Asian Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition
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Effect of Manuring and Biofertilization on NPK Content, Uptake and Post-Harvest Soil Nutrient Availability in Mung Bean (Vigna radiata)
No full textObjective: To study the effect of different organic manure practices and biofertilizers on NPK content and uptake, as well as soil properties after the harvest of mung bean.
Methodology: A field experiment was conducted during the Zaid season of 2024 at the Research Farm, School of Agriculture, OM Sterling Global University, Hisar. The study comprised seven treatment combinations involving different organic manures and biofertilizers, tested in a randomized block design with three replications."
Results: The results revealed that the chemical analysis showed significantly higher values in the treatment comprising Jeevamrutha @ 3000 L ha⁻¹ applied in three splits at sowing, 30, and 45 DAS, along with Rhizobium and PSB inoculation. This treatment recorded nitrogen content of 3.21% in grain and 0.82% in straw, phosphorus content of 0.97% in grain and 0.36% in straw, and potassium content of 0.97% in grain and 1.16% in straw. Nitrogen uptake was 38.45 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 16.70 kg ha⁻¹ in straw, phosphorus uptake was 11.61 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 8.42 kg ha⁻¹ in straw, and potassium uptake was 11.61 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 27.09 kg ha⁻¹ in straw. Total uptake by the plant was 57.66 kg ha⁻¹ for nitrogen, 20.02 kg ha⁻¹ for phosphorus, and 38.69 kg ha⁻¹ for potassium. Post-harvest soil analysis also showed the highest available nitrogen (143.29 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (14.84 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (145.84 kg ha⁻¹). On the other hand, the control treatment (T₁) recorded the significantly lowest values: nitrogen content of 2.26% in grain and 0.60% in straw, phosphorus content of 0.78% in grain and 0.25% in straw, and potassium content of 0.89% in grain and 1.01% in straw. Corresponding nutrient uptake values were nitrogen at 18.63 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 10.59 kg ha⁻¹ in straw, phosphorus at 6.39 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 4.35 kg ha⁻¹ in straw, and potassium at 7.35 kg ha⁻¹ in grain and 17.64 kg ha⁻¹ in straw. Total nutrient uptake by the plant under control was 29.21 kg ha⁻¹ for nitrogen, 10.74 kg ha⁻¹ for phosphorus, and 24.99 kg ha⁻¹ for potassium. Available soil nutrients after harvest were also the lowest under control: nitrogen (122.17 kg ha⁻¹), phosphorus (8.02 kg ha⁻¹), and potassium (114.11 kg ha⁻¹).
Conclusion: Overall, the results of the study suggest that treatment T₇ (Jeevamrutha @ 3000 L ha⁻¹ applied in three splits at sowing, 30, and 45 DAS along with Rhizobium and PSB) was the most effective. This treatment proved to be the most suitable in terms of nutrient content and uptake (NPK) by the plant, as well as in enhancing the available NPK content in the soil after harvest
Evaluating Soil Properties for Sustainable Agriculture: Insights from the Afram Plains, Ghana
No full textSoil health is crucial for agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability. The Afram Plains region of Ghana, a major food basket, has faced challenges such as declining soil fertility and increasing compaction. This study evaluates the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in the Afram Plains to guide sustainable land management practices. By analyzing soil texture, bulk density, porosity, pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels, the study provides insights into soil health and offers recommendations for enhancing fertility and agricultural yield. This study utilized a quantitative, descriptive, and analytical research design to assess soil properties. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to collect 30 composite soil samples from two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) during the dry season to minimize moisture interference. Standard laboratory procedures were followed: soil texture was determined using the hydrometer method, bulk density by the core method, and porosity calculated. Soil pH was measured with a digital meter, organic matter via Walkley-Black, and nutrients analyzed using total Kjeldahl nitrogen, Bray-1 phosphorus, and potassium with a flame photometer. Key findings showed topsoil sand content at 64.3%, bulk density increasing from 1.25 to 1.32 g/cm³, porosity reducing from 47.2% to 45.1%, pH declining from 6.3 to 6.1, organic matter low at 2.4% (topsoil) and 2.1% (subsoil), nitrogen at 0.15%, phosphorus at 9.2 mg/kg, and potassium at 125 mg/kg. Organic matter positively correlated with nutrients (+1.00), bulk density negatively with porosity (–1.00). In all, it was deduced the soil has moderate fertility. It is recommended to apply organic amendments such as compost and fresh manure, practice minimum tillage, and adopt crop rotation to sustain soil health and improve agricultural productivity. This study highlights the critical role of soil property management in ensuring food security and combating land degradation in Ghana and similar agro-ecological zones globally
A Review on Physiological and Molecular Basis of Alternate Bearing in Perennial Fruit Crops
No full textRegular flowering is the key event that determines the reproductive success and production of perennial fruit crops. Different elements, including environment, germplasm, rootstocks, and the cultural practises, might have an impact on successful bearing. In perennial fruit crops, the phenomena of erratic bearing is more prevalent. Therefore, it is crucial to control the flowering phenology in order to assure regular yield of high-quality fruits. The goal of the current review is to understand the physiological and molecular aspects of regular and alternate bearing along with the impact of different factors on perennial fruit crops. 
Comprehensive Study on Growth and Yield Attributes to the Different Soil and Foliar Application on Annual Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.)
No full textAn investigation on “Effect of organic amendments on growth and yield of annual moringa (Moringa oliefera L.) var. PKM 1” was carried out at Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Periyakulam, Theni, Tamil Nadu during 2022-2024. The study was undertaken with an objective to standardize the organic package practices, drying methods, packing materials and storage conditions of moringa value-added products. The experiment was conducted using a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications at the Western Block Farm, Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam. This investigation focused on the effectiveness of organic manures, including farmyard manure, poultry manure, vermicompost, goat manure, and foliar sprays of chitosan, orthosilicic acid, protein hydrolysate, seaweed extract and fulvic acid, in increasing the biomass yield of moringa leaves. From the experiment, it was evident that the growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of compound leaves per plant, light interception (%), and leaflet area were recorded maximum under the treatments S2 (enriched vermicompost at 5 t/ha), F2 (seaweed extract at 3%), and the combination of S2 and F2 (enriched vermicompost at 5 t/ha + seaweed extract at 3%). In contrast, the minimum values were observed in the treatment S5 + F6 (control + control in interaction effects). Among the soil application, the treatment S2 - Enriched vermicompost (5t/ha) showed best results in yield parameters such as fresh leaf yield per plant (312.70 g ), fresh leaf yield per plot (56.95 kg), fresh leaf yield per hectare (6.27 t/ha), dry leaf yield per plant(57.22 g), dry leaf yield per plot (11.64 kg), dry leaf yield per hectare (1.17 t/ ha) and fresh to dry leaf recovery % (5.44 %). In foliar spray, the treatment of 3% seed weed extract (F2) showed best results in yield parameters viz., fresh leaf yield per plant (314.01 g), fresh leaf yield per plot (60.28 kg), fresh leaf yield per hectare (6.36 t/ha), dry leaf yield per plant (53.09 g), dry leaf yield per plot (11.37 kg), dry leaf yield per hectare (1.24 t / ha) and fresh to dry leaf recovery % (5.51 %). The interaction S2 + F2 (enriched vermicompost (5t/ha) + 3% sea weed extract) recorded higher leaf biomass yield in moringa with 332.05 g fresh leaf yield per plant, 66.41 kg fresh leaf yield per plot, 7.37 t/ha fresh leaf yield per hectare, 66.81 g dry leaf yield per plant, 13.36 kg dry leaf yield per plot, 1.48 t / ha dry leaf yield per hectare and 5.78 % of fresh to dry leaf recovery
Effect of Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) in Paddy Growing Areas of Namchi District, Sikkim, India
No full textZinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB) play a vital role in improving zinc availability for rice, particularly in zinc-deficient soils. When applied as a root-dip treatment, ZSB help facilitate the conversion of insoluble zinc compounds into bioavailable forms, making it easier for rice plants to absorb this essential micronutrient. The present study was conducted in the year 2021-22 to highlights the clear advantages of technology-based agricultural practices over farmer practices in terms of crop performance, soil fertility, and economic returns. The trials were conducted in the paddy-growing areas of Rabitar and Sumbuk Village in the Namchi District of Sikkim to manage zinc (Zn) through root-dip treatment of paddy seedlings of Var. Sikkim Dhan-1. A mud slurry bed measuring 45 m² was prepared in one corner of the field. Approximately 5 kg of finely ground FYM, along with 3.5 kg/ha or 500 ml of the liquid formulation Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria (ZSB), was thoroughly mixed in the slurry bed. The roots of the paddy seedlings, free from adhering soil, were dipped into the slurry mud and incubated for 2 hours before transplanting in the entire field. Before transplanting the seedlings field was prepared following organic packages and practices of paddy. The Net return and B:C ratio were calculated for both experiments i.e. technology and farmers\u27 practice. The results show that the average plant height at the harvest stage was 112 cm compared to the farmer’s practice of 108 cm. Other parameters, such as the average number of tillers per hill and the average number of panicles per hill, were 14.72 and 13.14, respectively, compared to the farmer’s practice of 11.33 and 10.30, respectively. The average yield was found to be 3.5 tons per hectare, compared to the farmer’s practice yield of 2.52 tons per hectare. The results also indicated that the soil\u27s available zinc before cultivation was 0.84 mg/kg, whereas after harvest, there was a slight increase in the soil\u27s available zinc, measuring 1.26 mg/kg. All other soil parameters also showed slightly higher nutrient availability compared to the farmer’s practice. The B:C ratio was 2.62 for this technology and 1.69 for the farmer’s practice. Higher organic carbon, phosphorus availability, and zinc levels indicate better soil health and nutrient retention under advanced management techniques. Net return and B:C ratio emphasize the profitability and efficiency of technology-driven farming
Effect of Micronutrients on Morpho-physiological Parameters of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.) cv. GAU-4 (Shyamal)
No full textThe present study was executed with the prime objective to study the effect of different micronutrients on morpho-physiological parameters of black gram variety GAU-4 (Shyamal). The field trial was carried out in summer 2023 at Department of Plant Physiology, Anand Agricultural University, Anand in randomized block design with eight treatments replicated thrice. The micronutrients were sprayed at 25 and 35 days after sowing. Morphological parameters like plant height and number of trifoliate leaves per plant were recorded highest with ZnSO₄ 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% + Boric acid 0.2% + sulphur @20 kg/ha concentration of micronutrients. Control recorded the lowest plant height and number of trifoliate leaves per plant. ZnSO₄ 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% + Boric acid 0.2% + sulphur @20 kg/ha promoted early flowering and recorded highest stem and total dry weight. Maximum values for leaf area, leaf area index and leaf area ratio was observed with ZnSO₄ 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% + Boric acid 0.2% + sulphur @20 kg/ha at different growth stages. Net assimilation rate and crop growth rate also observed similar trends recording higher values in ZnSO₄ 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% + Boric acid 0.2% + sulphur @20 kg/ha at various crop growth stages. The application of micronutrients is one of the possible way to increase productivity of black gram
In-situ Soil and Water Conservation for Sustainable Agriculture
No full textConserving soil and water in agriculture is becoming more and more important for the sustainability of agriculture and the environment. By employing innovative and sustainable techniques such as contour farming, no-till or reduced tillage, mulching, cover crops, crop rotation, residue burning alternatives, crop residue management, water harvesting, organic soil amendments, etc., this chapter seeks to highlight in-situ soil and water conservation practices in agriculture and ensure a bright future for food production and the environment. In particular, the chapter will conclude that using these in-situ conservation techniques enhances water availability, fosters agricultural resilience, and maintains soil health.
To improve retention of soil moisture essential for production, support long-term agricultural sustainability and the fight against land degradation, field-based moisture conservation techniques are vital. The chapter also looks at the growing use of geospatial approaches in monitoring soil conditions, which are vital for enhancing in-situ conservation efforts since they provide information on nutrient content and moisture levels. The best places for water harvesting techniques, including check dams and percolation tanks, which collect and hold precipitation to increase water availability and diminish soil erosion, may also be found using geospatial tools. Farmers may support sustainable agriculture and save their land for future generations by concentrating on resource management and the local ecology. In order to ensure long-term agricultural productivity and environmental health, the chapter will also conclude by synthesizing these in-situ soil and water conservation strategies. These strategies not only support sustainable agricultural practices, but also build resilience against climate variability
Heavy Metal Contamination in a Dumpsite Soil: An Evaluation of Health Risks
No full textThe unscientific disposal of waste is a main source of soil pollution. In order to mitigate heavy metal exposure strategies, the main purpose of the present study was to provide background data to understand the effect of municipal solid waste dumping on topsoil and the health risk assessment of soil heavy metals. Health risk assessment provides information for the reduction of environmental pollution and for reducing its effects. Soil samples were taken at three sampling points (10, 20 and 30 m) away from the dumping waste at depths of 15, 30 and 45cm. Heavy metals, including Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cd, were analysed using standard methods. The level of contamination of heavy metals in a dumpsite soil was assessed by contamination indices, including contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (I-geo). The health risks via the three pathways were detected. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks and lifetime cancer risk were evaluated based on inhalation, ingestion, and dermal routes of exposure to metals. CF showed low environmental risk potential as CF values were less than one (CF < 1) Geo-accumulation index (1-geo) presents uncontaminated to moderately contaminated as I-geo values less than one (I - geo < 1). The degree of contamination was low with the CD values ranging within Cd < 5. PLI of this study suggests that there was no heavy metal pollution risk with PLI values less than one (PLI < 1). The order of overall contamination at the three sampling depths for CD was 15 > 30 > 45cm while that of the PLI was still 15 > 30 > 45cm. No major risk was contributed for adults and children in the dumping site as the risk index (HI), which is the summation of hazard quotients of individual metals, posed no harmful effect to both adults and children\u27s health as HI < 1. Overall, LCR for adults was in the range of 1 × 10-7 – 10-8, whereas LCR for children was in the range 1 × 10 – 10-8, which is regarded as negligible for the three pathways via ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact
Nano-Urea to Complement Growth, Yield and Economics of Brinjal under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
No full textThe available nitrogen status of soils in Eastern dry zone of Karnataka is low because of semi-arid climate having higher temperature that results in more volatilization loss of applied conventional nitrogenous fertilizers. In order to enhance the N use efficiency of applied conventional nitrogenous fertilizers and to reduce the cost of cultivation, the present investigation was under taken to study the effect of nitrogen levels and frequencies of nano-urea application on performance of brinjal at College of Horticulture, Kolar during Rabi season of 2022 – 23. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with eleven treatments and three replications. The results obtained indicated that the soil application of recommended doses of FYM, P and K along with 75 per cent RDN through neem coated urea in two split doses (50% as basal dose and 25% at 42 DAT) plus two sprays of nano-urea at 28 and 70 DAT had produced maximum plant height, number of branches per plant and dry matter yield. This treatment also resulted in better yield attributes such as more number of fruits per cluster (2.22), number of fruits per plant (31.10), average fruit length (13.36 cm), fruit yield of 1.18 kg plant-1, 32.98 kg plot-1 and 16.36 t ha-1 besides, realizing the highest net returns (Rs.2,63,953 ha-1) with highest benefit cost ratio (2.35). The results suggest that the treatment involving soil application of recommended doses of FYM, P and K along with 75 per cent RDN through neem coated urea in two split doses (50% as basal dose and 25% at 42 DAT) plus two sprays of nano-urea at 28 and 70 DAT provided better growth, yield and highest benefit cost ratio, indicating a profitable economic returns on investment
Comparative Efficacy of Yellow and Blue Sticky Traps to Estimate the Population Density of Apple Blotch Leaf Miner (Leucoptera malifoliella) in the Kashmir Valley
No full textApple is among the leading temperate fruit crops, which faces considerable losses due to diseases and insect pests annually. Amongst the recently reported pests on apple, Apple blotch leaf miner (ABLM) has caused severe outbreaks in parts of the Shopian district, located in the North-Western Himalayan region of Kashmir. To devise effective management strategies, seasonal monitoring was carried out using yellow and blue sticky traps at seven sites (Zainapora, Aglar, Babapora, Reshipora, Durpora, Mujimarg, and Sofipora) from the 13th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW) (26 March–01 April) to the 45th SMW (05–11 November). Results indicated a clear bimodal population trend of the pest. Weekly trap counts (adults/5 traps) revealed an initial outbreak in early spring, with the highest capture in yellow traps at Zainapora (334.66 adults/5 traps with mean of 66.93 adults/trap at the 13th SMW) and an overall mean of 242.37. This peak was followed by a sharp decline during May–June and a secondary increase in late summer, reaching a mean of 142.21 adults at the 35th SMW. Aglar recorded 262.33 adults /5traps (52.47adults/trap), Babapora had 335.16 adults/5traps (67.03 adults /trap), Reshipora showed 332.83 adults/ 5 traps (66.57 adults/trap), Durpora reported 194.83 adults/5traps (38.97adults/ trap), Mujimarg noted 135.00 adults/5 traps (27.00 adults/ trap), and Sofipora, which had a peak shifted to SMW 35, recorded 104.23 adults/5traps (20.85 adults/trap).Blue traps exhibited the same temporal pattern but recorded lower catches, with a maximum of 85.33 at Zainapora in the 13th SMW (mean 65.71) and a modest secondary rise in late September (mean 13.56 at the 39th SMW). Spatial variation was marked, with Zainapora and Aglar consistently showing higher pest densities than other locations. The findings suggest that while blue traps can serve as supportive indicators, yellow sticky traps provide greater sensitivity for early detection. Overall, the study underscores the value of integrating site-specific trap-based thresholds with local weather and crop growth data to fine-tune intervention timings, reduce unnecessary pesticide applications, and highlights two critical monitoring windows: late March–early April and late August–September. To reduce chemical inputs and improve early detection of ABLM outbreaks, the study supports the integration of yellow sticky traps into precision-based IPM frameworks