Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Effect of Green Manuring and Nutrient Management on Soil Fertility, Growth and Yield Sustainability of Assam Lemon (Citrus limon L. Burm.) Orchards
No full textAn experiment was carried out at AAU- Citrus and Plantation Crops Research Station, Tinsukia during 2020-2024 to evaluate the efficiency of the use of green manures on Assam Lemon in comparison to Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and inorganic fertilizers. The experiment was conducted with five treatments viz. recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) as control, green manuring (Tephrosia sp), green manuring with 50% RDF, FYM @20 kg/plant and FYM @20 kg/plant with 50% RDF and all the treatments were replicated thrice. Green manuring with 50% of RDF recorded the highest yield (21.35 t ha-1) along with higher values of all the yield parameters viz. number of fruits per plant (98.0) and fruit weight (196.12 g). However, the plant growth parameters did not show any significant difference among RDF, green manuring with 50% RDF and application of FYM with 50% RDF. Fruit volume, fruit juice content and ascorbic acid content were found significantly higher in green manured treatments. The soil properties after one year of application of green manuring with 50 % RDF showed significantly higher soil organic carbon, available nutrients (N, P, K) and water holding capacities over RDF, green manuring alone as well as application of FYM
Impact of Insecticide Application Technique on Certain Cucumber Insect Pests and Soil Properties
No full textThe intensive application of pesticides has multiple negative effects on soil health and plants quality and production. Many crops such as Cucumber, is an economically important crop which have many health benefits, is suffering from harmful infestation with variant phytophagous insect pests such as Aphis gossypii, Bemisia tabaci and Liriomyza trifolii. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of two types of insecticide application on plant and soil properties. Therefore, the population densities of aphid, whitefly and leafminer infesting cucumber and two associated predators (lady beetle and green lacewing) were investigated under seed and foliar treatments of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Results indicated that the three studied insect pests reduced in each of foliar or seed treatments compared to control in almost sampling dates in the two seasons. Seed treatment delayed the appearance of the previous insect pests by 2 to 3 weeks by insignificant difference with foliar treatment in the two seasons. The use of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam as seed treatment with very low application rate will provide the farmers with an additional tool of IPM for control aphid, whitefly and leafminer on cucumber plants with less environmental effect and increased applicator and consumer safety compared to foliar application. In addition, seed treatment was less dangerous on predators than foliar one. As well as, it is concluded that the first insecticidal spray can replace by seed treatment to control the infestation in early plant stage. Moreover, the foliar application caused negative impact on soil properties. Consequently, the seed application was friendlier environment and more economics than foliar application on cucumber pest infection and soil health
Effect of Poultry Manure, Moringa and Neem Leaf Extracts on the Varietal Performance of Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)
No full textPot experiment was carried out in a hoop-house at the Teaching and Research Farm of Rivers State University from August 2020 -February 2021 cropping season to evaluate the agronomic performance of three Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) varieties (Jos, Beef and RVF) to the exogenous applications of Moringa leaf extract (MLE), Neem leaf extract (NLE) and poultry manure (PM). The MLE and NLE were applied at 30ml of 0, 5 and 10 litres concentrations with 20t/ha PM singly and in all possible combinations, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in three replications. The tested parameters were percentage emergence, days to 50% flowering and fruiting, plant height, number of branches, leaves, flowers, fruit, and fruit weight. The results showed that applications of MLE, NLE (priming and foliar spray) and PM had significant (p≤0.05) effects on tested parameters over the control at all growth stages and on fruit yield, but the combination of these treatments gave a better performance. Among the MLE treatments, both sole and combined applications, MLE5 gave a better performance on growth parameters such as plant height (149.08cm), number of leaves (145.74) and number of branches (34.92), than MLE10, plant height (143.85cm), no of leaves (143.66), and number of branches (34.40) while MLE10 was superior in terms of yield and yield related parameters such as number of flowers (24.44), number of fruit (21.37) and fruit weight (6.90 t/ha). NLE 10 gave a better growth and yield performance than NLE 5. The combination of MLE, NLE and PM gave a better performance on growth and yield than their single applications and the control. However, the combination effect of MLE10+NLE10+PM exhibited larger number of flowers, more number of fruits as well as heaviest fruits. Plants treated with Moringa and Neem leaf extracts recorded zero pest infestation when compared to the PM alone and the control treatment. Among the varieties, Jos variety treated with MLE, NLE and PM single and in all combinations recorded the best and highest values in all growth and yield parameters, followed closely by RVF, while Beef variety was the least. The significant effect of MLE, NLE and PM on the agronomic performance of the three tomato varieties suggests that, MLE, NLE and PM can be used as a source of nutrient to grow tomato plants
Adsorption Behaviour of Pyrithiobac Sodium in Cotton Growing Soils of Telangana state, India
No full textThe environmental behaviour of herbicides is largely determined by sorption–desorption and dissipation processes that regulate their persistence, bioavailability, and mobility in soil. Herbicides that are weakly adsorbed are more prone to leaching and runoff losses, leading to possible groundwater contamination, while strongly adsorbed compounds may persist longer and cause carryover injury to succeeding crops. Thus, understanding the sorption–desorption and dissipation behaviour of herbicides under specific soil and climatic conditions is critical for devising safe and efficient weed management strategies. The present study was conducted to examine the adsorption and dissipation behaviour of pyrithiobac-sodium in representative red and black soils of Telangana State, India, which differ in texture, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The adsorption of pyrithiobac-sodium was studied using the batch equilibrium method as per OECD guidelines. Soil samples were equilibrated with pyrithiobac-sodium solutions of varying concentrations (0–50 µg mL⁻¹) at 27 ± 1°C. Adsorption data were fitted to the Freundlich equation to describe the isotherm characteristics. Results revealed that adsorption increased with equilibrium concentration in both soils. At the lowest concentration (5 µg mL⁻¹), the amount adsorbed was 1.06 µg g⁻¹ in red soil and 1.62 µg g⁻¹ in black soil, whereas at the highest concentration (50 µg mL⁻¹), it increased to 7.41 and 14.41 µg g⁻¹, respectively. The Freundlich model provided an excellent fit (R² > 0.95). The Kf values were 0.26 and 0.36, while Kd values were 0.19 and 0.39 for red and black soils, respectively. The black soil, with higher clay and CEC, exhibited greater sorption capacity, whereas red soil showed higher mobility potential due to its coarse texture and low organic carbon. Pyrithiobac-sodium displayed weak overall sorption, suggesting higher leaching potential in coarse-textured soils. These results highlight the significance of soil properties in predicting herbicide fate and guiding site-specific management in Telangana’s cotton-growing regions
Effect of AB Mix Substitution with Liquid Organic Fertilizer on N, P and K Levels in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
No full textThis research aimed to analyze the levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plant tissue cultivated using a wick hydroponic system, using two types of AB Mix nutrients (Goodplant and Meroke) substituted with Fortune liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) in various proportions. The research evaluated the effect of substitution on plant macronutrient content and compared the effectiveness of the two types of AB Mix. The research was conducted by analyzing lettuce plant tissue cultivated hydroponically using two types of AB Mix (Goodplant and Meroke) and the proportions of LOF substitution (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%). The results of the research showed that partial substitution of AB Mix with LOF affected the N, P, and K content of plant tissue. In general, the highest levels of N, P, and K were obtained in the treatment without LOF substitution, indicating that AB Mix remains the primary source of macronutrients for lettuce plants. The proportion of AB Mix substitution LOF affected the macronutrient content of plants. Increasing the proportion of LOF tended to decrease the N and P levels, while the K levels showed fluctuations. This indicates that LOF has an unbalanced nutrient content to fully replace AB Mix as the primary nutrient source in hydroponic systems. A comparison between the two types of AB Mix showed that Goodplant produced relatively higher levels of N and K in plant tissue than Meroke, while the P levels tended to be balanced between the two
Trap Cropping as a Viable Management Option for Plant-parasitic Nematode Problem: A Review
No full textPlant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) causes plant damage leading to a considerable yield loss in agricultural crop throughout the world. Plant-parasitic nematodes differ in mode of feeding like endo-parasite, semi-endoparasite and ecto-parasite. Root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes rank as the most significant species economically because of their complex interactions with host plants, extensive host range, and the extent of damage caused by infection. Successful nematode management requires a variety of approaches, including resistant crop varieties, cultural practices, biological control methods, and chemical treatments. While chemical nematicides are often recommended, their expenses, limited availability, concerns for human health, and environmental factors position them as the least favorable choice in effective nematode management. Cultural practices involve altering the cropping system and soil management that reduces nematode populations. Among all the cultural management, trap cropping is an important method for controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. This review illustrates the method and principles behind trap cropping for reduction of plant-parasitic nematodes
Effect of Foliar Application of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and Boron on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.)
No full textThe present investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of boron and gibberellic acid (GA3) on the vegetative growth, fruiting, yield, and biochemical quality of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.). Foliar application of boron (0.2% and 0.4% and GA3 (25 ppm and 50 ppm), alone and in combination, significantly influenced vegetative, reproductive, and quality parameters compared to the control. Vegetative attributes such as shoot length, shoot diameter, number of shoots per plant, and number of leaves per shoot were markedly enhanced by combined treatments. The maximum shoot length (142.69 cm), shoot diameter (0.98 cm), and number of leaves per shoot (45.86) were recorded with GA3 50 ppm + boron 0.4%. Fruit set, fruit number per shoot, fruit weight, and yield also improved significantly under combined treatments. GA3 50 ppm + boron 0.4% registered the highest fruit set (76.02%), fruit number (83.46/shoot), and yield (6.48 kg/plant and 99.73 q/ha). Similarly, physical attributes such as fruit diameter (1.08 cm) and volume (1.30 cc) were maximized under the same treatment. Biochemical constituents including TSS, sugars, and ascorbic acid content increased with GA3 and boron application, while titratable acidity decreased. The highest TSS (26.41%), total sugars (20.06%), and ascorbic acid (41.68 mg/100 g) were recorded with GA3 50 ppm + boron 0.4%. Overall, the combined application of GA3 50 ppm with boron 0.4% proved most effective in improving vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality of phalsa
Effects of Different Composting Methods and Application Rates on Growth and Yield of Carrot (Daucus carota L.)
No full textAims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different composting methods (bucket, heap, and pit) and application rates (5, 10, and 15 t/ha), as well as un-composted poultry manure, on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of carrot across two agro-ecological locations in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Study Design: A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was used.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Adanwomase Senior High School Research Farm in the Kwabre East District and the AAMUSTED Research Field at Asante Mampong Campus from January to August 2022.
Methodology: The experiment included 13 treatments: three composting methods (bucket, heap, pit), un-composted poultry manure, and a control, each applied at 5, 10, and 15 t/ha. Compost was prepared according to each method, while poultry manure was applied raw. Treatments were incorporated into the soil before sowing carrot seeds. Data collected covered soil nutrients, microbial counts, vegetative growth, yield components, and root nutritional composition. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, with means separated using LSD for microbial and nutritional analyses, and Tukey’s HSD for growth and yield traits at 5% significance. It integrates soil, plant, and microbial indicators to assess the sustainability and effectiveness of organic soil management practices compared with raw manure and no-input control.
Results: Application of compost and poultry manure significantly enhanced soil fertility, carrot growth, and root yield. Heap compost supplied the highest levels of major nutrients (N, P, K), while bucket compost provided higher micronutrients (Fe, Cu) and exhibited the greatest microbial activity. The plant height increased with higher application rates, particularly at 15 t/ha. The highest root yields were recorded with 15 t/ha bucket compost, followed by poultry manure and heap compost, with the control producing the lowest yield. Carrot roots from amended plots also had improved nutritional quality, notably in ash, carbohydrate, calcium, fibre, and iron contents.
Conclusion: The bucket compost at 15 t/ha produced the highest yields, while the heap compost provided the greatest major nutrient levels.
 
Profitability and Yield Stability of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L.) under Diverse Legume Intercropping Arrangements
No full textThe present study assessed the agronomic performance and economic efficiency of sweet corn intercropped with cowpea and black gram under varied spatial arrangements. The comparison of sole sweet corn against six intercropping configurations with varied row ratios-1:1, 1:2, and 2:2-was made through a randomized complete block design with three replications to assess their varying effects on yield enhancement, biological complementarities, and system profitability. The sweet corn productivity increased significantly in all the intercropping treatments. The 2:2 sweet corn + cowpea system (T₆) recorded the maximum cob yield of 12.25 t/ha and stover yield of 21.50 t/ha, which was 64.4% over the mono-crop control. Black gram intercrops also recorded increased yield, and T₇ (2:2) resulted in a 47.3% increase in cob yield. The performance of intercrops also showed similar advantages: cowpea recorded its maximum pod yield of 32.20 q/ha in T₆, while the maximum seed yield of black gram was recorded as 15.63 q/ha in T₇. This benefit is an indication of increased nitrogen fixation, efficient canopy stratification, and better partitioning of resources in the intercropping systems.
The economic evaluation revealed that intercropping was significantly superior over mono-cropping in profitability. T₆ recorded the maximum gross return (Rs 3,14,903/ha) and net return (Rs 2,25,964/ha) along with the maximum benefit–cost ratio of 3.51, which is significantly higher over the control. Cowpea-based systems were invariably superior in economic performance compared to black gram-based systems due to their better compatibility and contribution to system-level efficiency. On the whole, the findings suggest that sweet corn–cowpea intercropping, especially the 2:2 arrangement, has an added advantage due to a better yield increase, biological efficiency, and economic return. This might thus place cereal–legume intercropping in a favourable position as a productive, economically viable, and sustainable alternative to monoculture sweet corn cultivation
Preparing Distribution Maps of Available Phosphorus in Soils Using Various GIS-based Spatial Interpolation Methods
No full textThe study, was conducted from January, 2022 to December, 2024 at Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidhyalaya, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (482004), India. We have collected two thousand two hundred sixteen (2216) Global Positioning System (GPS) based soil samples from depth of 0–15 cm from farmer\u27s field of the Kymore Plateau and Satpura Hills zone of Madhya Pradesh, India. Laboratory analysis showed that the available P content ranged from 1.11 to 117.7 kg ha⁻¹ (mean: 10.64 kg ha⁻¹). Significant correlations were found between pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and P (r = 0.073). The study aimed to identify the most suitable interpolation method for mapping available P in soils, employing three geo-statistical (Ordinary Kriging, Simple Kriging, and Empirical Bayesian Kriging) and three deterministic methods (Radial Basis Function, Local Polynomial Interpolation, and Inverse Distance Weighting), as well as two barrier-based methods (Kernel Smoothing and Diffusion Kernel). Geo-statistical results indicated OK (Box-Cox) spatial interpolation method for estimating available P distribution in soils that followed exponential model with ranges of 3652.22 meters, nugget values of 16.90 and a N/S ratio of 0.47 which showed moderate spatial dependency. Among the methods tested, Empirical Bayesian Kriging (EBK) provided the most accurate estimates of Olsen P distribution, followed by Ordinary Kriging (OK) and Simple Kriging with Box-Cox transformation