International Journal of Plant & Soil Science
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Effect of Tillage and Nutrient Management Practices on Normalized Difference Vegetation Index of Maize
No full textAims: The aim of the experiment was to study the NDVI values of maize crop at knee height stage and pre tasseling stage as an indicator of crop health under different tillage practices and precision nutrient management strategies.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted in split plot design using six tillage practices (Conventional Tillage, Conventional Tillage + Chisel Plough, Permanent Ridges, Permanent Bed, Zero Tillage and Minimum Tillage) in main plots and three nutrient management strategies [Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM), GreenSeeker guided nitrogen application (GS), and 100% Recommended Dose of Nutrients (RDN)] in sub plots.
Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India, for two years i.e., 2022 and 2023.
Methodology: Conventional tillage involved two passes of harrowing and one rotavator. Conventional tillage + chisel plough included the additional use of a chisel plough after every four years. In permanent ridge and permanent bed strip, raised soil configurations were reshaped after every crop. In zero tillage, land preparation was limited to opening of seed furrows and crop was sown directly. In minimum tillage field was tilled through only with single pass of rotavator. In SSNM using “Maize Nutrient Expert” nutrient application was done at the rate of 130:33:66 kg N: P2O5: K2O per ha. Under GS treatments maize nitrogen application was done as (40 + GS) N per ha. The 100% RDN for maize was 120:60:40 kg N: P2O5: K2O per ha.
Results: Results indicated significant variations in NDVI values at knee height stage and at pre tasseling stage due to different tillage practices where zero tillage and conventional + chisel plough were found significantly superior. NDVI values among nutrient management strategies were not statistically different. Correlation studies concluded that NDVI of kharif maize crop is negatively correlated to minimum temperature, maximum temperature, number of rainy days and amount of rainfall received. Zero tillage and conventional + chisel plough sustain crop health even under excess rainfall conditions.
Conclusion: Zero tillage and conventional + chisel plough can be advocated for the better health of kharif maize crop even under varied weather conditions
Comprehensive Study of Compatibility and Performance of Grafted Brinjal
No full textIn this report, we have studied graft compatibility of five scion cultivar Pusa Shyamala, Pusa hybrid -6, Pusa Kranti, Mahy 80 and Gopi 75 when grafted onto Kavach and CO2. As per data two scion, Mahy 80 and Gopi 75 when grafted on Kavach and CO2 showed maximum graft success from 82 to 88%. Moreover, in field experiment was having six treatments i.e. Mahy 80 grafted on Kavach, Mahy 80 when grafted on CO2, Gopi 75 grafted on Kavach, Gopi 75 grafted on CO2, Mahy 80 (non-grafted), Gopi 75 (non-grafted) with five replications. Among all treatments graft combination of Mahy 80 onto Kavach significantly enhanced plant height of 33.13, 56.84 and 78.07 cm at 30, 60 and 90 DAT respectively. Similarly, Mahy 80 onto Kavach reported maximum number of branches per plant, average fruit weight (153.14 g), fruit yield per plant (1.50 kg plant-1), fruit yield per hectare (41.75 t ha-1) while earliness in terms of days to first harvest (67.24 days) and maximum number of fruits per plant (13.13) was reported in Gopi 75 grafted onto Kavach. Therefore, we claim that for Mewar region scion Mahy 80 onto Kavach rootstock will be suitable grafted seedling of brinjal
Effect of Water Conservation Technologies on Growth and Yield of Pearl Millet with Green Gram Intercrop in Semi-Arid Kenya
No full textWater conservation technologies are among the climate smart agriculture practices geared towards increasing crop production in arid and semi-arid areas. Several technologies have been experimented with crops such as maize, sorghum, however, there is limited information on integrating water conservation technologies with pearl millet and green gram in an intercropping system. A field study was conducted during the 2022/2023 short rains in Kambi Mawe and Katumani. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement replicated three times. The main plots were water conservation technologies (ngolo pits, contour furrows) and Conventional tillage. The split plots comprised of sole pearl millet varieties, sole green gram varieties ad their intercrops. Data was collected on the number of primary branches, nodules, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, plant height, leaf area index, grain weight and harvest index. The land equivalent ratio was also calculated. Mean separation was calculated using Tukey HSD at 5 % probability level. Results showed that water conservation technologies and cropping systems had a significant effect on the growth parameters, yield and yield component of both pearl millet and green grams. Ngolo pits recorded significantly higher yields compared to contour furrows ad conventional tillage. Intercropping pearl millet with green grams recorded significantly higher yields compared to sole cropping
Effects of Organic Amendments and NPK on Soil Chemical Properties in Kano Plains, Kisumu, Kenya
No full textAgricultural lands in many parts of the world are threatened by soil degradation as indicated by their declining soil organic matter, loss of fertility, and low productivity. Organic amendments have the potential to alter the soil’s chemical characteristics as they can change the biotic and abiotic properties of the soil. The effect of six organic amendments applied each at 8.33 t/ha on the soil chemical characteristics, compared to NPK fertilizer applied at 250 kg/ha was investigated. The experiment was conducted at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu’s agricultural farm at Kibos in Kenya. To determine the effect of the organic amendments on the soil’s chemical characteristics, soil samples were collected once before the application of the organic amendments (initial) and thereafter at the end of every season. The results showed that the organic amendments affected the soil chemical properties. Compared to NPK fertilizer treatment, soil treated with organic amendments showed pH ranges (5.76 to 6.04) above that resulting from NPK application (5.59). All composts increased soil organic carbon (133, 298, 192 and 185%) for Boom Max, Ecoplanting, Evergrow, and Filter mud respectively compared to the initial levels. The total nitrogen was also increased to levels between 0.14 to 0.18 cmol/kg as compared to that of NPK treated plot (0.15cmol/kg), indicating close similarity. Available phosphorus increased by the application of Boom Max, Evergrow, Filter mud and Market waste slurry by 24, 44,39 and 1022% over the NPK effect, while exchangeable potassium increased by 9.5 and 24% by Evergrow and Market waste slurry over the effect of NPK. Exchangeable calcium increased by all the applied organics but only Evergrow and Market waste slurry exceeded that produced by NPK by 7.0 and 18.6% respectively. Likewise, all amendments increased soil exchangeable magnesium except dung slurry, but only market waste slurry exceeded that produced by NPK by 28%. All the amendments increased the cation exchange capacity compared to the original soil CEC but only Evergrow, Filter mud and Market waste slurry raised the soil’s CEC beyond that affected by NPK by 5.5, 10 and 40% respectively
A Review on Depth Wise Nutrients Status in Punjab’s Soils
No full textPunjab, which is well-known for its agricultural output, has significant difficulties in preserving soil fertility in the face of intensive farming methods. The depth-wise distribution of nutrients in Punjab\u27s soils is examined in this review, which is important to comprehend agricultural sustainability. Several agricultural zones provided soil samples, which were then examined for important macronutrients (N, P, and K) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu). Recent article contains status of soil nutrients of Punjab emphasizing mostly deficits elements that may hinder crop growth. It was also reflected by the researchers that because of intensive farming methods and insufficient replenishing, nitrogen levels become low with time. Analyzing the d ata published by the research papers it was observed that potassium and phosphorus levels were moderate, although significant deficits were found in several locations. Micronutrient investigation revealed that iron and manganese levels were comparatively adequate, but there was a general shortage in zinc in this region. The review emphasizes that in order to maximize soil fertility and increase crop yields, region-specific nutrient management practices are necessary. The application of organic amendments, balanced fertilization techniques, and routine soil testing to identify and correct nutrient imbalances are among the recommendations. In order to maximize fertilizer applications, improve nutrient use efficiency, and guarantee Punjab\u27s long-term agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability, these variations must be taken into consideration. This review emphasizes how crucial it is to implement customized soil management plans in order to prevent nutrient depletion and maintain the area\u27s agricultural future
Influence of Varying Levels of Organic Manure, Phosphorus and Bio- inoculants on Biological Properties of Soil under Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
No full textA field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years (during Kharif 2019 and 2020) at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Jodhpur (Rajasthan) to assess the impact of varying levels of FYM, phosphorus and bio-inoculants on biological properties of soil under Mungbean. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The experiment comprised of two levels of FYM (0 and 5 t/ha), four levels of phosphorus (0, 50, 75 and 100% P2O5 /ha) and three levels of bio-inoculations (No inoculation, Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens). Mungbean variety GM-4 was used for exprimentation. The results revealed that addition of FYM @ 5 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher soil microbial biomass carbon (217.92 mg /kg), soil microbial biomass phosphorus (15.47 mg/kg), acid phosphatase (1.019 g PNP/g soil/h), alkaline phosphatase (7.13g PNP/g soil/h) and dehydrogenase activity (6.10 g TPF/g soil/ h) of soil at 40 DAS as compared to without FYM application. Among the phosphorus levels, application of 100% P2O5 /ha gave significantly highest soil microbial biomass carbon (219.13mg/kg), soil microbial biomass phosphorus (15.71 mg/kg), acid phosphatase (1.010 µg PNP/g soil/h), alkaline phosphatase (7.21g PNP/g soil/h) and dehydrogenase activity (5.91g TPF/g soil/h) over rest of P levels, however, it was found at par with 75 % P2O5 /ha. Similarly, the seed inoculation with B. amyloliquefaciens recorded significantly higher values of all above biological properties as compared to un-inoculated control but it was found at par with seed inoculation with E. cloacae. Thus, the results reaveal the positive effect of the application of FYM, Phosphorus and seed inoculation with biofertilizers (E. cloacae or B. amyloliquefaciens) on the biological properties of soil (soil microbial biomass carbon, soil microbial biomass phosphorus, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity) for management of sustainable environment
Estimating Genetic Diversity in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Lines: Cluster Analysis and Trait Impact
No full textThe present investigation was carried out in rabi 2023-24, with the objectives to study about genetic diversity in sixty elite lines of chickpea. The observations recorded for eleven morphological traits were subjected to estimation of genetic diversity using the Mahalanobis D2 statistics and the clustering of genotypes was performed using Tocher’s method. The results of analysis revealed that sixty genotypes were grouped into ten different clusters. Having 27 genotypes in total, cluster I was the largest, followed by cluster II with 7 and cluster III having 6 genotypes. The cluster X was solitary. Highest inter-cluster distance was obtained between cluster VIII and X (295.30) while highest intra-cluster distance was obtained for cluster IX (103.60). Lowest inter-cluster distance was obtained between cluster II and X (74.17) while lowest intra-cluster distance was obtained for cluster X (0). The characters which majority contributed towards the diversity in these genotypes was seed yield per plant (16.7%) followed by days to maturity (16%), biological yield (12.9%), days to 50% flowering (11.4%) and Number of primary branches (10.1%)
Study on Character Association and Deciphering the Direct and Indirect Effects thorough Path Coefficient Analysis in Cucumber
No full textImportant information on the mutual association between the traits is of para amount importance for the successful plant-breeding program. Fifty-five cucumber genotypes were evaluated during 2022 at College of Horticulture, Bagalkot, Karnataka in RCBD to evaluate the association between traits further to determine the direct and indirect effects. The results of correlation estimation implied that yield/plot observed significant desiarble correlation with No. of branches/plant, last harvest duration, fruit length, No. of fruits/plant and fruit yield/plant at genotypic level. No. of branches/plant, inter-nodal length, No. of nodes/plant, days taken to first harvest, fruit length, No. of fruits/vine and fruit yield/vine showed desirable direct effect on yield/plot at genotypic level. The present study suggested that selection ideology based on these parameters will be effective for improving yield/plot trait in cucumber
Extending Cucumber Shelf Life: A Comparative Study of Low-Cost Drip Cooling Systems Using Different Fabric Coverings
No full textAims: Postharvest losses of cucumbers pose significant challenges for small-scale farmers in developing regions due to limited access to modern cold storage. This study investigated the effectiveness of low-cost indigenous drip coolers with different fabric coverings as an alternative preservation method.
Study Design: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments and three replications.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Crop Science, Surigao del Norte State University – Mainit Campus, Mainit, Surigao del Norte, Philippines on March 1-20, 2024.
Methodology: Cucumber fruits were stored in indigenous drip coolers constructed with various recycled fabric coverings. Treatment combinations were: T1 - Control ambient temperature, T2 - Alpha Gina fabric, T3 - Silk satin bedsheets, T4 – Cotton comforter, and T5 - Cotton Blanket. The study evaluated color change, firmness, shriveling index, visual quality rating, weight loss, and damage rate over 20 days storage period.
Results: Significant differences in cucumber fruit quality emerged at different time points across various parameters. Differences in color change and firmness were observed on day 15 (p = 0.023), while shriveling and visual quality showed differences by day 20 of storage (p = 0.042 and p = 0.042, respectively). However, in terms of weight loss, the Alpha gina fabric significantly had the highest loss among fabric covers used (p = 0.038). Consistently, the control ambient group exhibited the poorest quality, while treatments like the cotton comforter and silk satin bedsheet were most effective in preserving cucumber quality.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of indigenous drip coolers in preserving cucumber quality, with silk satin bedsheets and cotton comforter coverings consistently outperforming other materials and ambient conditions. These coolers were effective in slowing color change, maintaining firmness, reducing shriveling, and preserving overall visual quality. The study highlights the importance of fabric selection in drip cooler design, with cotton comforter and silk satin bedsheet coverings likely offering better air circulation, moisture retention, and insulation
Effect of Vermicompost and Vermicompost Tea on Vegetative Growth of Rubber Plants under Nurseries Conditions
No full textSuccess in rubber growing is linked to the production of vigorous plants in the nursery. However, this cruel stage faces difficulties related to the cost of chemical fertilizer and its availability. This work carried out in 4 localities (Bimbresso, Alépé, Abengourou and Daoukro) in Côte d’Ivoire aimed to improve the production of rubber plant material in nurseries in polyethylene bags using vermicompost and vermicompost tea. The experimental design used is a Fisher block with three treatments and two repetitions. The vermicompost, vermicompost tea and control factors were compared with each other. The addition of vermicompost tea and the control for three months while the addition of vermicompost was done only once. The results indicated that vermicompost tea is the most effective treatment for the vegetative development of plants regardless of the study site. In Bimbresso, the vermicompost tea and vermicompost treatments showed the highest increases with 1.23 and 1.21 mm.month-1, compared to 1.13 mm.month-1 for the control and the highest average values of diameter at the collar. 10.1 mm was obtained with vermicompost tea. Also, the highest rate of graftable plants, grafting success and plants transferable to the field was obtained with vermicompost tea. Likewise, the mortality rate obtained with vermicompost and vermicompost tea was less than 20%. These treatments could be recommended in the production of rubber plant material