Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Soil Fertility Status and Its Relation with Soil Physico-chemical Properties in Samastipur District of Bihar, India
No full textThe study was conducted in the department. of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Palli Siksha Bhavana, Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati University, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India. One hundred surface soil samples (0–15cm) were collected from 10 villages of 5 different blocks of Samastipur district of Bihar. The samples were shade dried for 10-12 days, processed and sieved through 2 mm sieve Soil Physico-chemical properties (pH, EC, OC) were analyzed. Similarly, macronutrients (N, P, and K) as well as micronutrients (Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and B) were also analyzed by adopting standard procedures. The textural class varied from sandy loam to loam, whereas the pH was in the alkaline range, EC was in the medium range, and OC was present under all ranges. N was found to be deficient in samples, and this may be due to extensive leaching as well as volatilization loss, whereas P and K were in the medium to higher range. All micronutrients except Mn content were in the medium to a higher range. Available N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn contents were negatively correlated with soil pH and sand contents and positively correlated with EC, organic carbon and clay contents. In contrast, available boron content was positively correlated with soil pH and organic carbon content and negatively correlated with EC, sand and clay contents
In-vitro Analysis of Antifungal Plant Extracts against Late Blight Disease Causing Phytophthora infestans
No full textLate blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease affecting solanaceous crops viz., potato and tomato, leading to significant economic losses globally. The increasing resistance of P. infestans to synthetic fungicides and the associated environmental concerns have necessitated the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this study, an in vitro evaluation was conducted to assess the antifungal efficacy of selected plant extracts against P. infestans, employing five different formulations. The present in-vitro study evaluated the antifungal efficacy of aqueous leaf extracts from three plants viz., Carica papaya, Syzygium cumini, and Lantana camara which had formulated into five different treatments (T1 to T5). The combination of the used plant extract in each treatment in the order of Carica papaya, Lantana camara, Syzygium cumini is as follows, T1 (6:3:4), T2 (3:5:6), T3 (2:6:8), T4 (4:4:4) and T5 (4:8:2) and 10% W/V of chemical fungicide (Carbendazim) is served as control. The antifungal activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, with the zone of inhibition serving as an indicator of efficacy. The control showed a mean inhibition zone of 1.15 ± 0.17 cm. Among the treatments, T5 exhibited the highest antifungal activity with a zone of inhibition of 1.925 ± 0.70 cm, followed by T2 (1.700 ± 0.24 cm), T4 (1.200 ± 0.53 cm), T3 (1.125 ± 0.09 cm), and T1 (1.075 ± 0.32 cm). The enhanced performance of T5 and T2 indicates that certain combinations or concentrations of these aqueous extracts may contain bioactive phytochemicals capable of inhibiting the mycelial growth of P. infestans. These findings demonstrate the potential of water-extracted botanicals as effective, eco-friendly, and affordable biocontrol agents. The use of such natural products can significantly contribute to sustainable plant disease management. Further phytochemical characterization and field-based trials are warranted to validate the efficacy and scalability of these formulations for practical agricultural applications
Unlocking the Potentiality of Seaweed Extract Based Bio Stimulant (Crop Plus) for Rice Yield Enhancement
No full textSeaweed extract, a bio stimulant, promotes various metabolic processes that enhance plant growth and development. Seaweed extract is increasingly gaining popularity as a sustainable tool for crop growth and yield enhancement. It is well documented in world literature that alginic acid present in seaweed extracts influences photosynthesis rate, protein synthesis, nutrient uptake and enzymatic activities resulting in increased crop growth and yield. Despite the high potentiality many farmers are not getting the expected harvest from the application of seaweed extract to their crop mostly due to not following the proper application schedule. To address this issue, an experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, in the monsoon season 2023. The study aimed to investigate into the effect of different foliar application schedules of the seaweed extract-based bio stimulant ‘Crop Plus’ (a commercial formulation marketed by Haychem Bangladesh Ltd.) on Monsoon rice, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Two rice varieties namely BRRI dhan75 and BRRI dhan87 and six application schedules such as no Crop Plus (control), Crop Plus applied at 40 and 60 days after transplanting (DAT), at 30 and 60 DAT, at 20 and 60 DAT, at 20, 40, and 60 DAT, and at 30, 45, and 60 DAT were considered as treatments. A positive impact of seaweed extract application on rice growth and yield was evident and the variety BRRI dhan75 demonstrated a better response to Crop Plus than BRRI dhan87. Application schedule of Crop Plus also influenced rice growth and yield. Application of Crop Plus at early stage was found more effective than application at later stages. Foliar spraying with seaweed extract-based bio stimulant Crop Plus @ 500 mL ha-1 at 20 and 60 DAT appeared as the best application schedule for rice yield enhancement. Therefore, it is suggested to explore the potentiality of seaweed extract as a sustainable tool for rice yield improvement
Cassava Growth and Biomass Yield Influenced by Land Cultivation Methods, Farmyard Manure and Potassium Fertilizer in the North-Western Part of Tanzania
No full textField trials were laid out in the north-western part of Tanzania to find out the effluence of land cultivation methods, farmyard manure (FYM) and potassium (K) rates on the growth and biomass yield of cassava using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and the treatments arranged in the split-plot design. The treatments were replicated three times. Three land cultivation methods, namely flat cultivation, open ridge and tie ridge were the main plots and; fertilizer rates including farmyard manure (FYM) alone at 4 t ha-1 or FYM alone at 8 t ha-1, nitrogen (40 kg N ha-1) + phosphorus (30 kg P ha-1) + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1, and the combination of FYM at 4 or 8 t ha-1 + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 with no fertilizer treatment were the sub-plots. The FYM was applied during planting and the other fertilizers were applied at one month after planting and at three months after planting. Data on vigour (1-5), height of the plant (cm), number of branches plant-1, stem diameter (mm) and biomass (t ha-1) were collected at 12 months after planting. The results showed that planting cassava on the ridges improved growth and increased biomass as compared to planting on flat cultivated land. The combination of FYM at 4 t ha-1 or FYM at 8 t ha-1 and potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1, improved growth and offered significantly (P < .001) higher biomass (9.36 - 32.86 t ha-1) than the application of FYM alone at 4 t ha-1 (7.56 - 16.79 t ha-1), FYM alone at 8 t ha-1 (7.93 - 18.85t ha-1) or the application of N, P and K fertilizers (7.56 - 24.03 t ha-1). The interaction between land cultivation methods against the combination of FYM at 8 t ha-1 + potassium at 40, 80 or 120 kg K ha-1 improved growth and increased biomass (8.38 - 38.39 t ha-1) than the interaction between land cultivation methods against the application of FYM alone at 4 8 t ha-1 (5.24 - 23.39 t ha-1), FYM alone at 8 t ha-1 (5.57 - 25.37 t ha-1) or the combination of inorganic N40P30 + K at 40, 80 or 120 kg ha-1 (6.12 - 26.48 t ha-1). Thus, planting cassava on the ridges together with the combination of FYM at 4 t ha-1 and potassium at 40, 80 or 12 kg K ha-1 is recommended for the production of cassava in the study area
Propagation Studies in Dracaena reflexa Lam. Under the Effect of Seasons, Media and Growth Regulators
No full textAims: Present experiment was aimed to address the challenges in dracaena propagation and come up with effective conditions for its commercial cultivation as it is grown widely but suffers from propagation constraints. Effect of different seasons growing media and rooting hormones was studied on propagation of Dracaena reflexa
Study Design: Experiment was conducted in completely randomized block design.
Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at the experimental farm of Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana in the year 2019-2020.
Methodology: Experimental treatments included different seasons (spring and rainy), growing media (sand and water), and rooting hormones (NAA and IBA @100-500 ppm).
Results: Data recorded was analysed using SAS 9.3 Software and critical difference was calculated at 5% level of significance. Among seasons, rainy season was found better for rooting parameters whereas as spring season was better for early sprouting and shoot length. Among media, better rooting performance was observed in sand. Among growth regulators, IBA 200 ppm followed by NAA 300 ppm was found to be the most effective for improving propagation potential in Dracaena reflexa.
Conclusion: Successful propagation of dracaena can be achieved if cuttings are treated with IBA @ 200 ppm before planting in sand during spring or rainy season
QTL Sequencing in Plant Breeding: A Comprehensive Review
No full textQuantitative trait loci sequencing (QTL-seq) is a novel technology that combines traditional QTL mapping with next-generation sequencing, making the identification of genomic loci associated with complex traits more efficient and accurate. This methodology employs bulk segregant analysis along with whole-genome sequencing to detect candidate genomic regions and underlying genes with reduced effort, lower cost, and higher precision compared to conventional approaches. QTL-seq not only enhances resolution and accuracy in detecting polygenic loci but also enables the identification of low-frequency alleles and fine genetic variations, thereby offering a clearer understanding of trait architecture. Its advantages over traditional QTL mapping include faster detection, higher efficiency, and broader applicability across different crops, including those with complex polyploid genomes. Despite its potential, QTL-seq faces challenges such as dependency on high-quality reference genomes and limited detection power for rare variants. Nevertheless, its adaptability has already been demonstrated in marker-assisted selection and genomic prediction, thus accelerating crop improvement. This review comprehensively discusses the principles, scope, advantages, limitations, and future directions of QTL-seq, highlighting its role in advancing both genetic studies and applied plant breeding
Iron and Zinc Distribution in Different Parent Materials of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria: Implications for Soil Fertility and Management
No full textStudies on the total and available forms of iron and zinc in some selected soils of Akwa Ibom State were conducted between 2014 and 2015. Twenty-five surface (0-20 cm) composite soil samples formed from alluvia deposits, beach ridge sands, coastal plain sands, sandstones and mangrove swamp parent materials were used. Total contents of Fe and Zn were assessed by combined acids digestion method while, the available forms were determined using four chemical extractants (Coca-cola, 0.01M HCl, 0.05M EDTA and 1N NH4OAc). The results of the studies show that, parent materials did influence the contents of total and available Fe and Zn in the soils. Total Fe and Zn in the soils were high with values which varied widely between 237.20 and 452.87 mgkg-1 and, 280.21 and 472.63 mgkg-1, respectively. The extractable Fe and Zn values were low and varied from 9.00 to 12.66 mg kg-1 and 2.46 to 3.81 mgkg-1, respectively. HCl method extracted the highest content of Fe (8.70 mgkg-1) followed by Coca-cola method (6.18 mgkg-1). On the other hand, Coca-cola method extracted the highest content of the Zn (4.41 mgkg-1) followed by HCl method (3.64 mgkg-1). One normal NH4OAC extracted the least amount of Fe (4.77mgkg-1) and Zn (2.16 mgkg-1) relative to the other extractants. The study further shows that, the comparative extraction capacity of these extractants followed the order: O.1N HCl> Coca-cola> 0.05M EDTA>1N NH4OAC. The extractants yielded significant relations between concentrations of Fe and Zn and the soil properties. Higher correlations (r) values of HCl-extractable Fe and Coca- cola-extractable Zn with soil properties on one hand and among the extractants on the other hand, were established respectively. This suggests that, the 0.01M HCl and Coca-Cola extraction methods (both acid) are recommended as the most suitable soil testing methods for the determination of available Fe and Zn in the soil. Practical applications of these findings suggest that soil testing laboratories and agronomists can adopt 0.01M HCl and Coca-Cola as cost-effective and efficient extractants for assessing plant-available Fe and Zn in tropical soils. The information can guide fertilizer recommendations and soil management practices, ensuring adequate micronutrient availability for crops, particularly in Zn- and Fe-deficient soils. Additionally, the study provides insights for environmental monitoring and soil fertility improvement strategies in Akwa Ibom State and similar agro-ecological regions
Influence of Nutrient Management Practices and Crop Intensification on Yield, Economic Returns, and Energy Use in Conservation Agriculture-Based Rice–Maize Cropping Systems
No full textAims: This study evaluates the impact of different nutrient management practices on the yield, economics, and energy use efficiency in a conservation agriculture (CA)-based rice–maize cropping system.
Study Design: Split plot Design.
Place and Duration of Study: Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack 753 006, Odisha; 2-year experiment (2022-23 and 2023-24).
Methodology: Main plot was allotted with four production systems: Conventional + Sole Crop (CSC), Conventional + Inter Crop (CIC), Conservation agriculture + Sole Crop (CASC) and Conservation agriculture + Inter Crop (CAIC); sub-plot with three nutrient management strategy: Recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) (NR), 25 % N (N25) and 50 % N (N50) based substitution of RDF with farm yard manure (FYM) replicated thrice.
Results: Results showed that 25% N based substitution of RDF with farm yard manure has significantly higher the grain yield, profitability, and energy productivity while reducing the energy input cost compared to sole chemical or 50% N based substitution.
Conclusion: Conservation agriculture combined with optimal nutrient strategies proves effective for sustainable intensification of rice–maize systems
Characterization and Evaluation of Bio-inputs Used in Zero Budget Natural Farming in India
No full textAims: The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the chemical and biological properties of fermented bio-inputs and evaluate their effects when incubated with soil.
Study Design: The design used for this study was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India.
Methodology: The standard preparations of bio-inputs (Ghanajeevamrit, Dravajeevamrit and Panchagavya) were prepared according to standard procedure along with their 15 and 30% reductions and were analysed periodically to see its peak period of nutrient release and microbial activity. An incubation study was also conducted with these bio-inputs taking ten treatments to observe their effect in the soil.
Results: The Ghanajeevamrit preparations recorded higher nutrient content and microbial activities compared to the Panchagavya and Dravajeevamrit preparations. The highest Organic Carbon (OC) % in Standard Ghanajeevamrit, Standard Dravajeevamrit and Standard Panchagavya were 2.36, 1.57 and 1.67% respectively. Standard Ghanajeevamrit was found to record the highest bacterial and fungal populations of 8.18 and 5.49 log cfu g-1 respectively on 9thday.Panchagavya showed better nutrient release when incubated with soil, compared to Ghanajeevamrit and Dravajeevamrit. The mean values of Soil OC, bacterial and fungal populations in Standard Panchagavya treatment (T8) were 0.85%, 6.76 log cfu g-1 and 5.39 log cfu g-1.
Conclusion: The highest nutrient concentration and microbial activities were observed in Ghanajeevamrit followed by Panchagavya and Dravajeevamrit, and the standard preparations were significantly more efficient than the reductions of these inputs. In the incubation study, Panchagavya treatments were more effective in terms of nutrient availability and microbial activities in soil. Therefore, these organic inputs can be fully utilized for promoting zero budget natural farming.
The increasing demand for organic nutrient management in agriculture has led to a gradual shift to the age old traditional farming practices. Keeping this in view, this study was conducted to provide some insight on the chemical and biological characteristics of the key inputs used in Zero Budget Natural Farming before they can be optimized for agricultural production
Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Palghar District of Maharashtra through Geospatial Techniques
No full textGeoreferenced surface soil samples from Six (06) tehsils were delineated using stratified random soil sampling method by using (GPS) and analyze at AICRP of Micro and Secondary Nutrients and Pollutant Elements in Soils and Plant under Department of Soil Science, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra to assess the chemical properties, major and micronutrients status in soils of Palghar district in the year 2021-2022 of one hundred and seventy nine (179) samples at the depth of (0-20 cm) were collected across the Palghar district of Maharashtra at 5 kms grid and analysed in the laboratory. The results revealed that pH, EC, CaCO3 and organic carbon of soils collected across different tehsils of Palghar district varies from 5.49 to 8.16,0.05 to 1.29 dS m-1,0.63 to 13.25 % and 2.20 to 10.7 g kg-1. Whereas available S in soils ranging 7.26 to 31.89 mg Kg-1. The DTPA -Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn in soil of Palghar district ranged from 0.35 to 7.14 mg Kg-1 ,5.42 to 77.32 mg Kg-1 ,0.88 to 14.88 mg Kg-1 and 8.53 to 79.84 mg Kg-1 respectively. The CaCl2-B in soils of all tehsils ranging 0.23 to 0.69 mg Kg-1. The results were clearly showed a large variation in physio-chemical properties of soil across the Palghar district with low nutrient indices to boron (1.39), medium for Sulphur (1.75) high for zinc (2.37), iron (2.81), copper (3.0) and manganese (3.0)