Integrated Nutrient-Management Technology for Direct-Seeded Upland Rice (Oryza sativa) in Northwestern Himalayas

Alarming climate change, rainfed upland farming, and low resource-use efficiency of conventional fertilizer management practices are major production constraints detrimental to rice productivity in the northwestern (NW) Himalayas. Recent agronomic intervention of direct-seeded rice (DSR) coupled with suitable rice germplasm well suited to rainfed upland ecosystems in combination with appropriate integrated nutrient-management (INM) technology can enhance the rice productivity in the region. Thus, a field experiment with seven treatments replicated three times in a randomized block design was conducted on INM technology in rainfed upland rice cv. HPR-1156 (Sukaradhan-1) to harness the potential of DSR technology in order to boost rice productivity in the NW Himalayas. Results on INM in direct-seeded upland rice revealed that nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) at 90:45:45 kg ha^?1 + farm yard manure (FYM) at 5 t ha^?1 (oven dry-weight basis) significantly resulted in the greatest magnitude of growth and development (plant height, tillers m^?2) and yield-contributing characters (panicles m^?2, panicle length, grains panicle^?1 and 1000-grain weight), resulting in significantly greatest grain, straw, and biological yield followed by sole use of NPK at 90:45:45 kg ha^?1 and NPK at 60:30:30 kg ha^?1 + FYM at 5 t ha^?1, respectively, in rainfed upland rice. Application of NPK at 90:45:45 kg ha^?1 + FYM at 5 t ha^?1 again resulted in significant improvement in soil organic carbon and available NPK status over other treatments and initial soil fertility status in an acidic Alfisol. Overall, it is inferred that INM technology with judicious use of NPK at 90:45:45 kg ha^?1 + FYM at 5 t ha^?1 in rainfed upland rice under DSR technology can enhance the rice productivity and resource-use efficiency in NW Himalayas.     

Influence of Soil and Fertilizer Nutrients on Sustainability of Rainfed Finger Millet Yield and Soil Fertility in Semi-arid Alfisols

Productivity of rainfed finger millet in semiarid tropical Alfisols is predominantly constrained by erratic rainfall, limited soil moisture, low soil fertility, and less fertilizer use by the poor farmers. In order to identify the efficient nutrient use treatment for ensuring higher yield, higher sustainability, and improved soil fertility, long term field experiments were conducted during 1984 to 2008 in a permanent site under rainfed semi-arid tropical Alfisol at Bangalore in Southern India. The experiment had two blocks—Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and Maize Residue (MR) with 5 fertilizer treatments, namely: control, FYM at 10 t ha^?1, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K)], FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK (50 kg N + 50 kg P + 25 kg K ha^?1) and 100% NPK in FYM block; and control, MR at 5 t ha^?1, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK, MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK and 100% NPK in MR block. The treatments differed significantly from each other at p < 0.01 level of probability in influencing finger millet grain yield, soil N, P, and K in different years. Application of FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher yield ranging from 1821 to 4552 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 3167 kg ha^?1 and variation of 22.7%, while application of maize residue at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a yield of 593 to 4591 kg ha^?1 with a mean of 2518 kg ha^?1 and variation of 39.3% over years. In FYM block, FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.45%), available N (204 kg ha^?1), available P (68.6 kg ha^?1), and available K (107 kg ha^?1) over years. In maize residue block, application of MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK gave a significantly higher organic carbon (0.39%), available soil N (190 kg ha^?1), available soil P (47.5 kg ha^?1), and available soil K (86 kg ha^?1). The regression model (1) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, organic carbon, and soil P and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.19 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.51 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.30 under 100% NPK to 0.67 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. The regression model (2) of yield as a function of seasonal rainfall, soil N, P, and K nutrients gave a predictability in the range of 0.11 under FYM at 10 t ha^?1 to 0.52 under 100% NPK in FYM block compared to 0.18 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 50% NPK to 0.60 under MR at 5 t ha^?1 application in MR block. An assessment of yield sustainability under different crop seasonal rainfall situations indicated that FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient in FYM block with a maximum Sustainability Yield Index (SYI) of 41.4% in <500 mm, 64.7% in 500–750 mm, 60.2% in 750–1000 mm and 60.4% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall, while MR at 5 t ha^?1 + 100% NPK was efficient with SYI of 29.6% in <500 mm, 50.2% in 500–750 mm, 40.6% in 750–1000 mm, and 39.7% in 1000–1250 mm rainfall in semi-arid Alfisols. Thus, the results obtained from these long term studies incurring huge expenditure provide very good conjunctive nutrient use options with good conformity for different rainfall situations of rainfed semiarid tropical Alfisol soils for ensuring higher finger millet yield, maintaining higher SYI, and maintaining improved soil fertility.     

Effects of 41 Years of Application of Inorganic Fertilizers and Farm Yard Manure on Crop Yields,Soil Quality,and Sustainable Yield Index under a Rice-Wheat Cropping System on Mollisols of North India

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) on crop yield sustainability and soil quality in a long-term trial initiated during the wet season of 1971 under a humid subtropical climate. Over 41 years of study, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) + farm yard manure (FYM) at 15 t ha^?1 recorded the most sustainable grain yields. Optimal and superoptimal NPK fertilizers gave quite similar crop yields to that of 100% NPK + FYM at 15 t ha^–1 up to two decades but thereafter yields declined sharply due to emergence of zinc (Zn) deficiency. The sustainable yield index (SYI) values indicated that wheat yields were more sustainable than rice. Soil organic carbon and available N, P, K, and Zn in the control plot decreased the most, whereas 100% NPK + FYM at 15 t ha^–1 improved available N, P and K, maintained soil organic carbon, and decreased Zn over initial levels. Grain yield and SYI were more significantly correlated with Soil Organic Carbon (SOC). Continuous application of FYM contributed the maximum Soil Quality Index (SQI) (0.94), followed by Zn.     

Continuous Cropping,Fertilization, and Organic Manure Application Effects on Potassium in an Alfisol under Arid Conditions

Effects of continuous cropping and addition of organic manures (farmyard manure, FYM, and groundnut shells, GNS) along with inorganic fertilizers on nonexchangeable potassium (K) release kinetics in a K-deficient Alfisol were studied in a 20-year manurial experiment under arid conditions. There was a depletion in available K under continuous cropping without K input (control) as compared to other treatments such as 100% nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK), 50% NPK + 4 metric tons (MT) groundnut shells ha^?1, 50% NPK + 4 MT FYM ha^?1, and 100% organic (i.e., 5 MT FYM ha^?1). Over 20 years of cropping without K input, available K was reduced from 155 kg ha^?1 (in 1985) to 82 kg ha^?1 (in 2005), showing a negative balance of 73 kg ha^?1. Soil in control plots showed available K in the deficient range (<50 mg kg^?1), whereas four other fertilizer and manurial treatments were greater than the critical limit. Considerable improvements in nonexchangeable K-release parameters such as step K and cumulative K release were observed in manured plots over control. Parabolic diffusion and first-order kinetic equations explained K release from soils. Potassium-release rates were drastically reduced in control plots, and there were increased release rates with continuous addition of manures. Results suggest that soils with groundnut shells or FYM (4 MT ha^?1) along with 50% inorganic fertilizer additions could maintain greater K release rates after 20 years of cropping as compared to cropping without K input.     

Growth and yield of lowland rice as affected by integrated nutrient management and cultivation method under alternate wetting and drying water regime

The effects of integrated nutrient management, cultivation method, and variety on root and shoot growth, grain yield and its components of lowland rice under alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation were evaluated. Treatments included were three varieties (Pathumthani 1, RD57, and RD41), three cultivation methods [dry direct seeding, wet direct seeding, and transplanting], and three nutrient combinations [100% NPK (160?kg ha^?1), 50% NPK (80?kg ha^?1) + 50% FYM (5 t ha^?1), and 100% FYM (10 t ha^?1)] under AWD. Root dry matter of RD41 and RD57 was reduced by 12–25% at the 100% NPK and 100% FYM compared with the 50% NPK + 50% FYM. Panicle number, panicle length, and 1000-grain weight were higher at the 50% NPK + 50% FYM. Application of the 50% NPK + 50% FYM could be a feasible option under AWD irrigation; however, benefits may vary with varieties and cultivation methods.     

Effect of nutrient‐management practices on growth,fruiting pattern,and yield of Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)

Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) is mostly grown in the rainfed regions of India. However, little is known about the effects of nutrient‐management practices on plant growth and fruiting pattern of Asiatic cotton. Therefore, plant growth and fruiting pattern under four nutrient‐management treatments, N, NPK, FYM (10 Mg ha^–1), and INM (integrated nutrient management: a combination of NPK and FYM) were quantified during 2000–01 to 2002–03 (years 16 to 18 of a long‐term field experiment). Plants of the INM and FYM treatments were taller (68.4–149.5 cm) and had more main stem nodes per plant (30.5–44.5) as compared to N and NPK treatments. In treatment N, the shortest plants (50.9–83.6 cm) and the least number of fruiting structures were produced. Plants of the INM and FYM treatments accumulated more squares and bolls. Maximum boll production was 10–19 days earlier with the manure‐amended than the N and NPK treatments. Treatment N had the lowest seed cotton yield (639–790 kg ha^–1), because of small boll size (1.48–1.73 g) and few open bolls. Seed cotton yield followed the trend: NPK (815–1278 kg ha^–1) < INM (776–1551 kg ha^–1) < FYM (902–1593 kg ha^–1). Water stress and nutrient deficiencies (P and Zn in the N and Zn in the NPK treatments) as a consequence of nutrient depletion over the years may have decreased seed cotton yields in treatments that received mineral fertilizer alone in comparison with manure‐amended treatments. On a long‐term basis, FYM application should therefore form an integral part of nutrient recommendation.     

Critical carbon inputs to maintain soil organic carbon stocks under long‐term finger‐millet (Eleusine coracana [L.] Gaertn.) cropping on Alfisols in semiarid tropical India

Enrichment of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks through sequestration of atmospheric CO₂ in agricultural soils is important because of its impacts on adaptation to and mitigation of climate change while also improving crop productivity and sustainability. In a long‐term fertility experiment carried out over 27 y under semiarid climatic condition, we evaluated the impact of crop‐residue C inputs through rainfed fingermillet (Eleusine coracana [L.] Gaertn.) cropping, fertilization, and manuring on crop yield sustainability and SOC sequestration in a Alfisol soil profile up to a depth of 1 m and also derived the critical value of C inputs for maintenance of SOC. Five treatments, viz., control, farmyard manure (FYM) 10 Mg ha^–1, recommended dose of NPK (50 : 50 : 25 kg N, P₂O₅, K₂O ha^–1), FYM 10 Mg ha^–1 + 50% recommended dose of NPK, and FYM 10 Mg ha^–1 + 100% recommended dose of NPK imposed in a randomized block design replicated four times. Application of FYM alone or together with mineral fertilizer resulted in a higher C input and consequently built up a higher C stock. After 27 y, higher profile SOC stock (85.7 Mg ha^–1), C build up (35.0%), and C sequestration (15.4 Mg C ha^–1) was observed with the application of 10 Mg FYM ha^–1 along with recommended dose of mineral fertilizer and these were positively correlated with cumulative C input and well reflected in sustainable yield index (SYI). For sustenance of SOC level (zero change due to cropping) a minimum quantity of 1.13 Mg C is required to be added per hectare per annum as inputs. While the control lost C, the application of mineral fertilizer served to maintain the priori C stock. Thus, the application of FYM increased the C stock, an effect which was even enhanced by additional amendment of mineral fertilizer. We conclude that organic amendments contribute to C sequestration counteracting climate change and at the same time improve soil fertility in the semiarid regions of India resulting in higher and more stable yields.     

Nutrient Management for Sustaining Productivity of Sunflower-Based Cropping Sequence in Indian Semiarid Regions

A comprehensive long-term study (2006–2010) was undertaken to develop a balanced and integrated nutrient supply system for sunflower-based cropping sequence considering the efficient utilization of residual and cumulative soil nutrient balance along with added fertilizers by the crops grown in rotation. The fertilizer application was done in potato and sunflower while greengram was raised as such on their residual effect. Significant response in yield was observed with 150% of the recommended nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) or inclusion of farmyard manure (FYM) with the recommended NPK in the cropping sequence indicating 6.2–7.0% gain in system productivity over the existing recommendations. Each additional unit of P and K nutrition prompted system productivity by 18.9 and 11.0 kg kg^?1 of applied nutrient, respectively. Apparent yield decline was observed in K and PK omission plots to the extent of 15.8 and 27.4% in potato, 10.5 and 23.9% in sunflower and 4.2 and 8.3% in greengram, respectively, compared to the recommended fertilization. The superiority of the FYM along with the recommended NPK (potato/sunflower) was evident on the overall profitability and sustainability of the system, highlighted by the significantly higher productivity (7.16 t SFEY ha^?1), sustainability yield index (SYI; 0.76), production efficiency (PE; 27.85 kg SFEY ha^?1 day^?1) and net returns (2520 USD ha^?1) with a B:C ratio of 2.91. Apparent change in potassium permanganate (KMnO₄)-N was negative in all the treatments while N and P balance was positive with 150% NPK fertilization. Nutrient uptake exceeded the replenishment with 100% NPK application and maintained net negative soil nutrient stock for all the primary nutrients, indicating the need for revalidation of the existing recommendations in the system perspective. Conspicuous improvement in residual soil fertility in terms of maximum buildup of soil organic carbon (14%) and enhancement in soil KMnO₄-N (4.2%), Olsen-P (19.4%), ammonium acetate (NH4OAc)-K (5.8%) and dehydrogenase enzyme activity (44.4%) was observed in FYM-treated plots over the initial values. The study suggested that the inclusion of legumes and FYM application with the recommended NPK in potato-sunflower cropping sequence will sustain the system’s productivity through the efficient use of nutrients, enhanced microbial activity and improved soil health while combating escalating prices of fertilizers as well as environmental issues in the Indo-Gangetic plains of India and similar environments.     

Effect of Mycorrhiza,Organic Sources,Lime, Secondary and Micro-nutrients on Soil Microbial Activities and Yield Performance of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) in Alfisols

Effect of integrated use of mycorrhiza, lime, inorganic fertilizers, and organic manures on microbial activities and yield performance of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) was studied for two consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons during 2013–14 and 2014–15 in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was laid out with 16 treatments consisting of graded doses of soil test–based nitrogen, phosphors, and potassium (NPK); lime; mycorrhiza; organic sources, that is, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and green manure; secondary magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and micronutrients zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ and borax). Significantly highest mean tuber yield (29.61 t ha^?1) was recorded due to integrated application of lime + FYM + NPK + ZnSO₄. Graded doses of NPK showed a mean yield response of 65%, 134%, and 191% due to addition of 50%, 100%, and 150% of NPK over control, respectively. Inoculation of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) combined with NPK and FYM recorded a mean tuber yield of 25.14 t ha^?1. Highest mean dry matter (18.85%) was recorded due to application of 150% NPK, whereas highest starch content on fresh weight basis was recorded due to integrated use of lime + FYM + NPK + MgSO₄ (11.11%). Application of 150% NPK has recorded highest dehydrogenase activity (2.018 µg TPF h^?1 g^?1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (2.012 µg g^?1 h^?1). Fungal inoculation of VAM in combination with lime + FYM + NPK recorded highest acid and alkaline phosphatase activities (82.20 and 67.02 µg PNP g^?1 soil h^?1, respectively). Soil biological activities and phosphatase activities had highly significant relationship with tuber yield and biochemical constituents of yam bean. The study emphasized the conjunctive use of soil test–based inorganic fertilizers, lime, and organic manures to enhance the enzymatic activities and to realize higher crop yields of yam bean in acid Alfisols.     

Effect of conjoint use of bio-organics and chemical fertilizers on yield,soil properties under French bean–cauliflower-based cropping system

This study investigates the effect of conjoint use of bio-organics (biofertilizers + crop residues + FYM) and chemical fertilizers on yield, physical–chemical and microbial properties of soil in a ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system of mid hills of the north-western Himalayan Region (NWHR) of India. Conjoint bio-organics at varied levels of NPK chemical fertilizers increased yield of ‘cauliflower’ over corresponding single application. Incorporation of crop residues with 75% of the recommended NPK application resulted in the highest yield (19 t ha^?1). Conjoint use of bio-organics produced a yield (15.65 t ha^?1), which was statistically on a par with 75% of the recommended NPK application alone. This indicated a saving of 75% NPK chemical fertilizers. In the case of ‘French bean’, the effect was non-significant. The results also showed significant higher soil available N (351.3 kg ha^?1) under 75% NPK + biofertilizers, whereas the highest soil available K (268.3 kg ha^?1) was recorded under 75% NPK + crop residues. Lowest bulk density (1.03 Mg m^?3), highest water holding capacity (36.5%), soil organic matter (10.6 g kg^?1), bacterial (4.13 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) and fungal (6.3 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1) counts were recorded under sole application of bio-organics. According to our study, we concluded that the combination of NPK fertilizers and bio-organics increased yield except French bean, soil available N, K and saved chemical fertilizers under ‘French bean–cauliflower’-based cropping system.     

Effect of integrated nutrient management and crop diversification on productivity and nutrient balance sheet of rice-based cropping systems

A field study conducted for three crop years (June?–?July) from 1995?–?96 to 1997?–?98 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi involving five rice-based cropping systems and six nutrient combinations indicated that rice?–?wheat?–?mungbean (RWM), rice?–?potato?–?mungbean (RPM), rice?–?rapeseed?–?mungbean (RRsM) and rice?–?clover (RC) cropping systems gave 0.7?–?1.0, 3.2?–?5.9, 0.2?–?2.2 and 1.5?–?3.6 t ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, higher productivity and removed 7.9?–?22.6, 38.0?–?64.5, 53.0?–?61.8 and 51.4?–?66.1?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more nitrogen, 2.3?–?7.1, 14.5?–?22.8, 3.8?–?7.2 and 17.3?–?21.7?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more phosphorus and 1.6?–?11.4, 15.3?–?42.3, 8.2?–?22.7 and 40.8?–?57.8?kg ha^?1 yr^?1, respectively, more potassium than the rice?–?wheat (RW) cropping system which led to a net balance of +?151, +?58, ??153 and ??167?kg ha^?1 of nitrogen, +?13, ??27, ??8 and ??59?kg ha^?1 of phosphorus and ??549, ??551, ??558 and ??691?kg ha^?1 of potassium after three cycles of RWM, RPM, RRsM and RC cropping systems, respectively against a net balance of +?201, +?26 and ??533?kg ha^?1 of N, P and K, respectively in the RW cropping system. Application of FYM along with NPK in these cropping systems changed the negative balance of nitrogen and phosphorus into positive balance and reduced the negative balance of potassium by 151?–?378?kg ha^?1. Application of P and K fertilizers along with nitrogen also helped in arresting the negative balance of P and K under different rice based cropping systems. These results thus indicate that balanced use of NPK and FYM plays a major role for sustaining the productivity of a cropping system.     

Sustainable Saffron Production as Influenced by Integrated Nitrogen Management in Typic Hapludalfs of NW Himalayas

The effects of integrated nitrogen management (INM) on saffron yield, corm production, nutrient concentration, crocin content, and soil health were studied in field experiments at the Dryland (Karewa) Agriculture Research Station, Budgam District of Kashmir Himalayas, India, during 2006–2010. The levels of fertilizers applied were 0, 45, and 90 kg ha^?1 of nitrogen; 0, 30, and 60 t ha^?1 of farm yard manure (FYM), and 0 and 5 kg ha ^?1 of Azotobacter in solid form. The greatest yields of 3.64 and 3.51 kg ha^?1 were observed when nitrogen was applied at 90 kg ha^?1 and FYM was applied at 60 t ha^?1. The increases over the controls (2.31 and 2.45 kg ha^?1) were 57.57% and 43.26%, respectively. The maximum corm productions (10.26 and 13.10 t ha^?1) were observed with the application of nitrogen at 90 kg ha^?1 and FYM at 60 t ha^?1 respectively, with the corresponding increases of 79.62% and 260.97% over their respective controls. Biofertilizer application in the form of viable strain of Azotobacter significantly increased the corm production only. The influence of INM on nutrient and crocin content of saffron and soil health was also found to be sustainable over nonapplication of organic and inorganic fertilizers.     

Ertragsentwicklung im Dauerversuch Ewiger Roggenbau Halle nach den 1990 vorgenommenen Umstellungen in der Düngung

Yield development in the long-term experiment Continuous Rye Cropping Halle after the changes in the fertilization in 1990 The long-term experiment Continuous Rye Cropping being established 1878 on a degraded chernozem (from sandy loess) includes among others a treatment with application of mineral N only over 112 years in which during the last decades the grain yields ranged about 30% below that on the plots with farmyard manure (FYM) or complete mineral fertilization (NPK). The considerable depletion of available P and K in the respective soil was practically overcome in 1990 by a single application of 200 kg P ha^?1 and 400 kg K ha^?1 and thereafter the exclusive fertilization with mineral N was substituted by a combined application of NPK and FYM. Already in the first year the previous yield decline in comparison to ‘NPK’ or ‘FYM’ had been overcome completely. An additional yield increase, however, could only be realized under conditions especially favourable for yield production, so in 1993 and 1995.     

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil and Plant Nutrients and Yields of Pearl Millet and Wheat under Semi-arid Inceptisols in India

A study was conducted to assess fertilizer effect on pearl millet–wheat yield and plant-soil nutrients with the following treatments: T₁, control; T₂, 100% nitrogen (N); T₃, 100% nitrogen and phosphorus (NP); T₄, 100% nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); T₅, 100% NPK + zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₆, 100% NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) at 10 t ha^?1; T₇, 100% NPK+ verimcompost (VC) at 2.5 tha^?1; T₈, 100% NPK + sulfur (S) at 25 kg ha^?1; T₉, FYM at 10 t ha^?1; T₁₀, VC at 2.5 t ha^?1; T₁₁, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 t ha^?1 + 25 kg S ha^?1 + ZnSO₄ at 25 kg ha^?1; and T₁₂, 150% NPK treatments. Treatments differed significantly in influencing soil-plant nutrients and grain and straw yields of both crops. Grain yield had significant correlation with soil-plant N, P, K, S, and zinc (Zn) nutrients. The study indicated superiority of T₁₁ for attaining maximum pearl millet grain yield (2885 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7185 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (48.9 kg ha^?1), P (8.8 kg ha^?1), K (26.3 kg ha^?1), S (20.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.09 kg ha^?1) taken up; and amounts of soil N (187.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.7 kg ha^?1), K (242.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.1 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.70 kg ha^?1). It was superior for wheat with grain yield (5215 kg ha^?1) and straw yield (7220 kg ha^?1); amounts of N (120.7 kg ha^?1), P (13.8 kg ha^?1), K (30 kg ha^?1), S (14.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.18 kg ha^?1) taken up; and maintaining soil N (185.7 kg ha^?1), P (14.5 kg ha^?1), K (250.5 kg ha^?1), S (10.6 kg ha^?1), and Zn (0.73 kg ha^?1). Based on the study, 100% NPK + FYM at 10 tha^?1 + Zn at 25 kg ha^?1 + S at 25 kg ha^?1 could be recommended for attaining maximum returns of pearl millet–wheat under semi-arid Inceptisols.     

Evaluation of Integrated Nutrient Management Interventions for Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) on a Vertisol in Central India

Phospho-compost (PC) and poultry manure (PM) were evaluated in field experiments to diversify integrated nutrient management (INM) for rain-fed cotton. Seed cotton yield in the PC (2501–2579 kg ha^?1) was similar to the recommended INM (2673 kg ha^?1) treatment and was significantly better than nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (100% NPK) (2130 kg ha^?1) and farmers practice (FP) (1886 kg ha^?1). Yield was lower in the PM (2476–2617 kg ha^?1) than in the PC. Nutrient uptake was higher in all INM intervention plots due to an improvement in soil nutrient status compared with those receiving 100% NPK. Soil labile carbon values were higher in the INM treatments (333–452 mg kg^?1), with a greater magnitude in the PC-amended plots (402–452 mg kg^?1). Carbon management index (CMI) values were higher for the INM than treatments NPK and FP. Among INM interventions, PC plots had higher values than the PM.     

Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on yield,economics, and energetics of pepper and soil properties in naturally ventilated polyhouse

A field experiment was conducted during the summer season of 2009 and 2010 at Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Hawalbagh, Almora, Uttarakhand, under the mid-hills of north-western Himalaya, to study the effect of farmyard manure and fertilizers on fruit yield, economics, energetics of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) and on soil chemical properties. The highest level of farmyard manure (20 t ha^?1) along with 125% of recommended NPK (125, 27.5, and 52.1 kg N, P and K ha^?1) resulted in significantly higher fruit yield (33.9 t ha^?1) over other combinations. Both farmyard manure and inorganic fertilizers significantly increased fruits/plant, average fruit weight, plant height, fruit length, and fruit diameter. The maximum net returns (4520 $ ha^?1) was achieved at 20 t of FYM along with 125% of recommended NPK. Energy ratio of 1.29 and 1.13 was the highest under 20 t FYM ha^?1 and 125% of recommended NPK, respectively. Available nutrients (N, P, and K) improved the status of the soil significantly due to 20 t ha^?1 of FYM and 125% of recommended NPK over other treatments.     

Long-term effects of fertilization and manuring on productivity and soil biological properties under rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) sequence in Mollisols

Long-term effects of chemical fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM) in rice (Oryza sativa)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) cropping system were monitored for two consecutive years after 38 and 39 years on productivity and soil biological properties of Mollisols. The study encompasses varying chemical fertilizer levels of optimum fertilizer rate (120, 26 and 37 kg ha^?1 N, P and K, respectively) for both the crops. The treatments were application of 50% NPK, 100% NPK, 150% NPK, 100% NPK + hand weeding (HW), 100% NPK + Zn, 100% NP, 100% N, 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, 100% NPK(-S) and unfertilized control. The rice and wheat yields were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1. This treatment also gave maximum and significantly more counts of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes in soil than all the other treatments after crop harvest. The soil microbial biomass C (410.0 and 407.5 µg g^?1) and N (44.53 and 48.30 µg g^?1) after rice and wheat, respectively, were highest with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1, which were significantly higher over all the other treatments. The activities of soil enzymes like dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulphatase and urease and CO₂ evolution rate with 100% NPK + 15 t FYM ha^?1 were also found significantly higher over the other treatments. Fertilizer treatments with 100% NPK and 150% NPK were comparable and significantly better than application of 50% NPK, 100% N, 100% NP and 100% NPK(-S) in various studied soil biological properties. Integrated use of 100% NPK with FYM sustained the higher yields and soil biological properties under rice–wheat cropping system in Mollisols. Application of Zn and hand weeding with 100% NPK were found better over 100% NPK alone in rice and wheat productivity. Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers had the harmful effect on soil biological health.     

Influence of boron fertilization on cauliflower productivity,nutrient uptake and soil nutrient status in an acid Alfisol in Northwestern Himalaya

ABSTRACT

Modern agriculture over the years has resulted in depletion of boron (B) from soil which has been emerged as a serious obstacle for sustainable agriculture. We studied the availability of B in soil and cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis L.) productivity under different levels of B fertilization. A field experiment was conducted during 2013–2014 and 2014–2015, at experimental farm of Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur on silt-clay loam soil (acid Alfisol) under mid hill wet temperate condition. Different levels of B for the study included 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 30 kg B ha^?1 along with recommended dose (RD) of NPK and farmyard manure (FYM, 20 t ha^?1). The application of B influenced biological yield significantly up to 5 kg ha^?1. Highest curd yield in 2013–2014 (11.03 t ha^?1) and 2014–2015 (12.93 t ha^?1) was recorded in 1.5 and 0.75 kg ha^?1 B along with NPK + FYM, respectively. At higher rates of boron i.e. 10, 20 and 30 kg ha^?1, due to toxic effects, a reduction in curd yield was recorded in both years. Maximum mean uptake of N, P and K by leaves and curd was recorded with the application of boron at 1.5 kg ha^?1, whereas mean B uptake was highest when boron was applied at 2.5 kg ha^?1. The highest mean value (1.79 mg kg^?1) of soil available boron was recorded with 30 kg B ha^?1. Application of boron at 2.4 kg ha^?1 was worked out as optimum dose for cauliflower.     

Long-term yield trend and sustainability of rainfed soybean–wheat system through farmyard manure application in a sandy loam soil of the Indian Himalayas

A long-term (30 years) soybean–wheat experiment was conducted at Hawalbagh, Almora, India to study the effects of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on grain yield trends of rainfed soybean (Glycine max)–wheat (Triticum aestivum) system and nutrient status (soil C, N, P and K) in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplaquept). The unfertilized plot supported 0.56 Mg ha⁻¹ of soybean yield and 0.71 Mg ha⁻¹ of wheat yield (average yield of 30 years). Soybean responded to inorganic NPK application and the yield increased significantly to 0.87 Mg ha⁻¹ with NPK. Maximum yields of soybean (2.84 Mg ha⁻¹) and residual wheat (1.88 Mg ha⁻¹) were obtained in the plots under NPK + farmyard manure (FYM) treatment, which were significantly higher than yields observed under other treatments. Soybean yields in the plots under the unfertilized and the inorganic fertilizer treatments decreased with time, whereas yields increased significantly in the plots under N + FYM and NPK + FYM treatments. At the end of 30 years, total soil organic C (SOC) and total N concentrations increased in all the treatments. Soils under NPK + FYM-treated plots contained higher SOC and total N by 89 and 58% in the 0–45 cm soil layer, respectively, over that of the initial status. Hence, the decline in yields might be due to decline in available P and K status of soil. Combined use of NPK and FYM increased SOC, oxidizable SOC, total N, total P, Olsen P, and ammonium acetate exchangeable K by 37.8, 42.0, 20.8, 30.2, 25.0, and 52.7%, respectively, at 0–45 cm soil layer compared to application of NPK through inorganic fertilizers. However, the soil profiles under all the treatments had a net loss of nonexchangeable K, ranging from 172 kg ha⁻¹ under treatment NK to a maximum of 960 kg ha⁻¹ under NPK + FYM after 30 years of cropping. Depletion of available P and K might have contributed to the soybean yield decline in treatments where manure was not applied. The study also showed that although the combined NPK and FYM application sustained long-term productivity of the soybean–wheat system, increased K input is required to maintain soil nonexchangeable K level.     

Effects of Long-Term Fertilizer Application and Rainfall Distribution on Cotton Productivity,Profitability, and Soil Fertility in a Semi-arid Vertisol

Long-term fertilizer experiments were conducted on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) for 21 years with eight fertilizer treatments in a fixed site during 1987–2007 to identify an efficient treatment to ensure maximum yield, greater sustainability, monetary returns, rainwater-use efficiency, and soil fertility over years. The results indicated that the yield was significantly influenced by fertilizer treatments in all years except 1987 1988, and 1994. The mean cotton yield ranged from 492 kg ha^?1 under the control to 805 kg ha^?1 under 25 kg nitrogen (N) [farmyard manure (FYM)] + 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg phosphorus (P) ha^?1. Among the nutrients, soil N buildup was observed with all treatments, whereas application of 25 kg N + 12.5 kg P ha^?1 exhibited increase in P status. Interestingly, depletion of potassium (K) was recorded under all the fertilizer treatments as there was no K application in any of the treatments. An increase in soil N and P increased the plant N and P uptake respectively. Using relationships of different variables, principal component (PC) analysis technique was used for assessing the efficiency of treatments. In all the treatments, five PCs were found significant that explained the variability in the data of variables. The PC model of 25 kg N (FYM) + 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg P ha^?1 explained maximum variability of 79.6% compared to other treatments. The treatment-wise PC scores were determined and used in developing yield prediction models and measurement of sustainability yield index (SYI). The SYI ranged from 44.4% in control to 72.7% in 25 kg N (FYM) + 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg P ha^?1, which attained a mean cotton yield of 805 kg ha^?1 over years. Application of 25 kg N (FYM) + 25 kg N (urea) + 25 kg P ha^?1 was significantly superior in recording maximum rainwater-use efficiency (1.13 kg ha^?1 mm^?1) and SYI (30.5%). This treatment also gave maximum gross returns of Rs. 30272 ha^?1 with benefit–cost ratio of 1.60 and maintained maximum organic carbon and available N, P, and K in soil over years. These findings are extendable to cotton grown under similar soil and agroclimatic conditions in any part of the world.