Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Influence of Elicitors on Growth and Yield of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Varieties
No full textBlack cumin is a miracle herb, an emerging seed spice and a medicinal plant of great demand. Black cumin has been used since thousands of years as a spice and food preservative as well as a protective and curative remedy for several disorders. A field experiment was conducted at the Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, UHS Campus, GKVK, Bengaluru, from November 2018 to March 2019. The experiment followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and included two factors: varieties and elicitors. Among the various treatment combinations, foliar application of methyl jasmonate at 100 ppm resulted in the highest recorded values for plant height (46.7 cm), primary branches (5.43), stem diameter (4.62 mm), dry weight of plants (8.42 g), and plant spread (397 cm2) when applied with nitric oxide (Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP)) at 2 mM on Pant Krishna variety. Conversely, the significantly highest chlorophyll content in leaves was observed in the Azad Kalonji variety sprayed with salicylic acid at 100 ppm. Furthermore, the significantly highest numbers of capsules (22.60), seeds per capsule (84.28), and seed yield per hectare (12.40 q) were recorded in Pant Krishna sprayed with methyl jasmonate at 100 ppm. The present study concludes that all varieties, including Azad Kalonji, AN-20, and Pant Krishna, performed equally well regarding growth and yield attributes in this location. Among the elicitors tested, methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid at 100 ppm show promise for commercial cultivation of black cumin
Influence of Simulated Erosion on Soil Properties and Maize Yield in the Southern Guinea Savanah Zone of Nigeria I
No full textLong term studies were initiated to study topsoil loss and its effects on soil properties and crop yield. This study was conducted during the 2016 through 2019 cropping seasons to assess the influence of artificial topsoil loss on soil properties and grain yield of maize. Three geo- referenced sites within the Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria namely: Site 1, Site_2 and Site_3 were used for the experiment. Erosion levels were established in June 2016 only by the incremental removal of topsoil at various depths. The study of crop productivity using simulated erosion was conducted using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with desurfaced soil depths of 0cm (control), 5cm, 10cm, 15cm and 20cm as treatments. One profile pit was also dug in each of the three sites for soil characterization and soil type establishment. Data collected on soil physical and chemical properties as well as crop growth parameters and grain yield were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using R Statistical Software. Results of the study showed that the soils of the three sites were classified as Kandic Paleustepts for Site_1, Typic Plinthustalfs for Site_2 and Typic Hapluderts for Site_3. We report the effects of topsoil loss on soil characteristics in this paper for two years only
Screening of Chilli Genotypes for Resistance to Leaf Curl Virus
No full textLeaf curl virus disease is a most destructive threat to chilli production. In the present investigation 54 chilli genotypes were screened for leaf curl virus resistance in the natural epiphytotic field conditions and artificial inoculation using viruliferous white flies at Horticulture Research and Extension Centre (University of horticulture science, Bagalkot) during 2020-2023. The genotypes DCA-262, Khandhari and Bhoot Jolokia were found to be immune and genotypes EC 391087 (9%), IC 342426 (5%), Punjab Lal (7%), Punjab Surkh (9%) were found to be highly resistant to leaf curl virus under natural conditions. Screening with artificial inoculation confirmed that the genotypes Khandhari and Bhoot Jolokia were found to be immune and genotypes EC 391087 (11%), Punjab Lal (10%), Punjab Surkh (10%) were highly resistant to leaf curl virus. The checks Byadgi Dabbi (100%) and Byadgi Kaddi (98%) were found to be highly susceptible in both natural and artificial conditions
Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil
No full textAim: Under intensive farming system, use of high analysis fertilizers with rare use of organic manures, depleted the organic carbon status in the soil leads to decrease in productivity though applying improved technologies. After N, P, K fourth major nutrient now days considered as S (Sulphur) which play important role in oilseed and pulse crop productivity and its application with organics to soil found beneficial. Considering this, the proposed research as “Effect of Application of Elemental Sulphur Incubated with Different Organic Amendments on Yield and Quality of Groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol Soil.” was carried out with five organic amendments having different quality and maturity parameters which showed the significant results with yield and quality of Kharif groundnut.
Study Design: Randomized Block design with seven treatments and four replications.
Place and Duration of the Study: The field research trial was conducted during Kharif 2019 at Post Graduate Farm, College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Methodology: As per the treatments details, the five organic amendments viz: FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost were incubated with 40 kg ha-1 elemental Sulphur for 30 days prior to application in field plots. The treatment wise incubated organic amendments and RDF applied to groundnut crop. The initial soil analysis, initial and after incubation, the characteristics and quality and maturity parameters of five organic amendments were analyzed by using standard methods. The growth observations and post-harvest observation of groundnut crop were recorded and data were analyzed statistically.
Results: The application of different organic amendments incubated with elemental Sulphur @ 40 kg ha-1 namely FYM, Vermicompost, Press mud compost, Poultry manure, and City waste compost along with RDF to Kharif groundnut in Sulphur Deficient Inceptisol soil, significantly improved yield contributing characters, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared to absolute control and RDF. Amongst the different organic amendments, application of good quality and maturity poultry manure and vermicompost found significantly superior over rest of organic amendments incubated with Sulphur for improving the growth, dry pod, haulm yields, protein and oil content as compared rest of organic amendments
Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties
No full textThis experiment was carried out to investigate the Effect of Liquid Organic Inputs on Growth, Flowering and Yield of Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) and Soil Properties. The experiment was carried out during 2022-23 and laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with fourteen treatments including different combinations of concentrations, methods, and intervals of application of Jeevamrut and Panchagavya and control (only recommended dose of FYM 15 t/ha). Among the treatments, maximum growth and vegetative attributes viz., plant height at 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days after transplanting (29.47 cm, 42.33 cm, 50.83 cm, 54.80 cm and 56.53 cm, respectively), number of branches at full bloom stage (8.27) and average plant spread (27.22 cm) was recorded with 500 l/ha Jeevamrut drenching and 8 % Panchagavya foliar application alternatively at fifteen days interval. Earliness in flowering attributes viz., first bud initiation (63.20 days), first flower opening (84.53 days) and full blooming (99.13 days) were observed in the same treatment. Alternate application of 500 l/ha Jeevamrut as soil drenching and 8% Panchagavya as foliar application at 15 days interval also resulted in a number of flowers per plant (35.52), flower yield per plant (141.39 g), flower diameter (6.32 cm) and weight of individual flower (4.11 g). While, treatment consisting of only 500 l/ha Jeevamrut soil drenching at fifteen days interval resulted in maximum available nitrogen (196.52 kg/ha) and viable bacterial count (94.78 × 105 cfu/g of soil) in the soil
Deshi Cotton Growth and Yield Response to Skip-row Planting in Combination with Intercrops
No full textThe experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. Field experiment was carried out during the kharif season of 2018-19 at post graduate research farm, college of agriculture, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra. Measurements were taken for growth parameters (plant height, leaf area plant-1, Number of sympodial branches and dry matter accumulation) and yield components (number of picked bolls per plant, weight of seed cotton per boll, yield of seed cotton and stalk ha-1) of deshi cotton. Results showed that plant height of cotton was influenced due to different intercrops at 60 DAS, except at 30 DAS. Intercrops viz., green gram, black gram, soybean and sesamum did not show any influence on plant height of cotton. However, pearl millet reduced plant height of cotton drastically and shown its dominance. Similar trend was observed in respect of leaf area plant-1 of cotton as regards to pearl millet. Dry matter accumulation in cotton was influenced during flowering stage only. Planting cotton with solid sole and sole skip row techniques resulted in better dry matter accumulation. Cotton grown as either sole or with intercrops recorded similar total number of picked bolls of cotton. Average weight of seed cotton per boll was higher in skip row planting of cotton + sesamum (2:1). Sole skip row planting of cotton registered the highest seed cotton yield (1966.48 kg ha-1). Skip row planting of cotton + sesamum (2:1) recorded highest stalk yield (2828.54 kg ha-1). It can be concluded that growth and yield parameters of deshi cotton drastically reduced when intercropped with pearl millet compared to other intercrops, and it is advisable to avoid intercropping hybrid pearl millet with cotton
Unravelling the Dynamics of Soil Health: Key Insight and Future Direction
No full textA healthy soil serves as a dynamic living system that provides a variety of ecosystem services, including maintaining plant production, managing the recycling and breakdown of soil nutrients, and eliminating greenhouse gases from the environment. Because soil microbial activity and variety are the primary determinants of soil health, soil health and sustainable agriculture are intimately related. Tillage and organic farming have been demonstrated to enhance soil health by raising the quantity, variety, and activity of microorganisms in the soil. While organic farming may result in exclusion of synthetic fertiliser inputs, and improve stability in environment sustainability, conservation tillage has the potential to increase growers\u27 profitability by reducing inputs and labour costs when compared to conventional tillage. The capacity of a crop production system to consistently generate food without causing environmental damage is known as agricultural sustainability. Beneficial microbes, nematodes, cyanobacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) improve plant water and nutrient availability, phytohormone synthesis, soil nutrient cycling, and plant resilience to environmental challenges. Concepts related to soil health are frequently used to compare soils, analyse changes, and gauge how well land-use management is working. The external elements influencing soil health and their significance for sustainable agriculture will be covered in this review
Nano Fertilizers: Revolutionizing Agriculture for a Sustainable Future
No full textNanotechnology, one of the advanced fields of study, is currently the focus of contemporary science and one of the most important ones in physics, chemistry, agriculture, and other fields. Nanotechnology provides superior quality, environmental safety, biological support, and financial stability as an environmentally sound substitute for traditional agriculture. Utilizing nanoparticles (NPs) in agriculture has introduced recently; examples like biosynthesis, the use of nanopesticides and fertilizers, improving biological function, and reducing heavy metal toxicity and abiotic stress. To focus on safe use and positive response of nano-particles, more research is required. There are gaps in the food supply compare to food production, which get worse over time due to rising food demands and nutrient depletion. Environmental degradation, changes in soil ecology, and problems with agricultural output are all brought on by synthetic fertilizer inputs. Adapting advanced agriculture technolgy for a sustainable future will be the main topic of this review
Effect of Salinity on Inorganic Phosphorus Fixation in Sara and Bajoa Soil Series of Ganges Tidal Floodplains
No full textSoil salinity significantly impacts nutrient availability, especially phosphorus (P), in the southwestern regions of Bangladesh, where salinity is prevalent during the dry season. This study investigates the effect of varying salinity levels (2, 4, 8, and 12 dS m⁻¹) on phosphorus transformation and availability in two soil series, Bajoa and Sara, from the Ganges Floodplain. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted with samples exposed to the salinity treatments over 0, 15, 30, and 60 days, followed by sequential extraction to quantify the phosphorus fractions. Results indicated that increased salinity led to a shift in phosphorus forms, with calcium-bound phosphorus (Ca-P) dominating over iron and aluminum-bound (Fe, Al-P) and reductant-soluble phosphorus (Rs-P) in both soil series. The Bajoa and Sara soils showed distinct responses, with a consistent reduction in bioavailable P as salinity levels increased. This fixation of phosphorus into less accessible forms has critical implications for nutrient management, as reduced P availability could limit crop productivity in saline soils. The study highlights the need for targeted phosphorus management strategies for saline-affected soils, emphasizing the importance of tailored fertilization practices to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity. Further research should explore adaptive management practices for phosphorus fertilization to mitigate the adverse effects of salinity on nutrient dynamics in affected regions
Optimizing Cowpea Cultivation in Saline Hydromorphic Soils: A Sustainable Approach for Kaipad Agroecosystems
No full textKaipad lands, a distinct coastal agro-ecosystem located in northern Malabar, Kerala, are characterized by saline-prone hydromorphic soils that pose significant challenges for traditional rice cultivation. The unique conditions of periodic waterlogging and salinity necessitate the exploration of alternative crops to enhance agricultural sustainability. This study investigates the suitability of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L Walp) as a resilient leguminous crop for cultivation in traditionally organic rice growing problematic soils. Cowpea, known for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, nutritional value, and economic importance, presents a promising option for farmers facing the limitations of organic rice production. A pot culture experiment was conducted to assess the impact of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) on cowpea growth and yield in saline hydromorphic soils. Treatments included combinations of KSB with various potassium sources, such as feldspar and mica, used as alternate sources for potassic fertilizers. Results demonstrated that KSB significantly improved growth parameters, including plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, and pod and grain yields, compared to control. Soil analysis revealed enhanced availability of potassium and other essential nutrients in KSB-treated soils, indicating a synergistic effect on nutrient solubilization in aerobic conditions. The findings suggest that cowpea, supported by KSB application, can be effectively cultivated in problematic Kaipad lands, offering a viable alternative to traditional rice farming while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This research highlights the potential for diversifying crop production in saline-prone areas, ultimately contributing to food security and economic resilience in coastal agro-ecosystems