Showing papers in "Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences in 2001"

Soil fertility and productivity of rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in an Inceptisol as influenced by integrated nutrient management

Abstract: A long term (I985-97) field experiment was carried out on Inceptisol with rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend Fiori and Paol.) sequence to study the effect of integrated nutrient management on grain yield, straw yield, nutrient uptake and availability of nutrients in the soil. The results revealed that an 25% substitution of chemical fertilizer N through organics, viz famyard manure and green manuring of dhaincha (Sesbania acaleata L.) resulted significantly higher yield of rice up to 1993 than 50% NPK through organics while yield values were at par during last three years of cropping (1994-96). Among the different organic sources of N, farmyard manure and green manuring of dhaincha proved better than crop residues in increasing grain and straw yield and nutrient uptake by rice. Addition of farmyard manure and green manuring of dhaincha registered their residual effect on the succeeding wheat crop by producing higher uptake of nutrient and grain and straw yield of wheat. lntegrated use of inorganic and organics through farmyard manure, crop residues of wheat and green manuring of dhaincha improved the organic carbon, cation ex-change capacity and water·holding capacity significantly with remarkable decrease in bulk density. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur increased significantly with organic sources of nutrient over their initial status of soil. Micronutrient cations were decreased in purely inorganic treated plots over control while remarkable build up in these cations was noted in organic treated plots.

Effect of irrigation regimes and nutrient management on soil water dynamics, evapo-transpiration and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Vertisol

Abstract: An experiment was conducted with wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) grown on a heavy clay soil (Vertisol) for winter season of 1998-99 and 1999-2000. to find out the effect of varying levels of irrigation regimes and nutrients oil soil water dynamics, evapo-transpiration (ET). water-use efficiency and grain yield of wheat. The fertilized plots retained less moisture in the soil profile at harvest than the unfertilized ones. Moisture extraction (%) from the top 30 cm soil increased with the increase in irrigation level (from 33.6% in no irrigation to 50.2% in 3 irrigations), while from deeper layers (60-120 cm) it was higher in the manured and fertilized plots (37%) than the plots where no nutrients were applied (24.5%). Evapo-transpiration throughoutthe growth stages was higher for irrigated plots (303.0 mm) than unirrigated plots (148.7 mm). However, in the lin irrigated plots evapo-transpiration reached its peak earlier (between 75 and 90 days after sowing) compared with the irrigated plots (between 90 and 105 days after sowing). At a particular irrigation level. evapo-trunspiration was higher in the fertilized and manured plots than the unfertilized plots at all the stages of growth. Grain yield increased signitieantly with the increase in irrigation levels (89.2 and 103.7%) by 3 irrtglttions over no irrigation in first and second year respectively) and with integrated application of fertilizer and farmyard manure (138.5 and 123.0% by recommended dose of NPK + farmyard manure @ 10 tonnes/ha over the control in first Bnd second year respectively). The evapo-transpiration showed a linar relationship (R2 0.71) with the grain yield. The water-use efficiency was highest at no irrigation, followed by 2 and 3 irrigations treatments, whereas iit was higher in the fertilized and manured plots than that in the unfertilized plots.

Yield response of durum (Triticum durum) and bread wheat (T. aestivum) varieties to carbon dioxide enrichment

Abstract: In an experiment conducted during the winter season of 1996-97 and 1997-98, 2 varieties ('HD 4502' and 'B 4409') of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and 2 (Kalyansona' and Kundan') of bread wheat (T. aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) were grown in field at atmospheric and elevated Co 2 (650 +-50 ppm) concentrations inside open top chambers to examine yield compenents at maturity. The CO 2 enrichment enhanced the grain yield mostly through an increase in the number of ear-bearing tillers. Individual ear weight was also increased in plants grown under elevated CO 2 concentration. Varieties however differed in the manner, the individual ear weight was creased. In 'B 449' and 'Kalyansona', the inccrease in grain yield of individual ear of plants grown under elevated CO 2 concentration was due to an increase in individual grain weight. In 'HD 4502', an increase in grain yield of individual car of plants grown under elevated Co 2 concentration was due to higher/ear as a result of increase in spikelets/ear. Genotypic differences in response to elevated CO 2 were observed. Varieties having greater sink capacity in terms of higher grains/ear showed greater yield reponse in both terraploid and hexaploid wheat.

Integrated nutrient management in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and its residual effect on wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Abstract: 1997-98 and 1998-99 to determ ine the most appropriate combination of organic manure, fertilizers and biofertilizers for sorghum [Sorghum bioc%r (L.) Moench] and to assess their carry-over effect on succeeding wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Pao!.) crop. An application of 10 tonnes farmyard manure/ha increased grain and fodder yields of sorghum by 18.52 and 9,42%, respectively, compared with no farmyard manure application. Nuitrients uptake (N, P and K) by sorghum was also increased by 15.4, 14.2 and 16.0% respectively, with farmyard manure application. Significant improvement in grain and fodder yields was observed up to 75% recommended dose of fertilizer. Successive increase in fertility levels either 75% or 100% recommended dose of fertilizer significantly enhanced N (157.0 kg/ha), P (47 kg/ha) and K(247 kg/ha) uptake by sorghum. Inoculation. of Azospirillum alone and in combination with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria significantly increased grain and fodder yields qf sorghum. Grain and straw yields of wheat increased by 8.81 and 6.61 % owing to residul effect of farmyard manure. Application of 75% to 100% recomlnended close of ffertilizer to sorghum significantly incresed grain and straw yields of wheat. Application of farmyard manure increased net gain from sorghum;-wheat sequence by Rs 3 428/ha. Miximum net returns of Rs 49 33,51 ha were obtained from sorghum-wheat sequence under 100% recommended dose of fertilizer, followed by Rs 47 229 under 75% recommended dose of fertilizer compared with Rs 38 231 under the control. A net gaiih of RS 2 337/ha was also obtained owing to dual inoculation of Azospirillum and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria.

Effect of phosphorus and detasseling on yield of babycorn (Zea mays)

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted during winter seasons of 1997-98 and 1998-99 at Jashipur, Orissa to find out the effect of levels of phosphorus and detasseling on yields of baby corn and green fodder. Babycorn production increased with increase in the levels of phosphorus application up to 26.2 kg/ha beyond which there was no yield advantage. Detasseling increased babycorn production by 7.4%, net profit by 5.7% and benefit: cost ratio by 5.4%.

Micronutrient status in soybean (Glycine max) - wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system in Kumaon region of Uttaranchal

Abstract: A study was conducted during 1993-99 to assess the yield response to farmyard manure application and its fate on build up/depletion in soil and uptake of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori and Paol.) rotation in a long-term field experiments. Yield response curve showed sharp increase in response to farmyard manure application in soybean and succeeding wheat crop. Change in micronutrient showed that zinc levels were below the critical level in NPK treatment (<0.6 ppm) which is alarming in intensive agriculture. Iron content increased in NPK treatment clue to increase in soil acidity. Farmyard manure decreased the Fe and Mn content but increased the Zn content and maintained the Culevel in the soil. Micronutrients content in soybean and wheat were found to be present above the critical limits in all the treatments except Zn in NPK treatment and contents were significantly higher in treatments receiving farmyard manure afier 26 years of cropping.

Effect of water stress on growth, productivity and water expense efficiency of summer rice

Abstract: A field study was carried out during 1997 and 1998 cropping seasons on a tine loamy (Typic Ustochrept) soil type, to assess the performance of IET 4786' summer rice (Oryza sativa L.) under stressed (intermittent ponding) and non-stressed (continuous ponding) situations. In case of intermittent ponding, irrigation was given when soilmoisture tension at 20 cm depth attained the suction value of 0-02 M Pa. Entire irrigation period was divided into 3 stages, ie early [11 to 30 days after transplanting (DAT), middle (31 to 60 DAT) and late (61 to 80 DAT) stages. Intermittent ponding was imposed at single, ie in early (I 2 ) middle (I 3 ) and late (I 4 ) stage or at two stges, ie early plus middle (I 5 ) early and late (I 6 ) and middle plus late (I 7 ) stages. Besides, there were 2 more irrigation regimes, ie continuous ponding was maintained throughout the entire irrigation period (I 1 1) and intermittent ponding was maintained during the entire irrigation period (I g ). The highest grain yield (6.79 Mg ha) was attained under I 1 , followed by yield of 6.71 Mg ha under 12, Grain yeild mllrkedly decreased under 1 3 , I 5 , 1 7 regimes and it attained lowest value (5.37 Mg ha) under Is. Water expense efficiency (W ee ) value attained the lowest level (5.26 kg/halmm) under 17 regime. While it was highest (5.99 kg/halmm) under I 8 regime and this W ee value was 8.7% higher over I 1 . Though grain yield attained lowest value under 18 but minimum level of water expense value (910.4 mm) responsible towards greater W ee value (5.71 kg/ha/mm) under this treatment.

Evapo-transpiration, water-use efficiency, moisture use and yield of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under varying levels of irrigation and nutrient management in Vertisol

Abstract: A field study was conducted during 1998-99 and 1999-2000 on a Vertisol, to assess the effects of irrigation levels, and combination of NPK and farmyard manure on moisture use, evapo-transpiration, water-use efficiency andyield of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson]. The moisture extraction was maximum (43.9%) from the upper 0-30 cm soil depth irrespective of irrigation and nutrient treatments and increased with the increase in number of irrigations applied. The evapo-transpiration of the crop increased with increase in level of irrigation as the crop season advanced and reached its peak (42.9 mm and 48.5 mm in I and 2 irrigations respectively) between 75 and 90 days after sowing. Under no irrigation, the evapo-transpiration reached its peak (21.I mm) between 60 and 75 days after sowing. Seed yield increased significantly with the increase in irrigation number, but the water-use efficiency was highest (7.1 and 6.8 kg/ha-mm in the first and second year respectively) at no irrigation, followed by I and 2 irrigation treatments respectively. The application of recommended dose of NPK (60, 13.1 and 16.6 kg/ha) + farmyard manure @10 tonnes/ha (applied to the previous rainy. season crop) resulted in significantly higher seed yield (16.1 and 28.1% over recommended dose of NPK and 91.7 and 95.7% over the control in the first and second year respectively) and improved the water-use efficiency compared with recommended dose of NPK and control treatments.

Integrated nutrient management in summer barley ( Hordeum vulgare) in a cold desert of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during summer season of 1998 and 1999 to study the response of barley (Hordeum vulgare L., s.l.), to integrated use of farmyard manure and fertilizer N in the cold desert soils of HimachalPradesh. An application of N increased the grain (1 105 kg/ha) and straw yields (2 265 kg/ha) significantly up to 75 kg N/ha in the absence of farmyard manure. However, the response was up to 60 kg N/ha when farmyard manure was also applied along with fertilizer N. The yield (1 659 kg/ha) obtained with 75 kg/ha alone was at par with that obtained with 60 kg N/ha along with farmyard manure @ 10 tonnes/ha. Yield-attributing characters, protein content and nutrient uptake supported the yield trends.

Nitrogen requirement of single hybrid maize (Zea mays) - wheat (Triticum aestivum) system under rainfed conditions

Abstract: A field experimentwas conducted during kharif 1997 at Bajaura to work out nitrogen requirement of single hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) grown under rainfed conditions. The grain and stover yield of maize increased significantly up to 120 kg /ha of N applied. Farmyard manure at 15 tonnes/ha improved maize productivity to a considerable extent, However, wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) grain and straw yield increased significantly up to 90 kg/ha of N applied. The response of wheat crop to farmyard manure was similar as obtained in maize. The total uptake of N by maize and wheat crops increased with increasing level of nitrogen and farmyard manure but it had no effect on P and K uptake. The addition of farmyard manure @ 20 tonnes/ha improved total uptake of all the nutrients. The status of available N in soil improved due to nitrogen fertilization but P and K did not. The availability of these nutrients further increased with farmyard manure application. Application of 120 kg N/ha + 15 tonnes farmyard manure/ha was found best treatment for hybrid maize grown under rainfed conditions.

Sensitivity of grain yield components to plant population density in non-prolific maize (zea mays) hybrids

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 1995-96 to study the response of maize (Zea mays L,) hybrids to plant population density. Three non-prolific maize single cross hybrids (,SC 108, 'SC 301' and 'SC 604') were sown at 4 densities (5.56,6.67,8.33 aod 11.11 plants/m 2 ) in (aodomized complete-block design, in split-plot with 4 replicates at Shiraz. The grain yield increased at higher population densities. This was owing to incrense in rate of grain-filling with no signifcant change in duration of grain-filling period. Kernelslear and kernels/ear row were the most important yield adjustment components in response to plant population density in all 3 hybrids. Weight/kernel, rows/ear and ears/plant had only a negligible effect in yield adjustment.

Effect of crop intensification on productivity, profitability, energetics and soil fertility in rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system of north-western plains

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during 1996-2000 at Karnal with 7 wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-based crop sequences to intensify the rice Coryza sativa L.)-wheat system by introducing short-duration and/or green-manuring crops for enhancing the productivity and profitability on sustainable basis. After 4 years of study, rice- . potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-wheat-green-manure rotation recorded the maximum equivalent wheat yield, energy input and output, gross return and total cost of cultivation. The organic carbon and available soil N contents were also higher than the other crop sequences, but the benefit: cost ratio was the lowest under this sequence. On the other hand, growing of vegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.) between rice and wheat gave the maximum net return (Rs 42 512/ha), energy output: input ratio (3.36) and build-up soil fertility level similar to rice-wheat-green-manure rotation. Incorporation of prickly sesban or dhaincha [Sesbania cannabina (Retz) Pers.] continuous for 4 years and growing of vegetable pea and potato between rice and wheat increased 8.7, 8.9 and 17.1 % organic carbon; 12.1, 6.3 and 8.3 % available Nand 10.1,6.3 and 19,0 % available P respectively compared with rice-wheat system.

Sustainable intercropping system of sesame (Sesamum indicum) with pulse and oilseed crops on rice fallow land

Abstract: A field experiment was conducted during the spring seasons of 1997 and 1998 at Baruipur to evaluate the eonomically and biologically sustainable intercrop association of sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.) with greengram Phaseolus radiatus L.), blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) on rice fallow land. Intercropping of groundnut with sesame was found most beneficial to sole stand yield of sesame. Among the intercrop associations, sesame + groundnut under 2 : 1 row arrangement gave the maximum sesame equivalent yield (1 245 kg/ha), and land-equivalent ratio (1.35), product of crowding coefficient (K= 4.58), monetary advantage (Rs 3 550/ha), net return (Rs 5 815/ha), income-equivalent ratio (1.79) and also showed modest competitive ratio (0.42:2.35) and aggressivity factor 0.26). It proved best stand among all the crop association.

Yield and nutrient contents of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) as influenced by applied sulphur in irrigated Inceptisol

Abstract: Field experiments were conducted for two years during kharif and rabi seasons of 1996-97 and 1997-98 to study the effect of applied sulphur on yield, phosphorus and sulphur contents in irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) grown in rotation in a sandy loam Inceptisol at Sirsa (Haryana). Four levels of sulphur, viz 10,20,30 and 40 kg sulphur/ha in addition to 0 sulphur (control) were tested. Both the crops responded significantly up to direct application of 30 kg sulphur/ha. Sulphur application significantly increased the sulphur contents in cotton and sunflower seed and phosPhorus content in sunflower seed. The seed cotton and sunflower yield increased by 23.5 and 16.5% respectively with 30 kg sulphur/ha over the control. Similarly, sulphur contents increased from 0.30 to 0.72% in cotton seed and from 0·26 to 0.35% in sunflower seed with the application of 30 kg sulphur/ha. A marginal increase in phosphorus from 6·0-7.0 kg/ha and SO 4 -S from 14.0 to 17.3 kg/ha concentrations (in available form) of surface soil was noticed at the end of second year experimentation.