Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Optimizing Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) Var. Neelam-61 through Integrated Use of Inorganic Fertilizers, Organic Manure and Rhizobium Inoculation
Organic matter decomposition is beneficial to plant growth and development. However, the overuse of chemical fertilizers poses risks to environmental sustainability and long-term soil health. The integration of organic fertilizers, such as poultry manure, offers a promising solution to reduce dependency on chemical inputs while maintaining crop productivity. The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj U.P during Kharif season of 2023. An experiment was conducted in Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with three levels of N:P:K, Poultry manure and two levels of Rhizobium inoculation. The seeds were treated with Rhizobium. Based on the experimental data, the application of 100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (RDF), 100% Poultry manure and 100% Rhizobium inoculation not only resulted in maximum growth and yield attributes but also proved to be significantly superior to all other treatments
Advancing Redgram Productivity: Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations in Wanaparthy District, Telangana, India
This study aimed to assess the productivity improvement of redgram under Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLD) in Wanaparthy district in the operational area of YFA-KVK, Mahabubnagar-I. A total of 261 demonstrations were conducted over a seven-year period (2016-17 to 2022-23), covering 104.4 hectares during the kharif season under rainfed situation with protected irrigation. Results showed that with the introduction of improved high yielding short duration varieties -PRG176 and WRGE 97 when combined with seed treatment, recommended fertilizer doses, weed management, and plant protection, achieved an increase in average yield of 10.20 quintals per hectare, compared to 6.23 quintals per hectare with traditional farmers’ practices. Net returns averaged ₹35000 from CFLD demonstrations, significantly higher than the ₹14,230 from conventional methods, though variations were influenced by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Government of India. The study identified an average extension gap of 3.98 quintals per hectare between the demonstrated technology and traditional practices, with an average technology gap of 14.80 quintals per hectare across the years. This gap varied annually due to the performance of recommended varieties and interventions. The technology index correlated with the technology gaps. The findings suggest that redgram production can be significantly improved through the adoption of improved technologies via CFLD. Therefore, it is crucial to spread these improved technologies among farmers using effective extension methods such as awareness camps, farmers-scientist interactions, group discussions, trainings, demonstrations, field days, and exposure visits through CFLD
Efficiency of the Combination of Vermicompost and Zero Valent Iron for the Remediation of Lead, Copper and Aluminum
Aims: Evaluate the efficiency of the combination of vermicompost and zero -valent iron for the remediation of two types of soil with lead, copper and aluminum.
Study Design: Observational technique and analysis of soil samples contaminated by mining.
Place and Duration of Study: It was applied in the greenhouse in the district of San Juan de Lurigancho and in the Casapalca mining industry located in the district of San Mateo, in the months of February and September 2023.
Methodology: The analysis of soil samples contaminated by mining was carried out through the addition of vermicompost amendments and zero -valent iron, seeking to observe the physicochemical changes of the soil and determine the bioavailability of lead, copper and aluminum in the soil. Using the atomic absorption spectrometer, a pH meter; the loss on ignition method, to determine organic matter; A 1.0mol L-1 ammonium acetate solution was used for the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil and vermicompost and for the determination of total potassium (K) method 3050b acid digestion of sediments, sludge and soils was used.
Results: The highest efficacy for the remediation of lead, copper and aluminium contaminated soils is produced with a vermicompost dose of 3:1, with 3 kilos of soil + 60 LC and Fe ° (45 g LC + 15 Fe °); obtaining the highest reductions in Pb from 942. 6 mg/kg to 698.5 mg/kg in its final concentration, also for Cu from an initial concentration of 462.4 mg/kg, 323.8 mg/kg was obtained in its final concentration and for Al from a concentration of 9190.2 mg/kg resulted in 6823.8 mg/kg. Obtaining a maximum lead removal of 35.57%, copper 29.60% and aluminium 27.62% from the Casapalca soil. The highest efficiency of the dose of zero valent iron for the remediation of contaminated soils was at a ratio of 3:1 with a dose of 3 kg of soil + 60 Fe° and LC (45 g Fe° + 15LC). Likewise, plant uptake from 2 months after harvest of Cucumis sativus (cucumber) in the remediation of contaminated soils was efficient for all three types of metals at a dose ratio of 5:1, with Al showing a higher uptake in all cases.
Conclusion: The effectiveness of remediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals through the combination of vermicompost and zero valent iron highlights the importance of considering sustainable and ecological approaches to agricultural soil management, which could have significant implications for the protection of the environment and human health in areas with contaminated soils
Comparative Studies on Effect of Conventional Practices on Soil Quality Parameters and Carbon Stock in Common Land Uses in Namthang Block, South Sikkim
Landuse is the prime management intervention that results to significant changes in the physicochemical properties. Two (2) Land use systems (Maize- broadbean and ginger) were selected for study. A total of sixty (60) soil samples were collected from five (5) different villages of Namthang Block from two different depths viz. 0-0.20m and 0.20-0.40m. The samples were analysed for the soil physicochemical properties, soil carbon, carbon stock, fertility status and biological properties. It was observed that the soils were moderately acidic to slightly acidic in reaction, high in organic carbon. Bulk density and particle density ranged from 1.02-1.30 g cm-3 and 2.45-2.69 g cm-3 at the surface soil in the maize-broadbean LUS and the densities increased with depth. The soils were found to be medium in N, P, K and S. The exchangeable calcium and magnesium ranged from 0.54-1.18 [Cmol (P+) kg-1] and 0.51-1.06 [Cmol (P+) kg-1] at the surface soil in the maize-broadbean LUS. The Soil microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity was found to be decreasing with increasing soil depth. The organic carbon stock ranged from 24.51-32.00 (Mg ha-1) at the surface soil in the maize-broadbean LUS and found to be decreasing with increasing soil depth. Substantial amount of SOC stock indicated fairly healthy soil of Namthang block. Maize-broadbean LUS found to be superior over ginger LUS owing to enhanced soil fertility as well as biological parameters
Effect of Plant-derived Biofertilizers (Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia) on Growth and Yield Parameters of Lokpa Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis-rotundata) Grown on Distric Plinthic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Côte d\u27Ivoire
Aims: The study aims to assess the fertilizing potential of Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia leaves on Lokpa (D-rotundata) yam cultivation in the forest zone of Côte d\u27Ivoire.
Place and Duration of Study: The study took place over 9 months (April-December) in 2022 at M\u27Bayakoffikro in the Daloa department of central-western Côte d\u27Ivoire.
Methodology: After clearing a soil fallow classified Distric plinthic ferralsol, microplots in randomized Fisher blocks of 2 replicates each with five treatments (Azolla filiculoides-AZ; Tithonia diversifolia with fresh biomass-TDF; Tithonia diversifolia with decomposed biomass-TDD; Azolla filiculoides + Tithonia diversifolia with fresh biomass-AZ+TDF and Azolla filiculoides + Tithonia diversifolia with decomposed biomass-AZ+TDD) and a control without fertilizer were delimited in which,10 mounds were levelled for sowing yam tuber pieces. Before sowing the tubers, the mounds were opened by hand and 0.5kg of each formulated fertilizer was ploughed in and then resealed. After 14 days of fertilization, the mounds were reopened and a single seedling was buried 20cm deep in each mound from top to bottom, followed by 300ml of water and then resealed. After germination, growth and production parameters were evaluated and the data obtained were subjected to an analysis of variance with Statistica 7.1 software at the 5% threshold.
Results: The different biofertilizer formulations had a significant effect on all growth and yield parameters of lokpa yam (D-rotundata). However, the highest values for both growth and yield parameters compared with other fertilizers at all measurement times and at maturity were obtained with Azolla filiculoides combining decomposed Tithonia diversifolia leaves on the one hand and fresh Tithonia diversifolia leaves on the other.
Conclusion: Improving soil productivity in forest areas by finding reliable and effective alternatives to mineral fertilizers is a necessity, and the combination of Azolla filiculoides and Tithonia diversifolia could be a good alternative for sustainable, environmentally-friendly agriculture
Impact of Nano Zinc and Consortia on Growth, Yield Attributes and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh
This field study evaluated the effect of various nutrient sources, including NPK, farmyard manure (FYM), consortia, and nano zinc, on rice (Oryza sativa) growth, yield, and soil quality in the Central Zone of Uttar Pradesh. Fourteen treatments were tested using a randomized block design with three replications. The treatment combining 75% NPK, FYM @ 5 tons/ha, consortia, and nano zinc (T8) consistently showed superior results, with the highest plant height (97.09 cm at harvest), maximum dry matter accumulation (36.49 g/m²), and the most effective tillers (181.20/m²). T8 also recorded a significantly higher grain yield (43.6 q/ha) compared to the control (19.79 q/ha). The results demonstrate that integrating FYM, consortia, and nano zinc with reduced NPK enhances rice growth and yield, supporting sustainable rice production in the region
Amelioration of Soil Fertility by the Application of Different Fruit Waste Composts
The soil health status of Bangladesh decreased day by day, particularly organic matter and major nutrient content. The organic matter content in most of the agricultural soil in Bangladesh is <2%, which indicates poor soil health condition. In Bangladesh, almost every day, an enormous amount of waste material is produced from different kinds of seasonal and unseasonal fruit’s peels. Lack of proper recycling methods, most of these wastes are thrown away in drains, cannels, rivers, etc. which indicates a major threat to environmental safety. Composts derived from the wastes of different fruit’s peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and essential nutrients for soil health improvement. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the changes in physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil treated with compost prepared from different types of fruit’s waste. The compost was prepared accordingly using different types of fruits waste and then the collected compost was thoroughly mixed with the soil and kept for six months. The experimental treatment consisted of three organic composts (jackfruit peel compost, mango peel compost, and banana peel compost) and three rates of application (1000, 1500, and 2000 kg ha-1). The experiment was arranged in a factorial completely randomized design and replicated thrice. The analyzed data showed that, the physicochemical properties and nutrient contents of experimental soil varied significantly with the use of different types of fruit’s wastes compared to no waste added soil, except in the case of particle size. Soil mixed with mango peel compost at a rate of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in a higher available N content (2520 mg kg-1) and available P content (42.56 mg kg-1), whereas the available K content (219.88 mg kg-1), EC (1.55 dS m-1) and CEC (1209.56 meq 100g-1) were found higher in soil treated with banana peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1. On the other hand, soil treated with jackfruit peel compost of 1500 kg ha-1 showed the higher available Ca content (1533.33 mg kg-1) and the jackfruit peel compost of 2000 kg ha-1 resulted in the higher organic carbon (1.98%) and organic matter (3.41%). The findings of this experiment revealed that, compost prepared from different types of fruit peels can be an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients and among the tested composts, mango peel compost was better to improve the physiochemical properties of soil and supply sufficient nutrients for plant growth
Association between Soil and Plant Nutrients in Pomegranate Productivity in Northern Karnataka, India
Pomegranate productivity and quality necessitate the optimum nutrient supply and for this, soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration are very much required. Concerning this, a survey study was conducted to analyse the soil and plant nutrient status of 150 pomegranate orchards of northern Karnataka. Soil pH, EC, OC, available nutrients (K, P, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and corresponding leaf nutrient concentrations were analysed in orchards. The high yielding orchards with yield greater than mean productivity of Karnataka (11.71 t ha-1) were further categorized as category 1 (12.32-13.61 t ha-1), category 2 (14.32-22.64 t ha-1) and category 3 (22.84-25.63 t ha-1). The availability of soil nutrients viz., K, S, and Mn content were higher in category- 3 HYO whereas, available N, exchangeable Ca & Mg and Cu content were higher in category 1. Similarly, total P, K, S & Fe content in pomegranate leaf was higher in category 3 while leaf N, Ca, Mg & Cu content were found high in category 1 and category 2. These can be the basis for the application of the optimum dose of fertilizers
Prioritization of Sub-watersheds Vulnerable to Soil Erosion in Karjan River Basin, India
The morphological characteristics of a river basin govern its hydrological response to a considerable extent and it also represents its attributes, which may be employed in synthesizing its hydrological behaviour. Morphological study of the river basin explicit its vulnerability to get erosion. The study area is in the Southern part of Gujarat at 73.20’ to 74.00’ East Longitude and 21.20’ to 22.00’ North Latitude and 140 m Altitude covering regions of Narmada, Vadodara, Surat district, the area has semi-arid climate with erratic rainfall of around 1205 mm. The catchment area of the Karjan River basin is about 1538.38 km2. To check the vulnerability regarding the soil erosion at sub watershed levels for the Karjan river basin, it was bifurcated in to 13 sub watersheds. The morphometric analysis was carried out for all the sub-watersheds, individually. Following standard procedure morphometric analysis was done using linear aspects, aerial aspects. Important 15 morphological parameters for Karjan river basin watershed were calculated using spatial resolution of 30 m DEM in ArcMap software. There were 13 sub-watersheds were delineated in the Karjan river basin i.e. 5D1A6a, 5D1A6b, 5D1A6c, 5D1A6d, 5D1A6e, 5D1A6f, 5D1A6g, 5D1A6h, 5D1A6i, 5D1A6j, 5D1A6k, 5D1A6l and 5D1A6m. After analysing morphometric characteristics of 13 sub-watersheds, 5D1A6l, 5D1A6k and 5D1A6g sub watersheds fall under Very high priority, 5D1A6m, 5D1A6a, 5D1A6e sub watersheds falls under High priority, 5D1A6b, 5D1A6h, 5D1A6i sub watersheds falls under medium priority, 5D1A6c, 5D1A6d, 5D1A6i sub watersheds falls under Low priority and 5D1A6f falls under Very Low priority to soil erosion class
Influence of Secondary and Micro Nutrients Status of Soils on Grape Yield of Vineyards in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India
A studywas conducted to study the influence of secondary and micro nutrients status of soils on grape yield of vineyards during the year 2019-20 in Yelburga taluk of Koppal district. Based on the previous year yield data, the thirty vineyards were classified into three groups namely, low yielding vineyards (LYV), medium yielding vineyards (MYV) and high yielding vineyards (HYV). The soil samples collected after harvest of crop recorded slight increase in the exchangeable Ca and Mg content compared to the soil samples collected before October pruning. The HYV [11.16± 2.61 and 12.08±2.76 c mol (p+) kg-1] soils recorded higher calcium content compared to other groups in both the sampling seasons respectively. HYV [6.81± 1.26 and 6.88 ± 1.19 c mol (p+) kg-1] recorded highest exchangeable Mg content compared to other two groups in both the sampling seasons respectively. The sulphur content in group HYV was significantly higher (51.67 ± 16.46 and 64.09 ± 18.59mg kg-1) as compared to the other groups at before October pruning and at after harvest, respectively. Distribution of micronutrients in soil samples collected before October pruning and after harvest were found in the order Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu. Vineyard soil sample showed medium to high content of micronutrients. The concentration of DTPA extractable micronutrients among three groups of vineyards differed significantly. The differences in yields of vineyards is depends on soil fertility status. Hence, it is important to adopt good nutrient management practices to ensure sustainable grape yields in vineyards