Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Distribution of Soil Chemical Properties of Smallholder Farms on Derelict Mined-Sites of Jos South LGA, Jos Plateau, Nigeria
No full textTin mining environments have constituted a degrading challenge to smallholder farmers whose lands have been overtaken. Attempts by smallholder farmers to restore the lands to farming are faced with soil productivity constraints. Yet, these farmers struggle to cultivate farms in-between the mined lands to meet up with subsistence food requirements. To date, the farmers have identified areas with low and high potentials due to years of continuous cultivation. This study was conducted in an environment that had undergone mining on a larger scale and is now undergoing surface mining on a small scale. Thirty-one (31) soil samples were taken at a depth of 0-20cm to investigate the spread of soil chemical properties on smallholder farms. Coordinates of the samples were acquired using GPS to create georeferenced continuous surfaces. The results indicated that the majority of the soil\u27s chemical properties varied moderately. Organic matter (0.89-1.74%) and nitrogen (0.045 - 0.096%) needed mostly by crops were very low due to uninformed distribution of soil chemical properties. Geostatistics was used to generate continuous surfaces through Kriging. The small nugget effect showed spatial continuity between the neighboring points. Strong spatial dependence occurred for all soil nutrients tested, due to intrinsic soil properties such as soil parent material, topography, texture, and mineralogy. Generally, the spread of soil nutrients on the smallholder farm coincides with the smallholder farmers\u27 identified potential areas. The study suggests that for proper nutrient interventions on the farms, distribution of soil nutrients on the farms should be done to avoid excesses and shortages of inorganic and organic interventions
Effect of Mulching and Nutrition on Essential Oil Yield, Quality and Nutrient Uptake in Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
No full textA field experiment was conducted at College of Horticulture, Bengaluru to investigate the influence of different mulches and nutrition on essential oil yield, quality and nutrient uptake in sweet basil. The treatment combinations consisted of four different mulches viz., no mulch, black plastic, silver plastic and organic mulch (spent lemon grass) each with four different nutrient levels viz., 100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), combination of 75 percent RDF with humic acid, 75 percent RDF with microbial consortia and 75 percent RDF, humic acid and microbial consortia. Use of black plastic mulch recorded maximum essential oil content (1.13 %), yield (97.21 kg/ha), nitrogen (54.56 kg/ha), phosphorous (37.71 kg/ha) and potassium (57.85 kg/ha) uptake. Application of 75 percent RDF with humic acid resulted in maximum essential oil content (1.21 %) whereas, 75 percent RDF with humic acid and microbial consortia recorded maximum essential oil yield (79.03 kg/ha), phosphorous (24.82 kg/ha) and potassium (48.88 kg/ha) uptake. Maximum nitrogen uptake was found in plants applied with 100 percent RDF. Among interaction, maximum essential oil content (1.44 %) and yield (109.92 kg/ha) was noticed in combination of black plastic mulch with 75 percent RDF and humic acid. The highest methyl chavicol content (73.85%) was observed in plants grown on black plastic mulch along with application of 75 percent RDF and microbial consortia
Influence of Drip Fertigation and Foliar Spray of Boron on Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Cucumber cv. Himangi
No full textThe effect of fertigation and foliar application of boron on yield, uptake of nutrients and nutrient use efficiency by cucumber Cv. Himangi was studied during two consecutive years 2018-19 and 2019-20. An experiment was carried out in open field conditions with five fertigation levels viz., 100 % RDF through soil, 120 %, 100 %, 80 % and 60 % RDF through fertigation in ten equal splits at 10 days interval along with three levels of foliar application of boron viz. 0.0, 0.1, and 0.2 per cent concentration at 30, 45 and 60 DAS to determine suitable fertigation and foliar spray of boron dose for cucumber cultivation. The experiment was consisting of fifteen treatment combinations of recommended doses of water soluble fertilizers, comprising of five levels of fertigation. The results indicated that, yield, nutrient uptake and nutrient use efficiency of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium under study were significantly influenced by various fertigation and boron levels. On the basis of pooled data, it was observed that, among various treatment combinations, minimum male : female sex ratio (1:4), maximum average weight of fruit (239.88 g), yield per vine ( 2.44 kg), yield ( 228.37 q/ha), uptake of nitrogen by shoot, ( 13.03 kg/ha), ( 81.62 kg/ha) by fruit and (94.01 kg/ha) by whole cucumber vine, maximum uptake of phosphorus by shoot (3.62 kg/ha), (21.52 kg/ha) by fruit and ( 25.13 kg/ha) by whole cucumber vine and the maximum uptake of potassium by shoot ( 14.05 kg/ha), by fruit (101.45 kg/ha) and ( 115.20 kg/ha) by whole cucumber vine, B:C ratio (2.99) and minimum (27.73, 25.71 and 17.2, 16.85 and 55.28, 50.28 %, respectively) nutrient use efficiency of NPK were recorded with the application of 120 % RDF through fertigation due to nutrient losses through leaching, devolatilization. While, maximum (36.70, 34.70 and 25.38, 21.90 and 65.81, 63.43 respectively) nutrient use efficiency of NPK was recorded with the application of 60 % RDF through fertigation. The maximum (22.59, 20.61 and 6.99, 7.70 and 27.30, 30.47 %, respectively) nutrient use efficiency with foliar application of boron at concentration of 0.2 per cent and minimum (3.60, 3.44 and 0.56, 0.52 and 3.72, 4.05 %, respectively) nutrient use efficiency with foliar application of boron at concentration of 0.1 per cent. 
The Impacts of Abattoir Wastes on Soil Quality at Ukwunwangwu, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the impact of abattoir waste on the soil quality in Ukwunwangwu, Uturu, Abia State. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of abattoir wastes on soil quality at Ukwunwangwu, Uturu, Abia State. Experimental research design was used and it was carried out at Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. Three sampling locations were chosen, the bone, dung and slurry sections respectively and two control points labeled A and B respectively. The first set of samples were collected in the morning to ensure freshness and the second set of samples were collected after two weeks making it a total of eight samples used for this study. These samples were collected at different sections so as to know the variations in concentrations of the following important physico-chemical parameters: pH, Temperature, Moisture Content, Soil Organic Carbon, Cation Exchangeable Capacity and Soil Exchangeable Acidity. The temperature was taken in-situ using a mercury-in-glass thermometer. Results of analyses revealed that UK3A had the highest temperature of 35.00C in the first week and also 35.20C after two weeks, control A had the highest pH value of 8.2mg/l in the first week while UK2B had the highest pH of 8.5mg/l after two weeks. Control A had the higher moisture content value of 58.08% in the first week while UK3B had the highest value of 54.81% after two weeks. UK1A had the highest soil organic carbon 30.5 in the first week and also after two weeks. UK3A had the highest soil exchangeable capacity of 0.6 in the first week while UK3B had the highest value of 0.5 after two weeks. UK3A had the highest cation exchangeable capacity of 5.0 in the first week while UK2B had the highest value of 4.8 after two weeks. The correlation between the results was done using the Pearsons Correlation Moment. The experiment will help reduce the impact of abattoir waste on the environment by reducing the effect of global Climate Change and other environmental hazards. The study therefore recommended that strict environmental laws that can help curb the effects of abattoir wastes on the environment be enforced
Effect of Nitrogen Management through Nano Fertilizers on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.)
No full textA field experiment was carried out during Kharif 2022-23 at Integrated Farming System demonstration unit, L-block, GKVK, Bengaluru, consisting 11 treatments replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments consisted of T1-(No nitrogen), T2-Nitrogen management as per package of practices (UASB), T3-50%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30 and 50 DAS, T4-50%RDNP+ foliar spray of nano-NP at 30 and 50 DAS, T5-Foliar spray of only nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T6-Foliar spray of only nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T7-25%RDN+foliar spray of nano-N at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T8-25%RDNP+foliar spray of nano-NP at 30, 50 and 70 DAS, T9-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray, T10-100% RDN+NDVI based nano-NP spray and T11-100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray. The results revealed that application of 100%RDN+NDVI based nano-N spray recorded higher plant height (229.3 cm), number of leaves at 90 DAS (15.76), dry matter production (354.9 g plant-1), GreenSeeker reading at 30, 50 and at 70 DAS after spray (0.43, 0.58 and 0.73, respectively), cob length, cob girth and cob weight (20.5 cm, 5.49 cm and 201.9 g plant-1, respectively) and higher kernel and stover yield (7729 and 8948 kg ha-1, respectively)over other treatments and on it was par with 100% RDN+NDVI based conventional urea spray and 100% RDN + NDVI based nano NP spray
Growth and Yield Attributes of Garlic as Influenced by Application of Organic Manure, Synthetic Fertilizers and Liquid Manure in Bundelkhand Region of India
No full textA field experiment was conducted during 2022-23 at the Rajola Farm of the faculty of Agricultural Science, Mahatma Gandhi Chitrakoot Gramodaya Vishwavidyalaya Chitrakoot, Satna (M.P.) to study the Effect of Organic, Inorganic and Liquid Manure Sources of Nutrient on Growth Attributes and Yield Attributes of Garlic (Allium sativum L.). The experiment was laid out in Randomized complete Block Design (RCBD) with twelve treatments comprising different source of organic, Inorganic and Liquid manure which were replicated thrice. Among the different manures, application T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost produced highest plant height (90 DAT) (59.15 cm) with comparatively good number of leaves plant-1 (20.33), average length of leaf (40.75 cm), neck thickness of bulb (9.88 mm), polar diameter (5.64 mm), equatorial diameter (5.78 mm), average weight of bulb (30.63 g), number of cloves bulb-1 (38.66), clove length (29.52 mm) and average weight of cloves (0.98 g). Maximum total yield of bulbs (131.15 q ha-1) was observed when T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost Whereas, the minimum Growth Attributes and Yield Attributes of Garlic were recorded with T1 Control (Farmers Practices). The results showed that application of T12 50% FYM + 50% Vermicompost, proved to be a promising practice for yield enhancement of garlic in the Bundelkhand Region
Zinc Dynamics and Yield Sustainability in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) under Various Zinc Application Frequencies on Typic Haplusterts
No full textThe field experiment entitled “Zinc Dynamics and Yield Sustainability in Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) under Various Zinc Application Frequencies on Typic Haplusterts” was undertaken during the Kharif of 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2019-20 at Experimental Farm Unit, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The effect on soil available Zinc was also evaluated. The experiment was laid out in Three Zinc application frequencies, viz. once (single year), alternate (every alternate year), and continuous (every year) at four Zinc application rates, viz. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0 kg ha−1 along with one control (no Zinc) were investigated from 2015-16, 2017-18 and 2019-20. The Zinc application significantly improved the crop yields, system sustainability, DTPA-Zn, and different Zinc pools without causing any environmental risk. In general, the alternate year application of Zinc in Treatment T7 at 7.5 kg ha−1 produced the maximum grain and straw yield and system productivity. Similarly, the maximum macro and micronutrients uptake was also observed with alternate year application of Zinc at T7 of 7.5 kg ha−1
Shade Avoidance Syndrome: A Colour Ratio Regulated Growth
No full textWhen plants are exposed to the shade of another plant, they exhibit a set of responses called shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). The most remarkable trait observed in plants subjected to low R:FR are an upward reorientation of leaves (leaf hyponasty) and a rapid elongation of leaves and stems. PIF (Phytochrome Interacting Factor) and DELLA gene families interact with endogenous and external signals, which are mediated by several photoreceptors including phytochrome, cryptochrome, and UVR8, and are the main regulators of molecular responses for shade signalling. Plants combine information about R: FR with a variety of signalling routes, which involve environmental elements and plant hormones such as auxin, gibberellin, ethylene, and brassinosteroid. In order to balance resource allocation between development and defence, shade also represses defence responses caused by salicylic acid and jasmonate. These molecular discoveries aidto understand the mechanisms of plant strategies such as dampening of shade-avoidance traits and optimizing growth under low light conditions to foster crop improvement and also to develop shade tolerant varieties for different agricultural ecosystems
Evaluation of Tebuconazole 6% FS against Collar Rot, Stem Rot and Root Rot Disease Complex in Groundnut
No full textGroundnut regarded as “king of oil seed crops” is an economic important food legume and edible oilseed crop in India, which severely suffers from soil borne diseases of groundnut, collar rot (Aspergillus niger), stem rot (Sclerotium rolfsii) and root rot (Rhizoctonia solani) causing major havoc causes significant economic losses. The field experiments were conducted to find out the efficacy of Tebuconazole 6% FS as a seed treatment fungicide against collar rot, stem rot and root rot diseases complex in ground nut during Rabi 2014-15 and Rabi 2015-16. The treatment Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were found be the best treatments for seed germination, root and shoot length in during both the seasons.During first season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.77 and 2.14 per cent collar rot incidence, 3.07 and 4.23 per cent stem rot disease incidence and 4.93 and 5.05 per cent root rot disease incidence, respectively. Similarly during second season, Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds were recorded 1.89 and 2.06 per cent collar rot incidence, 4.05 and 5.13 per cent stem rot incidence and 5.74 and 5.94 per cent root rot incidence, respectively. The highest pod yield was obtained from seed treatment with Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 5.0 ml/10 kg of seeds i.e. 20.22 q/ha and 20.10 q/ha during first and second season, respectively and Tebuconazole 6% FS @ 4.0 ml/10 kg of seeds recorded 20.12 q/ha and 20.00 q/ha of pod yield during first and second season, respectively
Effect of Potassium Humate, Phosphorus and Copper on Onion Quantitative and Qualitative Yield
No full textPrevious research has been limited regarding the combined impacts of copper and potassium humate under various phosphorus fertilization levels on onion crops. So, a field trials were performed during two successive winter seasons of 2021 - 2022 and 2022 - 2023 aiming to evaluate three levels of calcium superphosphate (representing 100 %, 75 % and 50 % of the phosphorus recommended dose) as main plot treatments, along with three levels of potassium humate soil addition ( 0.0 %, 1.0 % and 2.0 % ) as sub-plot treatments. Additionally, foliar spraying of copper was carried out at three different rates (0.0 %, 0.1 % and 0.2 %) as sub-subplot treatments. These factors were examined individually or in combination to assess their impact on onion performance, quantitative yield, and qualitative attributes. Firstly, in terms of the individual effect of phosphorus recommended dose (PRD), the application of 100% of PRD demonstrated superior impacts on onion growth performance, quantitative and qualitative yield compared to 75% and 50% of PRD, respectively. Secondly, focusing on the individual effect of soil addition of potassium humate, all parameters related to growth performance, quantitative and qualitative yield, such as bulb weight and diameter, neck diameter, marketable bulb yield, total dissolved solids (TDS), total sugar (%), carbohydrates, and crude protein, exhibited an increase with higher rates of added potassium humate. Thirdly, the values of all parameters studied increased as the rate of copper application increased, indicating a positive correlation between copper application and onion crop performance. Lastly, the combined treatment of 100% of PRD with 2.0% potassium humate and 0.2% copper recorded the highest values across all measured parameters. Additionally, the combined treatment of 75% of PRD with potassium humate at rates of 1.0% or 2.0%, along with copper at rates of 0.1% and 0.2%, outperformed the individual application of 100% PRD in terms of the measured parameters. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combined addition of potassium humate (as soil addition) and Cu (as foliar application) has a vital role in improving the quantitative and qualitative yield of the as well as raising the efficiency of phosphate fertilizers