Scientific validation of indigenous organic formulation-<em>panchagavya </em>for sustaining rice productivity and residual effect in rice-lentil system under hot semi-arid eco-region of middle Indo-Gangetic plains

104-113Combined application of organic source of nutrient and inorganic fertilizers increases nutrient synchrony and reduces losses leading to sustainable productivity. With this concept in mind a field trial was conducted at Varanasi, India during 2013–14 and 2014–15, to evaluate and validate the efficiency and efficacy of panchagavya (blend of five cow products i.e. dung, ghee, curd, urine and milk) in combination with recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF) on rice yield, soil microbial population, soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), soil enzymatic activity and their residual effects on lentil. Application of panchagavya (D4-seedling root dip + one spray at 30 days after transplanting-DAT @ 6% + application through irrigation water at 60 DAT) produced higher productive tillers/m2, number of filled spikelets/panicle, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, soil bacterial and fungal population, SMBC and dehydrogenase activity. Application of 100% RDF significantly increased grain yield (5935 kg/ha) but 120% RDF recorded the highest straw yield (8283 kg/ha) and biological yield. Residual effect of panchagavya at D4 level resulted in higher (19.1% over control) seed yield of lentil. However, conjunctive use of 100% RDF and D4 ensured maximum net return (1194.9 $/ha).Therefore, use of indigenous product i.e. panchagavya in combination with fertilizer can be inferred to improve soil health, ascertain high productivity, profitability and sustainability in rice-lentil production, while preserving natural resource base under hot semi-arid eco-region of middle Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP)

Effect of polyhalite on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in India

A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, Research Farm during winter (rabi) season 2021–22 to evaluate the effect of multi-nutrient carrier polyhalite and its combinations with variable doses of MOP on growth parameters, yield, and productivity of wheat. The application of 100% K (polyhalite), i.e. T8 resulted in significantly higher growth and yield parameters of wheat, viz. plant height, dry matter accumulation, tillers numbers, crop growth rate, leaf area index, grain yield (5.87 tonnes/ha). A 7.5% increase in grain yield was observed with the application of T8 over T11. So, a balanced and prolonged supply of available nutrients with polyhalite to crop in a sustained manner can be maintained

Enhancing productivity, economics and energy efficiency through precision nitrogen and water management in conservation agriculture-based maize (Zea mays) in the Indo-Gangetic Plains

Present study focuses on improving maize productivity, economics, and energy efficiency in the Indo-Gangetic Plains through the integration of CA, precision nitrogen and water management. Maize grain yield significantly differed among treatments, with CA outperforming CT by 13.3%, recording the highest yield with optimal N application (N3) and irrigation at 25% DASM. The CA incurred 23.7% lower cultivation costs (₹30,421/ha) compared to CT. Gross returns and net returns were higher under CA (₹1,16,007/ha and ₹85,586/ha) with a net benefit ratio of 2.78, showcasing its economic viability. Energy efficiency was a crucial aspect considered, with CA proving to be 33.1% more energy-efficient than CT. In different irrigation regimes, CA with W2 treatment exhibited superior energy parameters. The study also highlighted the significance of optimal N scheduling (N3) in achieving higher economic returns (₹97,927/ha) compared to conventional N splits (N1) and its integration. The most effective integration involved combining CA with precision N management (75% basal, GreenSeekerTM-guided top dressing) and irrigation at 25% DASM, resulting in higher grain yield (7.21 t/ ha), gross returns (₹132,497/ha), and impressive energy output (230,831 MJ/ha). In conclusion, CA, especially when combined with optimal irrigation and nitrogen management, not only enhances maize yield and economic returns but also proves to be more energy-efficient, promoting sustainable and resource-efficient agricultural practices. The study recommends this integrated approach for enhancing maize productivity, energy efficiency and economic returns

Decade-long effects of integrated farming systems on soil aggregation and carbon dynamics in sub-tropical Eastern Indo-Gangetic plains

Integrated farming system (IFS) aims to diversify the agricultural landscapes by incorporating different components to meet the multifarious needs of the burgeoning population. The present study was undertaken to understand the impact of different cropping systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, aggregate distribution, and aggregate associated organic carbon (AAOC) in 2-IFS models of varying sizes (0.4 and 0.8 ha) established during 2008–2009. After 10 years of the study, the fodder system registered the greatest TOC and carbon stocks across IFS models, with surface soil (0–15 cm) accumulating 17 and 13% higher TOC and C stock, respectively, in 0.4 and 0.8 ha models. In 0–15 cm, macroaggregates (Ma) represented the highest proportion (75–76%) in both models. Among cropping systems, the fodder system recorded the highest large macroaggregates in both IFS models. Within 0–30 cm depth, small macroaggregates are mostly found in the perennial system (fodder, guava+turmeric, and lemon intercropping system), indicating the potential to improve the aggregate stability over the seasonal (shorter duration) system. In general, micro aggregate (Mi) fraction was pre-dominant in sub-surface soil (17.35%). The maximum AAOC was found in Ma compared to Mi fractions, with approximately 67 and 63% of total carbon associated with Ma in 0.4 and 0.8 ha IFS models, respectively. Interestingly, the 0.8 ha IFS model had higher TOC (~11%) and carbon stock (~12%) than the 0.4 ha model, but AAOC did not show a similar result, indicating the influence of cropping systems on AAOC. The study indicated that the fodder-based production system had better performance in terms of soil physical health and increased aggregate stability and content of soil carbon. This is indicative of the advantages of perennial-based systems over seasonal- or annual-based cropping systems for soil sustainability in Eastern Indo-Gangetic Plains

Deciphering the role of phosphorus management under conservation agriculture based wheat production system

Phosphorus (P) is a vital element required by all living organism (plants, animals and microbes etc.). Its application in agriculture, whether in conventional or conservation agriculture, requires careful attention due to its low use efficiency, which typically does not exceed 20%. With the increasing acceptance of conservation agriculture (CA), it is crucial to develop protocols for P management to ensure sustainable wheat production. Therefore, a field trial was conducted from 2016–2017 to 2017–2018 in the India's semiarid eco-region to study the role of P on wheat productivity, quality, and resource use efficiency under CA-based production system. We assessed the impact of tillage operations and P management practices on wheat productivity, quality, and resource use efficiency. Three tillage and residue management options such as CT-R (conventional tillage without residue); NT-R (no tillage without maize residue) and NT + R (no tillage with maize residue @ 2.5 Mg ha−1) were laid-out in main plot and five P management options subplots viz. P1 (nitrogen and potash according to recommended but not P); P2 (17.2 kg P ha−1); P3 (17.2 kg of P ha−1 + microbial fertilizer); P4 (17.2 kg P ha−1 + compost inoculant culture) and P5 (34.4 kg P ha−1) in split plot design with three replicates. The results indicates that the combination of no-tillage with residue retention (maize residue @ 2.5 Mg ha−1) (NT + R) and the application of 34.4 kg P ha−1 (P5) significantly improved grain yield by ~43.2% compared to the control treatment (conventional tillage with no residue, CT – R, and no phosphorus application). NT + R also resulted in significantly better amino acid (~22.7%) and net protein yield (~21.2%) compared to CT – R. Regarding the P management strategy, the highest amino acid (49.1%) and protein yield (12.5%) were observed under the P5 treatment compared to the no-phosphorus treatment. Conjoint use of NT – R, along with the application of 17.2 kg P ha−1 and PSB (Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria), resulted in a significant increase in energy use efficiency of ~58% over other treatments combination. Furthermore, the NT + R plot that received 17.2 kg P ha−1 + PSB demonstrated higher P agronomic efficiency (~43%) and recovery efficiency (~53%) over control. The study's findings underscore the significance of adopting efficient P management strategies in CA to ensure the sustainable production of wheat

Unveiling the combined effect of nano fertilizers and conventional fertilizers on crop productivity, profitability, and soil well-being

It is widely accepted that deficiency of macro (nitrogen) and micronutrients (zinc, copper etc.) affects the plant growth and development which cause a significant threat to crop production and food security. The Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) developed nano-urea (nano-N), nano-zinc (nano-Zn), and nano-copper (nano-Cu) liquid fertilizer formulations to enhance the crop yields, simultaneously addressing the nutrient deficiency, without causing toxicity. Therefore, this study was formulated to evaluate the effectiveness of nano-N (nano-urea), nano-Zn, and nano-Cu at varying N levels [0, 50, 75, and 100% of the recommended rates of nitrogen (RRN)] on maize-wheat and pearl millet-mustard systems during 2019–20 and 2020–21. The results exhibited that the application of nano-N + nano-Zn with 100% RRN exhibited significantly higher grain yields in maize (66.2–68.8%), wheat (62.6–61.9%), pearl millet (57.1–65.4%), and mustard (47.2–69.0%), respectively, over absolute control plots and combinations of three nano-fertilizers like nano-N + nano-Zn + nano-Cu applied plots. This was mainly attributed to the higher N and Zn uptake by the crops. However, 75% RRN with nano-N + nano-Zn also produced comparable yields. Thus, applying nano-N and nano-Zn via foliar applications, in conjunction with conventional urea, has the potential to reduce the required nitrogen fertilizer amount by up to 25%, while simultaneously maintaining equivalent yield levels. Similarly, 100% RRN and 75% RRN + nano-N + nano-Zn registered comparable profitability, soil mineral N, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), during both the study years. However, further research and field trials on nano fertilizers alone or in combination with conventional fertilizers are essential to fully unlock its benefits and ascertain its long-term effects which may offer a pathway to more efficient and eco-friendly crop nourishment

Effect of balanced fertilization on production, quality, energy use efficiency of baby corn (Zea mays) and soil health

Field experiment was conducted on baby corn (Zea mays L.) in sandy loam soil during the pre-kharif season of 2012 and 2013 at Varanasi to assess the effect of balanced fertilization (NPKS and Zn) on productivity, quality, energetics and soil health of baby corn. Results revealed that application of 125% RDF (187.5, 93.75, 75.0 kg NPK/ha) produced significantly higher yields of total baby cob yield with husk (9.55 tonnes/ha) and total baby corn yield without husk (2.15 tonnes/ha). Similarly, the higher nutrients (NPKS) and protein content in baby corn and green husk were recorded with application of 125% RDF. Among different levels of S and Zn, application of 50 kg S and 10 kg Zn/ha produced significantly higher yields of total baby cob with husk (9.38 and 9.24 tonnes/ha) and total baby corn without husk (2.15 and 2.10 tonnes/ha), respectively. Further, the crop fertilized with 50 kg S and 10 kg Zn/ha increased the nutrients (NPKSZn) and protein contents in babycorn and green husk but it was noted being on a par with application of 25 kg S and 5 kg Zn/ha. In terms of energetics, the higher values of energy inputs (20.71 x 103 MJ/ha), energy returns (226.98 x 103 MJ/ha), net energy returns (205.98 x 103 MJ/ha), energy use efficiency (10.80), energy productivity (0.454/kg/MJ), human profitability (65.20), energy productivity (9.80), energy intensiveness (0.354 MJ/Rupees), energy output efficiency (3.78 x 103 MJ/ha/day) and energy intensity in economic terms (3.82 MJ/Rupees) were recorded with application of 125% RDF and the lowest with 100% RDF. Similarly, application of 50 kg S and 10 kg Zn/ha gave the highest values of energy inputs (18.33 and 17.91 x 103 MJ/ha), energy returns (223.12 and 219.69 x 103 MJ/ha), net energy returns (203.31and 200.09 x 103 MJ/ha), energy use efficiency (11.25 and 11.19), energy productivity (0.473 and 0.471 kg/MJ), energy intensiveness (0.330 and 0.328 MJ/Rupees), energy output efficiency (3.72 and 3.66 x 103 MJ/ha/day), energy intensity in economic terms (3.71 and 3.67 MJ/Rupees), human energy profitability (64.09 and 63.11) and energy profitability (10.25 and 10.19), respectively as compared to its preceding doses. The highest actual loss of S and Zn were recorded with application of 125% RDF, 50 kg S and 10 kg Zn/ha whereas, the maximum positive balance of S and Zn were associated with 50 kg S and 10 kg Zn/ha, respectively.</jats:p