Foliar spray of mineral nutrients enhanced the growth,seed yield,and quality in onion (Allium cepa L.) cv. Pusa Riddhi

The present experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar spray of mineral nutrients on plant growth, seed yield, and quality attributes in onion cv. Pusa Riddhi at SPU, IARI, New Delhi during rabi 2013–14 and 2014–15. The experiment consisted of 16 treatments comprised of boron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium laid out in a completely randomized block design with two replications. The study revealed that the foliar zinc spray (625 g ha^?1) produced higher seed scape height (105.35 cm) along with lower disease incidence (8.50%) than the other treatments. Whereas, higher number of seed scapes plant^?1 (11.20) and productive seed scapes plant^?1 (8.58) were observed in T₁₀ (500 g ha^?1) and combined spray of B + Zn + Ca (T₁₄), respectively. The flowering traits, viz., umbellates umbel^?1 (642.45), productive umbellates umbel^?1 (579.35), and umbel diameter (7.38cm) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in T₁₅ than other treatments. Similarly, higher seed yield and seed quality attributes were also observed in combined application of all minerals treatment (T₁₅).     

Uptake and nutrient balance of nitrogen,sulfur, and boron for optimal canola production in eastern Canada

Balanced plant nutrition is essential to achieve high yields of canola (Brassica napus L.) and get the best economic return from applied fertilizers. A field study was conducted at nine site‐years across eastern Canada to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and boron (B) fertilization on canola nutrient uptake, nutrient balance, and their relationship to canola yields. The factorial experiment consisted of four N rates of 0 (N0), 50 (N50), 100 (N100), and 150 (N150) kg ha^?1, two S rates of 0 (S0) and 20 (S20) kg ha^?1, and three B treatments of 0 (B0), 2 kg ha^?1 at preplant (B2.0P), and 0.5 kg B ha^?1 foliar‐applied at early flowering stage (B0.5F). Each site‐year used the same experimental design and assigned treatments in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Fertilizer S application greatly improved seed yields at six out of nine site‐years, and the highest N use efficiency was in the N150+S20 treatment. Sulfur application generally increased seed S concentration, seed S removal, and plant total S uptake, while B fertilization mainly elevated straw B concentration and content, with minimal effect on seed yields. At the early flowering stage, plant tissue S ranged from 2.2 to 6.6 mg S g^?1, but the N : S ratio was over or close to the critical value of 12 in the N150+S0 combination at five site‐years. On average across nine site‐years, canola reached a plateau yield of 3580 kg ha^?1 when plants contained 197 kg N ha^?1, 33 kg S ha^?1 and 200 g B ha^?1, with a seed B content of 60 g B ha^?1. The critical N, S, and B values identified in this work and their potential for a posteriori nutrient diagnosis of canola should be useful to validate fertilizer requirements for canola production in eastern Canada.     

Interaction effect of nitrogen,phosphorus, and zinc fertilization on growth,yield, and nutrient contents of aromatic rice varieties

Abstract

Studies on nutrient interactions in aromatic rice are needed for proper understanding of impact of imbalanced use of nutrients in the era of multi and micro-nutrient deficiencies. A pot experiment was conducted during the rainy/wet season (June–October) of 2013 at New Delhi, to study the interaction effects of two levels each of nitrogen (N) (0 and 120?kg?ha^?1), phosphorus (P; 0 and 25.8?kg?ha^?1), and zinc (Zn; 0 and 5?kg?ha^?1) in two aromatic rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties, viz. Pusa Rice Hybrid 10 and Pusa Basmati 1121. Application of N, P, and Zn resulted in increase of dry matter (0.91, 0.32, and 0.24?g plant^?1, respectively) 60?days after sowing (DAS) and grain yield of rice (3.68, 1.67, and 1.17?g plant^?1). The increase in yield of rice owing to N application was relatively higher by 0.98, 0.22, and 1.05?g plant^?1, respectively, when either P or Zn or both were applied with N than alone application of N, indicating synergetic effect of P and Zn application with N. The higher concentration and uptake of K in grain (0.25% vs 0.10%) and straw (1.32% vs 0.94%) were observed in the treatment received N than no N, though K was applied uniformly in all the treatments. It indicates positive interaction of N and K. The higher uptake of P in grain and straw was observed when P was applied with N and Zn (3.34 and 2.15?mg plant^?1), or with N (3.26 and 2.11?mg plant^?1) signifying positive effect of N on P uptake in rice.     

Agronomic evaluation of mulching and iron nutrition on productivity,nutrient uptake,iron use efficiency and economics of aerobic rice-wheat cropping system

Field experiments were carried out during rainy (kharif) and winter (rabi) seasons (June–April) of 2008–2010 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, to study the productivity, nutrients uptake, iron (Fe) use-efficiency and economics of aerobic rice-wheat cropping system as influenced by mulching and Fe nutrition. The highest yield attributes, grain and straw yields (5.41 tonnes ha^?1 and 6.56 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake in rice was recorded with transplanted and puddled rice (TPR) followed by aerobic rice with Sesbania aculeata mulch. However, residual effect of aerobic rice with wheat straw mulch was more pronounced on yield attributes, grain and straw yields (4.20 and 6.70 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake in succeeding wheat and remained at par with aerobic rice with Sesbania mulch. Application of iron sulfate (FeSO₄) at 50 kg ha^?1 + 2 foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄ was found to be the best in terms of all the yield attributes, grain and straw yield (5.09 and 6.17 tonnes ha^?1, respectively) and nutrient uptake and remained at par with 3 foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄. Although residual effect of iron application failed to increase the yield attributes, yield and nutrient uptake nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N, P, K) except Fe. The highest system productivity, nutrient uptake, gross returns, net returns, B: C ratio and lowest cost of cultivation were recorded with aerobic rice with wheat straw and Sesbania aculeata mulch. Application of FeSO₄ at 50 kg ha^?1 + two foliar sprays of 2% FeSO₄ was found better in respect of system productivity, nutrient uptake, gross returns, net returns, B:C ratio and cost of cultivation in aerobic rice-wheat cropping system. The Fe use efficiency values viz. partial factor productivity (kg grain kg^?1 Fe), agronomic efficiency (kg grain increased kg^?1 Fe applied), agrophysiological efficiency (kg grain kg^?1 Fe uptake), physiological efficiency (kg biomass kg^?1 Fe uptake), apparent recovery (%) utilization efficiency and harvest index (%) of applied Fe were significantly affected due to methods of rice production and various Fe nutrition treatments in aerobic rice and aerobic rice-wheat cropping system.     

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.     

Nutrient uptake and use efficiency of onion seed yield as influenced by nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at Kulumsa, South East Ethiopia, using four levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 50,100 and 150?kg N ha^?1) and four levels of phosphorus (P) (0, 35, 70 and 105?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) fertilizers arranged in 4?×?4 factorial arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. The available P was increased after harvest due to the application of N and P fertilizer at the rates of 100 or 150?kg N ha^?1 and 70 or 105?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1. More specifically, nutrients concentration and nutrient uptake were significantly (p?<?.01) varied among treatment combinations and nutrient use efficiency was declined by increasing N and P after optimum rates. The higher physiological efficiency of N (53.47?kg kg^?1) and P (580.41?kg kg^?1) and the highest apparent recovery of N (19.62%) and P (2.47%) was recorded from application of 50?kg N ha^?1 and P at 70?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 and the highest agronomic efficiency of N (10.78?kg kg^?1) and P (15.25?kg kg^?1) was recorded from N at the rate of 50?kg N ha^?1 and P at 35?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1, respectively. The combination of N at 100?kg N ha^?1 and P at 70?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 was promising combination that generated highest net benefit 488,878.5 ETB (Ethiopian birr) ha^?1 with the highest marginal rate of return (36638%) and gave the highest seed yield (1858.82?kg ha^?1) with yield increment of about 57.72% over the control.     

Eucalyptus biochar application enhances Ca uptake of upland rice,soil available P,exchangeable K,yield, and N use efficiency of sugarcane in a crop rotation system

It was hypothesized that the application of eucalyptus biochar enhances nutrient use efficiencies of simultaneously supplied fertilizer, as well as provides additional nutrients (i.e., Ca, P, and K), to support crop performance and residual effects on subsequent crops in a degraded sandy soil. To test this hypothesis, we conducted an on‐farm field experiment in the Khon Kaen province of Northeastern Thailand to assess the effects of different application rates of eucalyptus biochar in combination with mineral fertilizers to upland rice and a succeeding crop of sugarcane on a sandy soil. The field experiment consisted of three treatments: (1) no biochar; (2) 3.1 Mg ha^?1 biochar (10.4 kg N ha^?1, 3.1 kg P ha^?1, 11.0 kg K ha^?1, and 17.7 kg Ca ha^?1); (3) 6.2 Mg ha^?1 biochar (20.8 kg N ha^?1, 6.2 kg P ha^?1, 22.0 kg K ha^?1, and 35.4 kg Ca ha^?1). All treatments received the same recommended fertilizer rate (32 kg N ha^?1, 14 kg P ha^?1, and 16 kg K ha^?1 for upland rice; 119 kg N ha^?1, 21 kg P ha^?1, and 39 kg K ha^?1 for sugarcane). At crop harvests, yield and nutrient contents and nitrogen (N) use efficiency were determined, and soil chemical properties and pH₀ monitored. The eucalyptus biochar material increased soil Ca availability (117 ± 28 and 116 ± 7 mg kg^?1 with 3.1 and 6.2 Mg ha^?1 biochar application, respectively) compared to 71 ± 13 mg kg^?1 without biochar application, thus promoting Ca uptake and total plant biomass in upland rice. Moreover, the higher rate of eucalyptus biochar improved CEC, organic matter, available P, and exchangeable K at succeeding sugarcane harvest. Additionally, 6.2 Mg ha^?1 biochar significantly increased sugarcane yield (41%) and N uptake (70%), thus enhancing N use efficiency (118%) by higher P (96%) and K (128%) uptake, although the sugar content was not increased. Hence, the application rate of 6.2 Mg ha^?1 eucalyptus biochar could become a potential practice to enhance not only the nutrient status of crops and soils, but also crop productivity within an upland rice–sugarcane rotation system established on tropical low fertility sandy soils.     

Modeling Effects of Soil Fertility of Nutrients and Precipitation of 22 Years on Sustainable Productivity and Profitability of Pearlmillet and Sorghum Rotation in Semi-arid Vertisols

Based on experiments conducted during 1988–2009 on rainfed pearl millet/sorghum with 9 treatments in Vertisols, an efficient treatment for sustainable productivity is identified. Twenty kg of nitrogen (N) from farmyard manure (FYM) + 20 kg N (urea) + 10 kg phosphorus (P) ha^?1 in pearl millet and 40 kg N (urea) + 20 kg P + 25 kg zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) ha^?1 in sorghum gave maximum yield and rainwater-use efficiency, whereas 20 kg N (FYM) + 20 kg (urea) + 10 kg P ha^?1 in pearl millet and 40 kg (urea) + 20 kg P ha^?1 in sorghum and gave maximum soil N, P, and potassium (K) over years. The regression model of 20 kg N (crop residue) + 20 kg N (urea) + 10 kg P ha^?1 gave maximum R² for predicting sorghum equivalent yield separately through precipitation and soil variables, whereas 20 kg N (FYM) + 20 kg N (urea) + 10 kg P ha^?1 gave maximum R² under combined model of both variables. Treatment of 20 kg N (FYM) + 20 kg N (urea) + 10 kg P ha^?1 was superior for attaining maximum sorghum equivalent yield of 1062 kg ha^?1, net returns of Rs. 4805 ha^?1, benefit/cost (BC) ratio of 1.50, and 127 kg ha^?1 of soil N, 10.3 kg ha^?1 of soil P, and 386 kg ha^?1 of soil K over years.     

Boron and Amino Acid Foliar Application on Wheat-Soybean Intercropping in a Non-Tillage System

Micronutrient and amino acid (AA) foliar fertilization has generally been sprayed onto plants to increase the crop yield. The experiment had the aim of evaluating the foliar boron (B) and AA application on grain yield (GY), physiological characteristics, nutritional status, and yield components in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] intercropping in a non-tillage system (NTS). The experiment was set up as a randomized block design with eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments had the following boron (B) rates: [0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 kg ha^?1, source: boric acid (H₃BO₃)] + AAs (2 L ha^?1) applied by foliar spraying and the additional treatments [(Control - without B and AAs), 2 kg ha^?1 B, 2 L ha^?1 AAs and 2 kg ha^?1 B + 1 L ha^?1 AAs] applied at the end of the elongation and spike beginning of wheat plants and development growth stage (V5) of soybean for two growing seasons. Boron and AAs had no influence on the physiological and yield components and had no increases in the foliar and grain B content in wheat and soybean. No matter the dose, the foliar B + AAs (2 L ha^?1) application did not increase the GY in wheat-soybean under a rotational NTS in loamy soil with suitable available B.     

EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND SULFUR FERTILIZATION ON YIELD COMPONENTS,SEED AND OIL YIELDS OF CANOLA

Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) levels and their methods of application on canola. Branches plant^?1, pods plant^?1 and biological yield significantly increased with increase in nitrogen level and no significant increase in seed pod^?1 and seed and oil yields occurred beyond 120 kg N ha^?1. However, thousand seed weight consistently decreased with increasing level of nitrogen. Pods plant^?1 and biological yield continually increased with increase in sulfur level. Alternatively, significant increase in branches plant^?1, seed pod^?1, seed weight, seed and oil yields was noted with increase in sulfur level up to 40 kg ha^?1. Applications of sulfur and nitrogen in split significantly decreased seed yield as compared to sole applications. It is concluded that sulfur and nitrogen application as sole at the rate of 40 and 120 kg ha^?1, respectively performed better than the rest of their levels and method of application.     

Foliar Applied Phosphorous Enhanced Growth,Chlorophyll Contents,Gas Exchange Attributes and PUE in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the foliar applied phosphorous with and without pre-plant dose (50 kg hac.^?1) of phosphorous on growth, chlorophyll contents, gas exchange parameters and phosphorous use efficiency (PUE) of wheat. The experiment was conducted in net house at Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Two promising wheat cultivar AARI 2011 and FSD 2008 were used as a test crop with 5 foliar phosphorus (P) rates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 kg ha^?1). The foliar applied P with pre-plant performed better than without pre-plant and control treatments. Foliar treatment of phosphorus at 6 kg ha^?1 P proved to be the best among other foliar treatments followed by 8 kg ha^?1 P. The foliar application of phosphorous at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied P increased the shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The chlorophyll contents (Chl. a and b) were increased with the foliar application of phosphorous. The gas exchange parameters (net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and sub-stomatal CO₂ rate) were significantly improved by foliar applied P. The maximum values of net CO₂ assimilation rate (5.27 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), transpiration rate (3.44 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), stomatal conductance (0.81 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1) and sub-stomatal CO₂ (271.67 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), were recorded in the treatment where P was foliar applied at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied Phosphorous. The foliar application of phosphorous with pre-plant soil applied P enhanced Phosphorous use efficiency (PUE) in both varieties. The maximum value of PUE (15.42%) was recorded in the treatment where foliar feeding of P was done at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied P in both genotypes.     

Influence of Foliar and Ground Fertilization on Yield,Fruit Quality,and Soil,Leaf, and Fruit Mineral Nutrients in Apple

ABSTRACT

The effectiveness of nitrogen (N)+ zinc (Zn) soil and foliar fertilizer applications on growth, yield, and quality of apple (Malus domestic Borkh ‘Golden Delicious’) fruit was studied in the Zanjan province, Iran. There were eight treatments 1) control (no fertilizer), 2) soil applied N, 3) soil applied Zn, 4) soil applied N+Zn, 5) foliar applied N, 6) foliar applied Zn, 7) foliar applied N+Zn and 8) combined soil and foliar applied N+Zn. The N source was urea [CO(NH₂)₂, 46% N] applied at 276 N tree^{? 1} yr^?1 and the Zn source was zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄,7H₂0, 23% Zn) applied at 110 g Zn tree^{? 1} yr^{? 1}. The soil treatments of N and Zn, were applied every two weeks during June through August (total of 6 times/year) in a 1 m radius around the tree trunk (drip line of trees). The foliar solutions of N (10 g l^{? 1} urea) and Zn [8 g l^{? 1} zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄)] were sprayed at the rate of 10 L tree^{? 1} every two weeks at the same times as described for soil applications. The highest yield (49 kg tree^{? 1}), and the heaviest fruits (202 g) were obtained in the soil and foliar combination of N+Zn treatment. The lowest yield (35 kg tree^{? 1}), and the smallest fruits (175 g) were recorded in the control. Nitrogen, and to a lesser extent Zn, foliar application resulted in decreasing fruit quality (caused russeting, and lower soluble solid), but increasing N leaf and fruit concentrations (2.4% DW and 563 mg kg^{? 1}, respectively). There were significant differences among yield and leaf mineral nutrient concentration in different treatments. But there was no significant difference between fruit mineral nutrient concentration (except N). Ratio of N/calcium (Ca), potassium (K)/Ca, and [magnesium (Mg)+K]/Ca in fruits were found suitable for fruit quality prediction. Combining the zinc sulfate with urea in the foliar applications increased the concentration of Zn from 0.7 to 1.5 mg per kg of apple tissue. Leaf N concentration varied during growth season. Foliar applied nutrient can be more efficient than soil applied, but a combination of soil and foliar applications is recommended for apple tree nutrient management.     

Nitrogen use Rationalization and Boosting Wheat Productivity by Applying Packages ‎of Humic,Amino Acids,and Microorganisms

ABSTRACT

Integrated management of soil organic matter and nutritional status of crop plants is essential to sustain the production of organic farming systems. Thus, a 2–year field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of soil additions (192 kg N ha^–1, humic+192 kg N ha^–1, humic+144 kg N ha^–1 and humic+96 kg N ha^–1) and foliar applications (amino acids, Azotobacter+yeast, and amino acids plus Azotobacter+yeast) as various fertilizer resources on growth and yield of wheat. Results showed that humic+192 kg N ha^–1 × amino acids plus Azotobacter+yeast were the effective combination for producing the highest values of flag leaf area, total dry weight, tiller number m^–2, spike weight m^–2, and grain yield ha^–1. Under foliar application of amino acids plus Azotobacter+yeast, reducing N supply from recommended rate (192 kg N ha^–1) to 144 kg N ha^–1+ humic achieved higher values of all yield traits, with a saving of 25% of applied mineral nitrogen as well as enhancing nitrogen use efficiency.     

Zinc deficiency in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) is counteracted by N fertilization

Abstract

A two-year experiment was conducted on oilseed rape in 2004–2005 and 2005–2006 in north Iran. Treatments were 0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha^?1 as urea (F₀ to F₁₅₀, respectively), 100 kg N ha^?1 as urea +50 kg N ha^?1 as manure (F₁₀₀M₅₀), 50 kg N ha^?1 as urea +100 kg N ha^?1 as manure (F₅₀M₁₀₀), and 150 kg N ha^?1 as manure (M₁₅₀). Results indicated that seed yield in M₁₅₀ was significantly lower than in F₁₅₀ in both years. Seed protein content in the inorganic fertilization system (F₁₅₀) was significantly higher than in the organic (M₁₅₀) and integrated systems (F₁₀₀M₅₀ and F₅₀M₁₀₀). Seed oil content, however, was higher in the organic treatment than in the inorganic treatment. Less N uptake in F₁₀₀M₅₀ compared with F₁₅₀ in the first year and in F₅₀M₁₀₀ compared with F₁₅₀ in the second year did not result in similar differences in grain yield. Owing to the low content of soil-available Zn, the association between Zn and N concentration in shoot in the inorganic treatments was low. In spite of a significant increase in soil-available Zn under the organic and integrated treatments, no significant increase was observed in Zn concentration of shoot in these treatments compared with F₁₅₀. It appears that the excessive availability of P in M₁₅₀, F₅₀M₁₀₀, and F₁₀₀M₅₀ has reduced either Zn uptake or its translocation from root to shoot. Overall, it could be concluded that in order to increase Zn uptake under manure application in a Zn-deficient soil, N availability should increase.     

Integrated Nutrient Management Affects Fruit Yield of Sapota (Achras zapota L.) and Nutrient Availability in a Vertisol

ABSTRACT

We studied the effect of integrated nutrient management (INM) combinations on supplement of plant nutrient for quantitative and qualitative fruit production in sapota. Thus, 17 combinations of INM practices were evaluated on fruit yield of sapota and nutrient availability in a Vertisol of Chambal region, India. The results demonstrated that almost all treatment combinations comprised of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e. 1,000:500:500 g NPK plant^?1 with application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients had a significant effect on the fruit yield of sapota, soil microbial biomass, NPK content of leaf, fruit and soil over control (T₁). Among different treatments, application of 2/3rd part of RDF + 50 kg FYM + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₁) significantly enhanced the number of fruits plant^?1 (327.88), yield plant^?1 (29.03 kg) and yield ha^?1 (4.52 t). However, the soil microbial count of fungi (8.89 cfu g^?1 soil), bacteria (11.19 cfu g^?1 soil) and actinomycetes (5.60 cfu g^?1 soil) at fruit harvest was higher under the 2/3 of RDF +10 kg vermicompost + 250 g Azospirillum + 250 g Azotobacter plant^?1 (T₁₅). The leaf nitrogen content (N, 2.03%) was higher in T_15, while phosphorus (P, 0.28%) and potassium (K, 1.80%) content were higher in T₁₁. It is evident that treatment T₁₁ increased fruit yield by 32% in Sapota cv. Kalipatti compared to control. Therefore, combined application of nutrient sources proved not only beneficial for enhancing fruit yield of sapota but also sustaining soil health in Chambal region of south-eastern Rajasthan.     

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.     

Response of Chickpea Cultivars to Application of Boron in Boron‐Deficient Calcareous Soils

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of four boron (B) doses (control, 0 kg B ha^?1; B₁, 1 kg B ha^?1; B₂, 3 kg B ha^?1; and B₃, 6 kg B ha^?1) in soils deficient in available B (0.19 mg B kg^?1) and lime (CaCO₃) content (20.7%) on yield and some yield components of five chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, namely Akçin‐91, Population, Gökçe, ?zmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 in central Anatolian Turkey in the 2002 and 2003 growing seasons. Plant height, pods per plant, grain yield, protein content, protein yield, thousand seed weight, and leaf B concentration were measured. Grain yields in all genotypes (except for Gökçe) were significantly increased by 1 kg ha^?1 B application. Application of 1 kg ha^?1 B increased the yield by an average of 5%. Genotypes studied showed significant variations with respect to their responses to additional B. Akçin‐91 gave the highest grain yield (1704.8 kg ha^?1) at 3 kg B ha^?1, whereas Population, ?zmir‐92, and Menemen‐92 yielded best (1468.2 kg ha^?1, 1483.0 kg ha^?1, and 1484.7 kg ha^?1, respectively) at 1 kg B ha^?1. Interestingly, Gökçe reached to the highest level of grain yield (1827.1 kg ha^?1) at the control. Gökçe was a B deficiency B tolerance genotype. The other genotypes appeared to have high sensitivity to B deficiency. This study showed that B deficiency could result in significant yield losses in chickpea under the experimental conditions tested. Thus, B contents of soils for the cultivation of chickpea should be analyzed in advance to avoid yield losses.     

Symbiotic parameters,growth, nutrient accumulation,productivity and profitability as influenced by integrated nutrient management in lentil (Lens culinaris)

Field experiments evaluated the effects of integrated nutrient management on symbiotic parameters, growth, nutrient accumulation, productivity and profitability of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus). Application of recommended dose of nutrients (RDN, 12.5 kg N ha^?1 + 40 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1) + 25 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 + seed inoculation with biofertilizers [Rhizobium + phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) + plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)] + 1.0 g ammonium molybdate kg^?1 seed recorded the highest number & dry weight of nodules, leghaemoglobin content, root & shoot dry weight, plant height, number of pods plant^?1 and 100-seed weight. The next best treatment was RDN + seed inoculation with biofertilizers + 1.0 g ammonium molybdate kg^?1 seed. On the basis of mean of three-year data, the treatment of RDN + 25 kg ZnSO₄ ha^?1 + seed inoculation with biofertilizers + 1.0 g ammonium molybdate kg^?1 seed proved the best in realizing the highest grain yield (34.0%), gross returns (34.0%) and net returns (54.8% higher over control). Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the grains and straw were significantly improved where RDN was applied in combination with seed inoculation, basal application of ZnSO₄ and seed treatment with 1 g ammonium molybdate than their single applications.     

Genotypic Differences in Dry Bean Yield and Yield Components as Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilization and Rhizobia

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important legume worldwide and nitrogen (N) is most yield limiting nutrients. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate response of 15 dry bean genotypes to nitrogen and rhizobial inoculation. The N and rhizobia treatments were (i) control (0 kg N ha^?1), (ii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains, (iii) seed inoculation with rhizobia strains + 50 kg N ha^?1, and (iv) 120 kg N ha^?1. Straw yield, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N and rhizobial treatments. Grain yield, straw yield, number of pods m^?2, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by year, nitrogen + rhizobium, and genotype treatments. Year × Nitrogen + rhizobium × genotype interactions were also significant for these traits. Hence, these traits varied among genotypes with the variation in year and nitrogen + rhizobium treatments. Inoculation with rhizobium alone did not produce maximum yield and fertilizer N is required in combination with inoculation. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). NUE defined as grain produced per unit N applied decreased with increasing N rate. Overall, NUE was 23.17 kg grain yield kg^?1 N applied at 50 kg N ha^?1 and 13.33 kg grain per kg N applied at 120 kg N ha^?1.     

Bioorganic Nutrient Source Effect on Growth,Biomass, and Quality of Natural Sweetener Plant Stevia and Soil Fertility in the Western Himalayas

The effects of bioorganic nutrients on stevia were studied during 2011 and 2012 at Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India. Bioorganic nutrient sources were evaluated in fourteen treatment combinations. Results showed that number of leaves plant^?1, leaf area plant^?1, and fresh and dry leaf biomass plant^?1 were significantly greater with the application of farmyard manure (FYM) 15 Mg ha^?1 + vermicompost (VC) 5 Mg ha^?1 + stevia seedlings treated with phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and azotobacter as compared to the control but plant height and the number of branches were not significantly affected by various treatments. This superior combination also resulted in considerably greater amounts of phosphorus (P) in stem (1.18 percent) and potassium (K) in leaf (2.39 percent). Stevia plants supplied with VC 7.5 Mg ha^?1 + stevia seedlings treated with PSB and azotobacter recorded greater stevioside (7.2 percent) and total steviol glycoside (8.4 percent). Application of organic manures in combination with biofertilizers enhanced soil organic carbon and available nutrient status of soil as compared to control.