Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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An assessment of Organic and Conventional Farming Practices for Yield, Pest Management and Soil Health
No full textThis study contrasts and compares conventional and organic farming. The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness and impact of each practice before deciding on the best crop-growing approach. Despite their agricultural systems can be categorized as conventional or sustainable depending on the techniques employed. Organic farming which cultivates a range of crops without the use of synthetic manures, the agricultural method that is most sustainable. While producing enough food, organic farming improves soil composition and supports biodiversity by relying on ecosystem services. The review compares the long-term effects of conventional and alternative organic farming practices on yield in which in short term organic yields were found to be 19.2% lower than conventional yield while in long term yields were lower in conventional systems by 31% and 50%, respectively, due to the long-term improvement in soil health. In soil health point of view long term practices of organic farming improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil by increase soil carbon stock by 12 %, more nutrient release and microbial activity. Pest management is effectively controlled by crop rotation, increase beneficial population of pest in organic farming which reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides and maintain the sustainability of soil health and ecology. As a result, organic farming methods are being evaluated in a large number of research worldwide as an alternative due to their better physical, chemical and biological qualities than conventional farming methods
Design and Development of Automatic Universal Chain Type Vegetable Transplanter
No full textMany vegetable crops are best grown by growing seeds in a controlled environment and then transplanting seedlings to the field. Transplanting methods have dramatically improved in recent years, but are still very labour intensive. Mechanization of Feeding of the seedlings on vegetable transplanter face many restrictions due to non-uniformity in shape and size of the seedings and different transplantation spacing requirement, since the yield of various crops are determined by spacing of the seedlings. Even today, many transplanting methods rely on human labour to place seedlings directly into a planting mechanism and to determine the correct spacing. Manual Transplantation involve repetitive prolonged awkward posture which pose high risk of musculoskeletal disorder. There exists a need of universal transplanter which is economical, effective, ergonomically fit and transplant the seedlings at uniform predefined spacing irrespective of shape and size. Chain Type vegetable transplanter could be the solution to the above discussed problems. The designed transplanter enables the farmers to plant the seedling tape of any shape/size at desired plant to plant distance and to do so rapidly, thereby quickly disposing the seedlings at precise depth, properly oriented and at correctly spaced intervals. This can be achieved in certain steps, which involves the steps of unwinding the honeycomb arranged plant tape in seedling tray, making furrow in the ground, cutting the tape & placing it in furrow in the ground, and pressing it firmly in furrow. There is also provision to adjust the plant-to-plant spacing using the gear shifter and number of cutting blades to adjust the distance between two simultaneous seedlings drop in furrow. Transplantation speed of 71 Plants per minutes can be achieved thus saving time of transplantation, labour need and cost of transplantation
Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Growth, Yield and Quality of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)
No full textChili peppers are fruit-bearing plants from the Capsicum genus, and they are known for their spicy and pungent flavors. Chili peppers thrive in warm climates and can be grown in various types of soil. They are typically cultivated as annual plants, although some varieties can be perennial in suitable conditions Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Central Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during Kharif 2021-22 with a view to identify the effects of different doses plant growth regulators and its role in growth, yield and quality of Chilli variety TMPH-443. The experiment was laid in Randomized block design with 13 treatments and 3 replications with different combination in plant growth regulators. Under this experiment, overall, 13 treatment was taken including control. Different plant growth regulators (PGRs) used comprised of NAA, GA3, 2-4 D and Triacontanol all four at different doses. According to the current research, the use of Plant growth regulators (PGRs) had a significantly positive impact on the growth and development of Chillies. Among the various treatments that were evaluated, T5 (NAA @ 40 ppm spray) yielded the most favourable results in terms of growth viz., plant height, leaf area, early flowering and maturation and yield viz., fruit weight, length of fruit, fruit girth, number of fruits per plant, and yield per plant
Mineralogical Characteristics of Soils in Southern Taraba State Northeast, Nigeria
No full textMineralogy of fadama soils of southern Taraba state was carried alongside its influence on the soil’s physical and chemical properties. The three local government areas selected for this study were Ibi, Wukari and Donga. The mineralogical compositions of the soils were evaluated using the clay fraction. X- ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed ibi had quartz (21%), microcline (47%) and kaolinite (25%), Wukari Tsukundi had quartz (17%), microcline (20%) and kaolinite (32%), phlogopite (15.4%) and gibbsite (23%) while Donga had mineral composition of quartz (20%), microcline (33%) and kaolinite (47%) and therefore the clay minerals are interstratified (mixed mineralogy). The soil textures in these mapping units (MUs) are sandy clay loam (SCL), loam sand (LS) and sandy loam (SL) in the Ap horizons of pedons I, 2 and 3 respectively. The subsurface horizons are Silt Loam, SCL and LS. The silt clay ratio (SCR) indicated that the soils are relatively young soils with reserved weatherable minerals, mean SCR were 1.40, 1.50 and 4.00 in pedons 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The acidity decreased as the profile depth increased and it was moderately acidic soil with pH(KCl) ranged from 5.92- 4.75 for pedons. The delta pH (pH) of the soils showed all negative values; this indicated that the soil colloids contained appreciable silicate clay minerals with relatively constant surface charge while C/N ratios indicated advanced stage of organic matter decomposition. Percentage Al saturation to the TEA stood at 15%, 19% and 9% for pedons I, 2 and 3 respectively, The exchangeable Ca constitutes above 70 % of the total exchangeable bases (TEB). The percentage base saturation (%BS), was largely dominated by exchangeable cations in moderately to very high rating and their mean values are 80%, 77% and 74% for pedons I, 2 and 3 respectively. The arrays of minerals are at different stages of weathering- quartz and phlogopite at moderate stage of weathering, microcline at minimal stage of weathering while kaolinite and gibbsite are at intense weathering stages. These minimally and moderately weathered soils are generally considered to be of good fertility status. The soils were classified as Alfisols/Entisols mix
Enhancing Soil Health and Fertility Management for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review
No full textIn modern agriculture, ensuring soil health and effective fertility management are paramount for sustainable crop production and environmental stewardship. This review article comprehensively explores a spectrum of strategies aimed at enhancing soil health and fertility management within the context of sustainable agriculture. Beginning with an overview of the pivotal role soil health plays in agricultural systems, the review meticulously examines the significance of adopting sound soil fertility management practices to sustain soil productivity while mitigating adverse environmental impacts. Traditional and innovative approaches to soil management are thoroughly discussed, encompassing a range of practices such as organic amendments, cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and integrated nutrient management. These practices, deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, are shown to enhance soil structure, foster nutrient cycling, and promote beneficial soil microbial communities, thereby contributing to long-term soil health and productivity. Furthermore, the review elucidates emerging technologies and methodologies that hold promise for revolutionizing soil health and fertility management in sustainable farming systems. Precision agriculture techniques leveraging GPS, remote sensing, and data analytics are highlighted for their potential to optimize resource use and improve crop management practices. Biochar application, a burgeoning area of research, is explored for its ability to enhance soil fertility, sequester carbon, and improve soil water retention. Additionally, manipulation of the soil microbiome through innovative techniques presents exciting opportunities for enhancing soil health and resilience, the review underscores the importance of continued research, education, and policy support in promoting sustainable soil management practices. Recommendations for future research directions are provided, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaborations, long-term field studies, and farmer participatory research. Practical implications for farmers and policymakers are also delineated, emphasizing the imperative of adopting holistic approaches to soil management that integrate traditional wisdom with cutting-edge technologies. By embracing sustainable soil management practices, farmers and policymakers can safeguard soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our food systems and environment
Effect of Amendments on Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Sodic Soil and Yield of Rice CO 52 (Oryza sativa L.) Grown in a Subtropical Region
No full textSodic soils are low in available nutrients, organic carbon, microbial population and enzyme activities. Amendments application not only used to improve soil physico-chemical properties and also increase soil organic carbon and biological activity of sodic soil. Field experiment was conducted in sodic soil using rice (CO 52) as a test crop with various amendments viz., gypsum+ green manure (G+GM), green leaf manure (GLM) and press mud (PM). The influence of amendments on reclamation as well as availability of plant nutrients and biological activity were studied. The microbial population viz., bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes and enzyme activity viz dehydrogenase, phosphatase and urease were increased on reclamation over control. Higher microbial population and greatest enzyme activities were observed in the gypsum+ green manure (G+GM) applied treatments followed by green leaf manure (GLM) and press mud (PM) applied plots. Sodic soil reclamation using various amendments resulted in enhanced crop yield, physicochemical and biological properties of soil
Agronomic Performance of Wheat Varieties in Relation to Sowing Dates in Shiwalik Range of Uttarakhand, India
No full textWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plays a vital role in global agriculture, particularly in India, the world\u27s second-largest producer. Despite its adaptability, wheat cultivation in regions like Uttarakhand faces challenges due to population growth, limited arable land and climate change threats. This study evaluated four wheat varieties (RR-21, SY-255, PBW-550, PBW-292) across three sowing dates (10th, 20th, and 30th December) using a Randomized Block Design during the 2023–2024 Rabi season at Dev. Bhoomi Uttarakhand University\u27s agronomy research farm in Naugaon. The study measured key agronomic parameters including plant height, Leaf Area Index (LAI), Net Assimilation Rate (NAR), Crop Growth Rate (CGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), and yield components. Statistical analysis using ANOVA highlighted significant differences in growth and yield attributes among sowing dates and varieties. Sowing on December 20th exhibited superior performance, notably with variety RR-21 showing higher plant height, dry weight, CGR, LAI, RGR, and NAR. Variations in yield attributes such as grains per spike, effective tillers, spike length, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, stover yield, biological yield, and harvest index were also observed. Late sowing negatively affected germination rates, leading to increased weed competition and reduced growth parameters
Evaluation of Methods of Adding Chitosan and Potassium Silicate on Some Soil Fertility and Cowpea (Vigna ungiculata) Plant Productivity
No full textThis work aims to evaluate two methods of chitosan and potassium silicate application in 10, 15, and 20 days water irrigation on soil fertility and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) productivit. A field experiment was conducted in saline soil located in Sahl El-Hossinia at El-Sharkia Governorate. The location lies between latitude 32° / 00 to 32° / 15, N and longitude 30° / 50 to 31° / 15 E. For two successive summer seasons 2021 and 2022 cultivated with Cowpea, to study the evaluation of two methods applied for chitosan and silicate potassium combined with or without mineral N fertilizers different rate on some soil fertility and cowpea productivity under irrigation water periods. The experiments were carried out in a split-plotdesign with three replicates. Results obtained that the decreases of soil pH and soil salinity, as well as the increase of available macro-micronutrients contents in soil as affected with potassium silicate foliar application combined with mineral N through intervals irrigation period 10 days compared to other treatments. the increase of plant height (cm), No. of pods/plant, No. of branches /plant, weight 100 seeds (g), weight pods (ton/fed), and seeds yield (ton/fed) with increasing mineral N fertilizer rate combined with potassium silicate foliar application under irrigation water interval 10 days compared with other treatments. Also, the highest mean values of N, P, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrationsin seeds cowpea 4.16, 0.67, 9.20, 40.22 and 24.64 % respectively as affected with potassium silicate foliar application under irrigation water interval of 10 days than other treatments. From the previous results, we found that the method of foliar application of potassium silicate and chitosan under irrigation water at different periods has significant effects on all soil and plant characteristics compared to the soaking method
Building Soil Health and Fertility through Organic Amendments and Practices: A Review
No full textSoil health and quality are foundational to agricultural sustainability and meeting global food security priorities. However, intensive farming practices have degraded soil ecosystems. Organic amendments and regenerative management practices can restore soil function by overcoming nutritional limitations, improving physical and biological properties, and promoting general soil and crop resilience. This review synthesizes research on major sources of organic soil amendments including animal manures, composts, cover crops, crop residues and living mulches. We describe their multifaceted edaphic and agronomic benefits from providing a slow release bank of macro and micronutrients, increasing soil organic matter, and stimulating beneficial microbial communities. Complementary and synergistic soil building practices are also covered, encompassing conservation tillage techniques like no-till, crop diversification via rotations and intercropping, and agroecological integration of trees and livestock. Although transitioning from degraded conventional systems requires patience as years of soil regeneration are needed to enable high system performance, outcomes consistently show integrated practices that minimize disturbance and maintain living ground cover while leveraging organic inputs can transform the foundation of agricultural systems by enhancing soil ecosystem function. Widespread adoption of this soil health paradigm can thereby enable sustainable intensification and resilience
Enzymatic Activities in the Rhizosphere Soil as Influenced by Filterbeds and Hydrophytes in the Vertically Constructed Wetland
No full textAn experiment with different filter beds and macrophytes was carried out to study their phytoremediation capacity on the efficiency of domestic wastewater treatment through constructed wetland (CW) at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad campus, Karnataka, between November 2017 and March 2018. Twenty treatment combinations involving five types of filter beds (FB-1: gravel, FB-2: gravel-sand-gravel, FB-3: gavel-sand-brick-gravel, FB-4: gravel-sand-charcoal-gravel and FB-5: gravel-sand-(charcoal+brick)-gravel) and four macrophytes (MP-1: Typha latifolia, MP-2: Brachiaria mutica, MP-3: Canna indica and MP-4: Phragmites sp.) were evaluated for treating domestic waste water. After 120 days from the start, across treatment combinations, the plant in each column was uprooted, and the soil adhered to the root was collected in a polyethylene cover. The samples were brought to the laboratory, refrigerated, and then analysed for dehydrogenase, phosphatase, and urease activities, as well as for biofilm formation. Results revealed that the highest biofilm growth was observed on brick (1.18 and 0.05 mg g-1) had the maximum biofilm formation, followed by sand (0.68 and 0.04 mg g-1), charcoal (0.67 and 0.02 mg g-1), and gravel (0.31 and 0.01 mg g-1) at depths ranging from 0 to 5 and 5 to 15 cm, respectively. Since the CW can be implemented with flexibility, it can be used as the primary, secondary or tertiary treatment stage depending on the site and its configuration