, 5.60 to 92.40 mg kg-1, 30.80 to 114.80 mg kg-1 and 140.00 to 1036.00 mg kg-1, respectively for surface soils while, 61.60 to 364.00 mg kg-1, 8.40 to 72.80 mg kg-1, 25.20 to 100.80 mg kg-1 and 140.00 to 924.00 mg kg-1 for sub-surface soils, respectively. At surface layer, total N was correlated significantly and positively with SOC, CEC and it was negatively correlated with pH and EC. However, total N showed similar correlation with SOC and EC at sub-surface layer. NH4-N and NO3-N were positively and significantly correlated with each other at the same depth. The result also revealed that the N fractions were significantly decreased with increasing depth of soil. Overall, our findings suggest that vegetation restoration improved the soil N availability. 
The Role of Soil Microbiome in Enhancing Plant Nutrition and Promoting Soil Health
No full textThe soil microbiome, a complex community of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protozoa, plays a pivotal role in sustaining plant nutrition and soil health. Through processes such as nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and symbiotic relationships, soil microorganisms enhance the availability of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Beneficial microbes such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi improve plant growth by increasing nutrient uptake, producing growth hormones, and promoting disease resistance. Furthermore, the soil microbiome significantly contributes to soil structure, fertility, and resilience by aiding in soil aggregation, water retention, and stress tolerance. It also plays a critical role in suppressing plant pathogens and improving plant resilience to environmental stresses such as drought and heavy metal contamination. Despite its importance, conventional agricultural practices, including the overuse of chemical inputs and intensive tillage, often disrupt the balance of soil microbial communities, leading to soil degradation. Sustainable agricultural practices that incorporate organic amendments, crop rotations, and reduced chemical inputs are crucial for maintaining a healthy and diverse soil microbiome. This review highlights the essential functions of the soil microbiome in plant nutrition and soil health, emphasizing its potential to promote sustainable agricultural practices and ecosystem resilience
The Influence of Different Post-emergence Herbicide Mixtures on the Physiological Traits and Yield of Irrigated Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). in Madhya Pradesh, India
No full textThe present investigation was conducted during the rabi season of 2022-23 and 2023-24 at the agronomy research farm of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (M.P.). The experiment was carried out in a Randomized block design with eight treatments and three replications. The values of LAI, CGR and AGR were increasing up to 90 DAS and RGR upto 60 DAS growth stage and then declined upto maturity. Among the weed control treatments, the highest values of LAI, CGR, RGR and AGR were recorded under weed free plot which was followed by post-emergence application of Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha and post-emergence application Metsulfurone Methyl 20% WP @ 4 g/ha + Clodinafop propargyl 15 WP @ 60 g/ha at almost all the crop growth stage. The results indicated that the combined application of post-emergence Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha significantly enhanced plant height, leaf area and dry matter production, followed by the post-emergence application of Metsulfurone Methyl 20% WP @ 4 g/ha + Clodinafop Propargyl 15 WP @ 60 g/ha. These treatments performed better than the control and were statistically comparable to the weed-free plot.
The highest grain yield, straw yield and harvest index was recorded in the weed-free plot, while the lowest yield was observed in the weedy check plot. However, the combined application of Pyroxasulfone 85% WG + Metsulfurone 20% WG @ 127.5 + 4 g/ha resulted in grain yield, straw yield and harvest index statistically similar to the weed-free plot, demonstrating its effectiveness in controlling weeds and enhancing crop productivity
Impact of Combinations of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Health and Yield of Rice: A Comprehensive Review
No full textAs a cereal grain, rice is the staple diet of more than half of the world\u27s population, especially in Asia and Africa. The grass species oryza sativa, also known as Asian rice, and, less frequently, oryza glaberrima, sometimes known as African rice, are the seeds of rice. African rice was domesticated in Africa approximately 3,000 years ago, while Asian rice was domesticated in China between 13,500 and 8,200 years ago. A staple in many cultures around the world, rice ranked fourth in terms of production in 2021 (787 million tons), behind wheat, maize, and sugarcane. The amount of rice traded worldwide is only about 8 percent. The three countries that consume the most rice are China, India, and Indonesia. Various rice cultivars have been developed to increase crop yield and quality. Green Revolution rice, made possible by biotechnology, can yield large amounts of grain when given nitrogen fertilizer and carefully tended. Additional products include flood-tolerant or deep-water rice, drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant rice, and rice that may express human proteins for therapeutic purposes. In biology, rice is utilized as a model organism
Effect of Foliar Application of Nano DAP on Yield and N, P and K Uptakes and Post Harvest Soil Nutrient Status of Finger Millet
No full textThe present study aimed to determine the effect of foliar application of Nano DAP on yield and N, P and K uptakes and post-harvest soil nutrient status of finger millet. Finger millet is mostly grown in poor and marginal soils under low to no input supply conditions. Adequate plant nutrient supply is required to explore the full yield potential of improved varieties. Nano DAP application through seedling treatment followed by foliar sprays efficiently meets the crop\u27s need for phosphorus and nitrogen. A field experiment was carried out during rabi, 2023-24 at Agricultural Research Station, Vizianagaram. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with ten treatments viz., T1 : 100 % NPK , T2 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage, T3 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage, T4 : 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T5 : 100 % NK only, T6 : T 5 + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T7 : T 5 + 50 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T 8 : T 5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage, T9 : T5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at Tillering stage and T10 : T5 + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP at PI stage. Results revealed that 100 % NPK + foliar spray of nano DAP @ 2.5 ml L-1 at Tillering and PI stage (T4) significantly enhanced the grain and straw yield, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents and uptakes of both grain and straw, post-harvest soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, however, this treatment remained at par with 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at Tillering and PI stage (T8). Hence, 100 % NK + 75 % P + foliar spray of nano DAP each at the Tillering and PI stage (T8) can be regarded as the best treatment as it saves 25 % of conventional phosphorus fertilizers in addition to environmental safety