Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur
Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (renamed as Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in June, 2001) was established on 1st November, 1978.The College of Agriculture (established in May, 1966) formed the nucleus of the new farm University. It is ICAR accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified institution. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has ranked this University at eleventh place among all farm universities of the country.
The University has been given the mandate for making provision for imparting education in agriculture and other allied branches of learning, furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research and undertaking extension of such sciences, especially to the rural people of Himachal Pradesh.
Over the years, this University has contributed significantly in transforming the farm scenario of Himachal Pradesh. It has developed human resources, varieties and technologies and transferred these to farming community enabling the State to receive the “Krishikarman award” of Govt. of India four times in row for food grain production among small states of the country. Today, the State has earned its name for hill agricultural diversification and the farming community has imposed its faith in the University.
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ThesisItem Open Access Genetic analysis of fruit yield and component traits in sweet pepper [Capsicum annuum l.var grossum sendt.](CSKHPKV, Palampur, 0) Naveen Kumar; Sood, SoniaThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION AND STANDARDIZATION OF WATER SOLUBLE FERTILIZER AS FOLIAR SPRAY FOR TOMATO-PEA SEQUENCE UNDER MID-HILL SUB-HUMID ZONE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 04-01-17) JARYAL, NAVNEET; Parmar, D. K.ABSTRACT The application of water soluble fertilizers as a foliar spray is an important crop management strategy, which may help maximizing crop yield and produce quality. The primary objective of the present study entitled “Evaluation and standardization of water soluble fertilizer as foliar spray for tomato-pea sequence under mid-hill sub-humid zone of Himachal Pradesh” was to assess the effects of foliar fertilization at different rates and time intervals on tomato-pea sequence. The field experiment was carried out for two consecutive seasons (2013-14 and 2014-15) at Research Farm of Hill Agricultural Research & Extension Centre, Bajaura, Kullu. The experimental treatments consisted two rates of soil applied NPK fertilizers, three foliar sprays of NPK fertilizer (19:19:19) and foliar spray of NPK at two intervals. One separate control treatment with soil application of 100% NPK fertilizers was also carried out to compare with other treatments. The treatments were replicated thrice in a factorial randomized block design. The state level cultural practices were adopted for raising the crops. The results of the present study showed that the mean economic yield, net monetary returns and B:C ratio (168.4q ha-1, 1,83,243 Rs ha-1 and 1.61 in pea; 201.9 q ha-1, 1,76,108 Rs ha-1 and 1.54 in tomato) were the maximum due to application of NPK @ 100% as compared to 75% NPK. The data also demonstrated that 1.5% foliar spray of NPK (19:19:19) in comparison to 0.5% and 1.0% spray, recorded higher mean economic yield, net returns and B:C (171.5 q ha-1, 1,86,792 Rs ha-1 and 1.62 in pea; 205.6 q ha-1, 1,81,270 Rs ha-1 and 1.57 in tomato). Further, it was observed that foliar spray of NPK at 15 days interval had maximum mean economic yield (166.6 q ha-1 in pea; 200.3 q ha-1 in tomato). However, NPK spray applied at 15 and 30 days interval did not influence mean net returns and B:C ratio. The results also indicated that application of fertilizers at different rates, concentration and intervals exhibited a significant influence on different parameters like growth and yield components, nutrient content and produce quality in pea and tomato crop. However, treatments did not show any significant effect on soil properties except N, P and K availability in soil, which was influenced following application of NPK in soil and maximum build- up of these nutrients, was noticed with 100% NPK application. The positive interactions among treatments for few parameters were also observed during the current study. The results of this study also indicated very high positive inter-relations among different soil and plant parameters. Therefore, based on the net monetary returns and cost benefit ratio obtained in current investigation, the soil application of 100% NPK in conjunction with 1.5% foliar spray of NPK (19:19:19) performed at 30 days interval is encouraged for tomato-pea sequence under mid-hill and sub-humid zone of Himachal Pradesh.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON UROVAGINA VIS-À-VIS REPRODUCTION IN COWS(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 04-07-11) Vatasyan, Subrahmanyam; Sood, PankajABSTRACT Optimum cattle reproduction is a pre-requisite for a successful dairy enterprise. Urovagina is the pooling of urine in the cranial portion of vagina, which leads to infertility in the affected cattle and therefore economic loss. Studies on urovagina in Indian cattle were completely lacking and therefore undertaken in the Jersey upgraded cows. In the first part, 31 cows were examined at monthly interval from third month of gestation till second month postpartum for presence of urovagina and change in angles of pelvic girdle, vagina and vulva. There was no evidence of urovagina and no significant difference in the angles of pelvic girdle and vagina at different pregnant and postpartum stages. However, the vulvar angles of 21.6 ± 1.2 and 20.2 ± 0.8 at fourth and seventh month of pregnancy, respectively, were higher (P<0.05) than 17.3 ± 0.7 at first month after calving. This difference of approximately three degrees was inferred to be too small for any practical significance. The correlation matrix revealed a significant and individual association among pelvic girdle, vagina and vulva. In the second part, 30 normal and 15 urovagina cows were examined for vaginoscopy (to detect the presence and severity of urovagina), nature of vaginal contents, function of constrictor vestibuli muscle, past and current reproductive status, age, parity, body condition score, angles (pelvic girdle, vagina and vulva), vaginal and uterine biopsies and blood serum calcium. Except for the angles that were determined both at Day 0 (estrus) and Day 14 (two weeks after end of estrus), all other investigations were carried out at Day 0. Vaginoscopy confirmed the presence of urovagina in the affected cows and moderate urovagina (n = 8) was most common followed by severe (n = 6) and mild urovagina (n = 1). The contents in vaginal fornix of the affected cows confirmed the presence of urine mixed genital secretions characterised by yellow colour, watery spinbarkeit, 107.6 ± 10.5 ml volume, uremic odour and an average pH of 8.8 ± 0.01compared to normal cows having a clear, copious and stringy genital discharge with 17.2 ± 0.3 ml volume and an average pH of 7.01 ± 0.01. The later two were significantly different from the normal cows. The other significant differences (P<0.05 atleast) between the urovagina and the normal cows included (i) longer estrous duration (2.8 ± 0.3d versus 1.1 ± 0.05 d) (ii) higher parity (3.8 ± 0.5 versus 2.4 ± 0.3) (iii) more cranioventral angles of pelvis at Day 0 (0.3 ± 5.4 versus 15.7 ± 0.5) and Day 14 (-15.8 ± 2.8 versus 14.0 ± 1.3), respectively. The other revelations in the urovagina cows were histopathological confirmation of vaginal smooth muscle degeneration around external urethral orifice and endometritis. Surgical correction by creating vestibulovaginal cerclage was attempted 12d after estrus in five urovagina cows. There was complete absence of urine pooling in three of the treated cows indicating a 60% efficacy of the surgical treatment. In conclusion, prolonged estrous duration in multiparous cows having a craniovental pelvic girdle and degenerating vaginal smooth muscles around external urethral orifice increase the likelihood of urovagina. Vestibulovaginal cerclage will be efficient to resolve urovagina in cows.ThesisItem Open Access STUDY ON EFFECT OF BODY CONDITION SCORE ON REPRODUCTION IN DAIRY COWS IN H.P.(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 04-07-11) Nazat Ahmed, Sayed; Kumar, NavneetABSTRACT The present study was aimed to assess the body condition in heifers and cows during different phases of reproduction and assess its impact on fertility. The Jersey and Jersey X Red Sindhi crossbreed heifers and cows of the University Livestock Farm and cattle presented during clinical camps were included in the study. The BCS of heifers (n=23) was monitored at 1 month interval and related to age at first estrus and cyclicity pattern. The body condition of heifers improved during 8 months of observation. The inter estrus intervals of heifers with least BCS (2.95±0.05) were highly regular compared to heifers with higher BCS (>3). The body condition of farm cows (n=26) was evaluated one month before calving, at calving and subsequently at one month interval up to 5 months post partum. There was more loss of BCS post partum in anestrus than cyclic cows. The average daily milk yield of cows with higher BCS before calving was marginally higher. Among the cows (n=146) and heifers (n=54) presented in different camps, majority heifers were anestrus while cows were cyclic. The BCS of cyclic heifers and cows was significantly higher than anestrus animals.ThesisItem Open Access GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE CHICKEN OF HIMACHAL PRADESH USING MOLECULAR MARKERS(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 06-07-11) REEN KOUR, JAGISH; Katoch, SanjeetABSTRACT Sixty five (65) blood samples at random from birds procured from different locations of the state and maintained at CSKHPKV Poultry farm, Palampur were collected. Fifteen microsatellite markers (MCW073, MCW005, MCW004, MCW051, MCW049, MCW048, MCW001, MCW014, ADL-158, ADL-172, ADL-267, ADL-210, ADL-171, ADL-176, ADL136) which gave amplification were included in the analysis. The PCR products for different microsatellite loci were resolved on 6% denaturing (urea) polyacrylamide gels along with 50 and 100 bp DNA ladders at 40-45V. Microsatellite alleles were visualized by silver staining. The observed alleles, effective number of alleles, gene frequency, observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity were estimated through POPGENE software. The mean observed and effective numbers of alleles were found to be 5.87 ± 0.28. and 4.19 ± 0.17 respectively across all loci. Total 88 alleles were observed with maximum alleles (8) contributed by locus MCW073, ADL-176 & and the least alleles (4) by (ADL-171, ADL-136, MCW014). The average heterozygosity was observed to be 0.76 ± 0.01 across all loci. The average observed and expected heterozygosity 0.56 ± .03 and 0.77 ± 0.01 respectively. The observed heterozygosity (0.8900) was highest for ADL-176, and least (0.4082) for ADL-267. The Expected heterozygosity (0.8278) was highest for MCW073 and least (0.6890) least for MCW014. All the microsatellites had shown high levels of genetic variability.The screened loci were not found to be in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for several microsatellite frequencies. Genes ChB6 and IL-2Rγ were used to study nucleotide polymorphism related to immunocompetence The PVU-II restriction enzyme digestion of 215bp amplicon of ChB6 gene generated fragments of 215,147 & 68 bp and revealed highly polymorphic patterns. The Hph1 restriction enzyme digestion of 600bp amplicon of IL-2Rγ gene generated fragments of 465,454,134,104,42bp and revealed highly polymorphic patterns. Fragment pattern revealed all the genes have high level of polymorphism in DNA samples of Native Chicken of Himachal Pradesh.ThesisItem Open Access Integrated nitrogen management in maize-potato system in an acid Alfisol(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 07-01-19) Butail, Nagender Pal; Dixit, S. P.The present investigation was carried out at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, CSK HPKV, Palampur in randomized block design consisting of ten treatments combinations viz. control, 100 per cent mineral N, farmers’ practice, 100% mineral N +FYM (recommended), 25 and 50 per cent substitution of N through FYM, vermicompost and poultry manure, respectively. The experiment was conducted in maize-potato system for two years i.e. from kharif, 2015 to rabi, 2016-17. The soil of the experimental field was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction (pH 5.31), medium in organic carbon (6.58 g kg-1) with 234, 21.4 and 185 kg ha-1 of available N, P and K, respectively. The micronutrient cations viz. Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in the soil were 21.8, 19.1, 0.93 and 0.48 mg kg-1, respectively. Surface (0-0.15 m) soil samples taken at the harvest of each crop were analysed for water holding capacity, pH, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), available N, P, K and micronutrient cations viz. Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Microbiological properties i.e. microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and soil respiration were also determined at harvest of potato, rabi 2015-16 and 2016-17. While different fractions of N were determined at the end of experimentation i.e. at the harvest of second crop of potato, rabi 2016-17. Plant samples of both the crops at the harvest of each crop, were analyzed for total N, P, K and micronutrient cations content and their respective uptake by both the crops were worked out. The present study revealed that integrated use of chemical fertilizer and different organic manures improved the soil physical, chemical as well as biological properties with highest value in the treatment where 100 % N was applied through chemical fertilizes +FYM at recommended rates. Highest yield of both the crops was recorded in same treatment and was significantly superior to the rest of the treatments followed by treatment where 50% N was substituted with poultry manure. Application of 50 per cent N through chemical fertilizers + 50 per cent N through poultry manure improved the nitrogen use efficiency as compared to the rest of the treatments i.e. 56.2 % at the end of experimentation. The contribution of different organic as well as inorganic forms of nitrogen viz., hydrolysable ammonical-N, amino acid-N, serine+threonine-N, hexosamine-N, unidentified-N, non hydrolysable-N, ammonical-N and nitrate-N, towards the total-N was 20, 23, 8, 7, 17, 15, 7 and 3 %, respectively. Different fractions of nitrogen were also found to be positively and significantly correlated with one another except non hydrolysable-N. Application of 50 per cent N through chemical fertilizers + 50 per cent N through poultry manure to both the crops recorded highest net returns as well as highest benefit cost ratio. It is concluded that the application of 100 per cent N through chemical fertilizers + FYM at recommended rates proved best treatment in terms of productivity, nutrients uptake and soil properties while 50 per cent N substitution through poultry manure proved to be the best treatment in terms of profitability and nitrogen use efficiency.ThesisItem Open Access “Subclinical endometritis in bovines of Himachal Pradesh – diagnosis and therapeutic options”(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 07-06-17) Kumari, Neelam; Singh, MadhumeetABSTRACT The aim of this study was to record prevalence of sub-clinical endometritis (SCE) by using different diagnostic methods and to recommend appropriate treatment to manage SCE. Different diagnostic methods used were clear uterine discharge cultured for bacteria (n=140 cows; 20 buffaloes) by routine methods of bacteriological testing, trans-rectal ultrasonography, cytobrush (endometrial cytology) technique and Whiteside test. Endometrial cytology was done in cows (n=15) with a threshold of ≥5% PMN as indicative of SCE. Depending on results of different diagnostic tests the prevalence of SCE varied from 40.0 to 55.0 per cent in cows and 35.0 per cent in buffaloes. The different bacteria isolated from uterine discharge samples were E.coli, Streptococcus species, Staphylococcus species, Micrococcus species, Pseudomonas species, Bacillus species and Salmonella species. Maximum isolates were of E. coli, Bacillus species and Staphylococcus species (29.03, 25.80 and 25.80%, respectively). Among 15 antimicrobial drugs used for culture sensitivity test, bacteria isolated were found most sensitive to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Cows with SCE had a relative low pregnancy rate as compared to cows without SCE. Also among treated animals (n=20) the conception rate after treatment was 45 per cent. Ultrasonography didn’t give any conclusive diagnosis. Uterine cytology followed by Whiteside test was comparatively accurate methods as compared to bacteriological testing. This study showed that endometrial cytology could be used in cows safely and effectively for the diagnosis of SCE.ThesisItem Open Access BIOEFFICACY AND PERSISTENCE OF BOTANICALS AGAINST INSECT- PESTS ON CAULIFLOWER(CSKHPKV, Palmpur, 13-01-17) GHOSH, PALLAVI; Sharma, Duni ChandSupercritical fluid extracts of eupatorium, melia and sarcococca were screened through technique-A (dry powder of botanicals replaced at every pressure) and technique-B (same dry powder used at subsequent pressures) at different pressures under laboratory for insecticidal activity. The higher insecticidal activity as well as extract yield were obtained using technique-A. The eupatorium extract obtained at 125 bar (LC50: 0.0055, 0.0040, 0.0004%) and melia (LC50: 0.0078, 0.0035, 0.0038%) and sarcococca (LC50: 0.0085, 0.0057, 0.0082%) at 100 bar pressure were found effective against B. brassicae, P. brassicae and P. xylostella, respectively and selected for the study on field evaluation against insect-pests of cauliflower, persistent toxicity and relative safety to predators. Based on different mode of entry of botanicals, the contact toxicity of azadirachtin was found to be the maximum followed by eupatorium extract. On the basis of stomach and both stomach and contact action, azadirachtin was highly efficacious followed by melia extract. Maximum antifeedancy was observed in azadirachtin (AC50: 0.0001, 0.0002%) followed by melia (AC50: 0.0078, 0.0107%), eupatorium (AC50: 0.0106, 0.0183%) and sarcococca (AC50: 0.0127, 0.0185%) against P. brassicae and P. xylostella. Similar trend was followed for repellent effect. Studies on variation in the insecticidal activity of eupatorium in different seasons and melia extract obtained from different drupe stages revealed that eupatorium extract of old leaves collected during summer and autumn season and melia extract of unriped drupes possessed maximum insecticidal activity. Bioefficacy studies conducted during three cropping seasons (2012-13 to 2014-15) at Experimental farm of Department of Entomology, CSK HPKV, Palampur revealed that among botanicals, azadirachtin (0.00045%) and melia (0.06%) were found most effective against all the tested insects and statistically at par with cypermethrin (0.01%). The order of effectiveness based on persistent toxicity value was cypermethrin > azadirachtin > melia (0.06%) > eupatorium (0.06%) > melia (0.03%) > sarcococca (0.06%) > eupatorium (0.03%) > sarcococca (0.03%). Studies on dissipation pattern of botanicals revealed the average recovery of 82.63 and 89.33 per cent of eupatorium and 88.04 and 89.63 per cent of melia through bioassay and LC MSMS was observed. The initial deposit of eupatorium, melia, sarcococca, azadirachtin and cypermethrin were 2.79, 2.80, 2.88, 2.07 and 3.13 ppm during 2014 and 2.92, 3.01, 3.01, 2.99 and 2.19 during 2015 with zero day waiting period for eupatorium, melia, sarcococca and azadirachtin and 1.89 days for cypermethrin, respectively. Studies on relative safety of botanicals for C. septempunctata showed that safety index was >16 in case of melia and eupatorium formulations, while for sarcococca it was >32 as compared to cypermethrin (1.52,1.23) for adults and grubs.ThesisItem Open Access INDUCTION OF PARTURITION IN THE DAIRY ANIMALS – A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF VARIOUS TREATMENTS PROTOCOLS(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 15-06-18) Thakur, Anupama; Singh, MadhumeetThis study was conducted in two parts. First part consisted of survey conducted through questionnaire to analyse the scenario regarding induction of parturition in bovines of Himachal Pradesh and second was a clinical study to record the clinical efficacy of four different parturition induction treatment protocols in advance pregnant cows. Overall, 24 pregnant cows (6 in each treatment protocols) suffering from cervico-vaginal prolapse and/or recumbency were induced calving using these protocols. These included 1; Dexamethasone, 2; PGF2α, 3; Dexamethasone + PGF2α in combination and 4; Dexamethasone + PGF2α + Valethamate Bromide + Diethylstilbestrol combination. Clinical findings were recorded which included response time from induction to parturition, postpartum reproductive parameters viz peak milk yield and first postpartum estrus and clinical complications like dystocia, retention of placenta post-induction. Blood samples were collected from cows at three stages viz; prior to induction treatment, just immediately after calving and 12 hrs post-calving and were analysed for hormonal and hematological profile. Questionnaire analysis revealed that Dexamethasone, PGF2α and Valethamate Bromide combination was the most preferred treatment followed with combination of Dexamethasone and PGF2α by veterinarians, whereas, majority of veterinary pharmacists used later combination in field veterinary institutions. Use of Oxytocin in combinations was also reported by some pharmacists. In present clinical study, although there was no difference in time taken from treatment to calving between different protocols (p>0.05), administration of Dexamethasone alone appeared comparatively the best. Post-partum complications were recorded in all the protocols used in this study. No difference was found in post-partum parameters between present induced and previous normal calving. Similarly there was no difference in hormonal or haematological profile between different protocols, however, cortisol levels decreased (P>0.05) 12 hrs post-calving when Dexamethasone alone was used for parturition induction.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY UNDER PREVALENT CROPPING SYSTEMS IN DIFFERENT AGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH.(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 15-07-19) Ravinder Kumar; Paliyal, S.SThe present investigation entitled “Assessment of soil quality under prevalent cropping systems in different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out with a view to ascertain the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils under prevalent cropping systems viz., maize- wheat, rice- wheat and vegetable based in different agro climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh. On the basis of detailed survey and random sampling, representative 180 soil samples from two depths i.e. 0-0.15 m and 0.15-0.30 m were collected. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical and biological properties and key indicators were identified using multivariate statistical analysis for computing the soil quality index. Wide variations in the soil health indicators were observed among different sites. The soil texture under various sites selected in the present study varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam, however sandy loam was observed as the most dominant texture both under cereal and vegetable based cropping systems in all the four zones of the state. Soil reaction across various sites under present study was slightly acidic to neutral in Zone I-III but neutral to slightly alkaline in zone IV. Higher salt accumulation (EC) was observed under vegetable based cropping systems as compared to those of cereal based. Organic carbon was medium to high and available N, P and K contents were in low to medium category in all the four zones. Organic carbon and available and total N P and K contents were higher under the vegetable based cropping systems than cereal based. DTPA Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were observed sufficient, whereas total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were recorded higher in cereal and vegetable based cropping system in all the zones. Microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen, potentially mineralizable nitrogen and soil respiration were higher at low hill subtropical zone in all cropping systems as compared to those in Zone-II, III and IV. The mean soil quality index (SQI) values for rice- wheat, maize- wheat and vegetable based cropping systems were 0.74, 0.74 and 0.81; 0.85, 0.77 and 0.81; 0.92, 0.68 and 0.73; 0.72, 0.71 and 0.78 in zone-1, II, III and IV, respectively. Overall higher soil quality index was observed under vegetable based cropping system as compared to the cereal based cropping systems.ThesisItem Open Access LONG TERM EFFECT OF PRESCRIPTION BASED FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON SOIL CARBON AND POTASSIUM DYNAMICS UNDER MAIZE-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM IN AN ACID ALFISOL(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 20-04-17) KURBAH, IBAJANAI; Dixit, S.P.The present investigation was carried out during rabi, 2014-15 and rabi, 2015-16 to study the effect of prescription based fertilizer application on soil organic carbon and potassium dynamics under maize-wheat cropping system in a long term experiment initiated during kharif, 2007 at the Experimental Farm of the Department of Soil Science CSK HPKV, Palampur. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with eight treatments. The soil of experimental field was silty clay loam in texture, pH 5.2, organic carbon 7.2 g kg-1 and available N, P and K status was 236, 41 and 272 kg ha-1, respectively. The soil samples from 0- 0.15 m soil depth were collected before and after harvest of wheat and analysed for some physical, physico-chemical, biological properties, fractions of soil organic carbon and potassium in the soil. Grain and straw samples were collected from each plot and analyzed for total N, P, K and micronutrient contents and uptake. There was an overall improvement in the physical properties of soil under STCR (IPNS) treatments for target 25 and 35 q ha-1. Soil organic carbon, pH, CEC, available N, P, K, enzyme activities and DTPA extractable micronutrients were higher under treatments where inorganic fertilizers along with FYM were applied under targeted yield treatments. The study also revealed that the target yield of 35q ha-1 with FYM resulted in highest wheat grain and straw yield during both the years. However, the highest B:C ratio was recorded in treatment for target yield 35 q ha-1 without FYM followed by soil test based treatment. Higher uptake of N, P, K and micronutrients by wheat were recorded in treatments comprising of target yield 25 and 35 q ha-1 with and without FYM. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizers alone or in conjunction with FYM improved the different fractions of soil organic carbon and potassium significantly. All the passive and active pools of soil organic carbon significantly improved under STCR (IPNS) treatments for target yield 25 and 35 qha-1 in comparisons to unfertilized plots. Among K fractions, non- exchangeable K was found to be the most dominant followed by exchangeable K and water soluble K. Different fractions of soil organic carbon were found to be positively and significantly correlated with yield and soil properties except bulk density, where it was negative. All forms of potassium were positively and significantly correlated with grain and straw yield of wheat, available K and total K uptake by wheat.ThesisItem Open Access LONG TERM EFFECT OF PRESCRIPTION BASED FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON ZINC FRACTIONS IN SOIL.(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 22-06-19) Choudhary, Deeksha; Dixit, S. P.The presentt iinvesttiigattiion was carriied outt on wheatt duriing rabii,, 2017-18 tto sttudy tthe effectt of prescriipttiion based ferttiilliizer applliicattiion on diifferentt fracttiions of ziinc iin a llong tterm experiimentt iiniittiiatted duriing khariiff,, 2007 att tthe experiimenttall farm of tthe Departtmentt of Soiill Sciience CSK HPKV,, Pallampur.. The experiimentt was llaiid outt iin a randomiized bllock desiign consiisttiing of eiightt ttreattmentts.. The soiill of experiimenttall fiielld was siilltty cllay lloam iin ttextture,, pH 5..2,, organiic carbon 7..2 g kg--1 and avaiillablle N,, P and K sttattus was 236,, 41 and 272 kg ha--1,, respecttiivelly.. The soiill samplles from 0- 0..15 m soiill deptth were collllectted before and aftter harvestt of wheatt.. The soiill samplles were anallyzed for physiicall,, chemiicall,, biiollogiicall properttiies and diifferentt fracttiions of ziinc iin soiill att harvestt of tthe crop.. Graiin and sttraw samplles were collllectted from each pllott and anallyzed for N,, P,, K,, Fe,, Mn,, Zn,, Cu conttentt and ttheiir upttake by graiin and sttraw of wheatt.. The sttudy revealled tthatt tthe ttargett yiielld of 35 q ha--1 wiitth FYM resulltted iin hiighestt wheatt graiin yiielld (34..9 q ha--1) and sttraw yiielld (58..4 q ha--1).. In prescriipttiion based ferttiilliizer applliicattiion for ttargetted yiielld of 25 q ha--1 wiitth and wiitthoutt FYM a siigniifiicantt hiigher graiin and sttraw yiielld was recorded as compared tto ttreattmentts where ferttiilliizer was applliied as per soiill ttestt based and generall recommended dose.. A siigniifiicantt iimprovementt iin nuttriientts upttake was recorded iin ttargett yiielld ttreattmentts wiitth FYM as compared tto wiitthoutt FYM ttreattmentts.. The DTPA-exttracttablle miicronuttriientt cattiions,, organiic carbon,, and miicrobiiall biiomass carbon were hiigher iin 25 and 35 q ha--1 ttargett yiielld ttreattmentts wiitth FYM iin compariison tto restt of tthe ttreattmentts.. The conttiinuous use of chemiicall ferttiilliizers broughtt outt marked depllettiion iin tthe poolls of Zn,, whiille iinttegratted applliicattiion of FYM and chemiicall ferttiilliizers recorded rellattiivelly hiigher conttentt of poolls of Zn over chemiicall ferttiilliizer applliicattiion.. Resiiduall Zn was tthe mostt domiinantt fracttiion of ziinc conttriibuttiing aboutt 49..94 per centt and non-speciifiicalllly adsorbed exchangeablle ziinc was tthe lleastt domiinantt fracttiion of ziinc conttriibuttiing aboutt 0..43 per centt tto ttottall ziinc..ThesisItem Open Access LONG TERM EFFECT OF PRESCRIPTION BASED FERTILIZER APPLICATION ON ZINC FRACTIONS IN SOIL(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 22-06-19) Choudhary, Deeksha; Dixit, S. P.The presentt iinvesttiigattiion was carriied outt on wheatt duriing rabii,, 2017-18 tto sttudy tthe effectt of prescriipttiion based ferttiilliizer applliicattiion on diifferentt fracttiions of ziinc iin a llong tterm experiimentt iiniittiiatted duriing khariiff,, 2007 att tthe experiimenttall farm of tthe Departtmentt of Soiill Sciience CSK HPKV,, Pallampur.. The experiimentt was llaiid outt iin a randomiized bllock desiign consiisttiing of eiightt ttreattmentts.. The soiill of experiimenttall fiielld was siilltty cllay lloam iin ttextture,, pH 5..2,, organiic carbon 7..2 g kg--1 and avaiillablle N,, P and K sttattus was 236,, 41 and 272 kg ha--1,, respecttiivelly.. The soiill samplles from 0- 0..15 m soiill deptth were collllectted before and aftter harvestt of wheatt.. The soiill samplles were anallyzed for physiicall,, chemiicall,, biiollogiicall properttiies and diifferentt fracttiions of ziinc iin soiill att harvestt of tthe crop.. Graiin and sttraw samplles were collllectted from each pllott and anallyzed for N,, P,, K,, Fe,, Mn,, Zn,, Cu conttentt and ttheiir upttake by graiin and sttraw of wheatt.. The sttudy revealled tthatt tthe ttargett yiielld of 35 q ha--1 wiitth FYM resulltted iin hiighestt wheatt graiin yiielld (34..9 q ha--1) and sttraw yiielld (58..4 q ha--1).. In prescriipttiion based ferttiilliizer applliicattiion for ttargetted yiielld of 25 q ha--1 wiitth and wiitthoutt FYM a siigniifiicantt hiigher graiin and sttraw yiielld was recorded as compared tto ttreattmentts where ferttiilliizer was applliied as per soiill ttestt based and generall recommended dose.. A siigniifiicantt iimprovementt iin nuttriientts upttake was recorded iin ttargett yiielld ttreattmentts wiitth FYM as compared tto wiitthoutt FYM ttreattmentts.. The DTPA-exttracttablle miicronuttriientt cattiions,, organiic carbon,, and miicrobiiall biiomass carbon were hiigher iin 25 and 35 q ha--1 ttargett yiielld ttreattmentts wiitth FYM iin compariison tto restt of tthe ttreattmentts.. The conttiinuous use of chemiicall ferttiilliizers broughtt outt marked depllettiion iin tthe poolls of Zn,, whiille iinttegratted applliicattiion of FYM and chemiicall ferttiilliizers recorded rellattiivelly hiigher conttentt of poolls of Zn over chemiicall ferttiilliizer applliicattiion.. Resiiduall Zn was tthe mostt domiinantt fracttiion of ziinc conttriibuttiing aboutt 49..94 per centt and non-speciifiicalllly adsorbed exchangeablle ziinc was tthe lleastt domiinantt fracttiion of ziinc conttriibuttiing aboutt 0..43 per centt tto ttottall ziinc..ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON INFLUENCE OF CROPPING SYSTEMS ON SOIL PROPERTIES(CSK HPKV, Palampur, 22-07-19) Dhiman, Shubham; Datt, NaveenA field experiment was conducted during the years 2017-18 at Bhadiarkhar farm, Department of Agronomy, Forages and Grassland Management, CSKHPKV, Palampur to evaluate effect of eight cropping systems viz. rice-wheat, rice-pea-summer squash, okra-radish-onion, turmeric-pea-summer squash, rice-lettuce-potato+coriander, rice-palak-cucumber, rice-broccoli-radish and colocasia-pea+coriander on various soil properties and productivity. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design and was replicated four times. The soil of experiment site was silty clay loam in texture, acidic in reaction (5.3), medium in available nitrogen (362.4 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (73.6 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (115.2 kg ha-1). Study of one year revealed that rice-pea-summer squash resulted in higher microbial population, microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity. Higher available K and lower bulk density were recorded in turmeric-pea-summer squash. Colocasia-pea+coriander resulted in higher available N and DTPA-Fe. Better available phosphorus and phosphatase activity were recorded in rice-palak-cucumber. Rice-palak-cucumber cropping system resulted in the highest rice grain equivalent yield (16,477 kg ha-1) compared to the traditional rice-wheat system. Maximum returns (Rs 2,19,828), benefit cost ratio (1.76) and productivity (63.6 kg ha-1 day-1) were also recorded from this system. The yield was significantly and positively correlated with available nitrogen, DTPA-Fe, microbial population, microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity. Therefore, farmers should substitute existing rice-wheat cropping system with rice-based vegetable systems for improved soil properties, productivity and returns.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF TILLAGE AND POTASSIUM LEVELS ON WHEAT PRODUCTIVITY AND SOIL PROPERTIES UNDER RAINFED AND LIMITED IRRIGATION CONDITIONS(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 24-07-18) Singh, Harmanpreet; Sharma, Sanjay K.The present study was conducted at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science, CSK HPKV, Palampur, during Rabi 2016-17 with the objective to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods, irrigation and potassium levels on soil moisture content, yield, nutrient uptake by wheat crop and soil properties. The treatments comprised two tillage methods viz. conventional and conservation tillage, two irrigation levels viz. no irrigation and two irrigations of 2.5 cm each at tillering and flowering stages only and three potassium levels viz.100 per cent, 125 per cent and 150 per cent recommended dose of potassium. These were evaluated in a split plot design. Wheat (var. HPW 236) was sown on 26th December, 2016. The results indicated that treatment in which conservation tillage was followed had early emergence, higher soil water content, plant height (77.2 cm), relative leaf water content, nutrients uptake, better yield attributes (spike length, number of grains per spike, number of effective tillers and 1000-grain weight) and grain (26.6 q ha-1) and straw yield (39.5 q ha-1) in comparison to the conventional tillage. Among the irrigation levels higher plant height (76.0 cm), relative water content, better yield attributes, nutrients uptake and grain (28.4 q ha-1) and straw yield (41.1 q ha-1) were recorded when crop was irrigated twice as compared to no irrigation. Higher plant height (76.6 cm), relative leaf water content, better yield attributes, grain (28.4 q ha-1) and straw yield (41.8 q ha-1) and nutrients uptake were recorded with application of 150 per cent recommended dose of potassium. The treatment comprising two irrigations coupled with application of 150 per cent recommended dose of potassium under conservation tillage recorded higher gross returns (Rs. 97106 ha-1), net return (Rs. 62860 ha-1) and B: C ratio (2.84). Soil pH, bulk density, available N and P were not affected by tillage methods, irrigation and potassium levels. Soil organic carbon increased significantly at surface layer under conservation tillage and available potassium increased significantly with increasing levels of potassium.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF SOIL QUALITY AND NUTRIENT DYNAMICS UNDER CONVENTIONAL AND PROTECTED AGRICULTURE(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 24-07-18) Shabnam; Sharma, Sanjay K.Protected cultivation is gaining momentum especially for vegetable cultivation in Himachal Pradesh. Therefore the present study was undertaken to assess the soil quality inside polyhouses vis a vis under conventional cultivation so as to ascertain the effect of intensive cropping and the management practices being followed by farmers under these two systems. The main objectives of this study were to assess the effect of conventional and protected systems of farming on soil quality and to study N, P and K dynamics under conventional and protected systems of farming. To accomplish this, 25 sites of district Kangra were selected. All the required physical, chemical and biological parameters of soil quality were analysed and key indicators were identified using multivariate statistical analysis for computing the soil quality index. Wide variations in the soil health indicators were observed among different sites. Likewise, differences existed in the quality indicators between the samples from the protected and open conditions at number of sites. Higher salt accumulation (EC) was observed under protected conditions as compared to conventional system, though the differences in other properties were only conspicuous for some of the parameters. Among different nitrogen fractions, amino acid-N was the dominant fraction and contributed about 25 and 30% towards total-N and total hydrolysable-N, respectively. In case of P fractions, inorganic fractions constituted about 84.2% of total P. Water soluble-K, Exchangeable-K and non exchangeable-K contributed about 0.12, 0.59 and 3.05% towards total-K, respectively. As per multivariate statistical analysis techniques,organic carbon (OC), soil pH, EC, MWD and total K were found to be the most important indicators contributing towards soil quality.The mean soil qualityindex (SQI) values in Baijnath, Bhedu-Mahadev, Bhawarna, Kangra and Dharamshala blocks were 0.852, 0.816, 0.722, 0.823 and 0.794, respectively under protected cultivation. Similarly the SQI for the respective sites was computed as 0.762, 0.741, 0.759, 0.765 and 0.773 under conventional system. Overall significantly higher soil quality index was observed under protected system (0.815) as compared to the conventional cultivation (0.760). However, at two sites SQI score was lower under protected conditions than conventional cultivation. Higher gross returns were observed under protected system as compared to conventional system due to comparatively higher production. Also higher concentrations of macro as well micronutrients were observed in plant samples grown under protected system.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF SULPHUR FRACTIONS IN SOME CULTIVATED SOILS OF LOW AND MID HILL ZONES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 24-07-18) Suri, Deepika; Sharma, V.K.Knowledge of the spatial distribution of various fractions of sulphur in soils helps in predicting its short- and long-term availability for sustainable crop production. In the present investigation, 196 surface soil samples, representing major soils (Entisols, Alfisols & Inceptisols) and land use types, were collected from low and mid hill zones of Himachal Pradesh to study the spatial distribution of S forms vis-à-vis their relationship with important soil properties. The soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm depth from cultivated soils under maize-wheat, paddy-wheat, vegetable-based & sugarcane-based cropping sequences and at 0-30 cm depth from tea gardens and orchards of mango, mandarin, apple etc. and analyzed for important soil properties and S forms using standard methods. The depth-wise distribution of those soil attributes and S forms (at 0-15, 15-30 & 30-60) was also studied in the selected soils. Sand (%), silt (%), clay (%), textural class, soil pH (1:2.5), electrical conductivity (μS cm-1), organic carbon (g kg-1), cation exchange capacity {cmol(p+) kg-1}, base saturation (%) and calcium carbonate (%) ranged from 40 to 80, 12 to 45, 6 to 24, loamy sand to sandy clay loam, 6.1 to 7.8 (slightly acid to slightly alkaline), 142 to 372, 3.1 to 15.3, 4.7 to 13.3, 60 to 77 and 0.05 to 2.20 in soils of low hill zone and varied from 25 to 80, 12 to 43, 5 to 32, loamy sand to sandy clay loam, 5.2 to 6.9 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline), 0.040 to 0.320, 0.280 to 2.200, 4.1 to 16.38, 48 to 71 and 0.075 to 2.150 in soils of mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, respectively. As regards available nutrient status of soils , N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were medium, low, medium, high, high, low, sufficient, sufficient, sufficient and deficient, respectively in low and mid hill zones of Himachal Pradesh. Per cent soil samples deficient in N, P, S and Zn were 26, 47, 59 and 39 in low hill zone and 11, 45, 30 and 34 in mid hill zone, respectively. Such a spatial variation in soil properties and fertility status may be explained in light of pedo-genesis and prevailing nutrient management practices. Water soluble, exchangeable, available, organic, non-sulphate and total S in cultivated soils of low hill zone ranged from 7 .0 to 1.1, 1.9 to 10.9, 3.1 to 21.1, 75.9 to 316.1, 8 to 41.5 and 75.5 to 281.9 with mean values of 3.7, 6.1, 9.8, 143.4, 21.7 and 155.6, respectively. Whereas in mid hill zone, water soluble, exchangeable, available, organic, non-sulphate and total sulphur in cultivated soils varied from 1.7 to 9.9, 3.4 to 20.9, 5.1 to 30.8, 60.8 to 444.6, 6.7 to 58.9 and 72.6 to 513.9 with mean values of 4.5, 9.6, 14.1, 215.4, 31.4 and 260.9, respectively. On an average, water soluble, exchangeable, available, organic and non-sulphate S constituted about 2.0, 3.8, 5.8, 86 and 13 per cent of total soil S, respectively in both the zones of Himachal Pradesh. As regards depth-wise distribution, surface soils were richer in available and potentially available reserves of S as compared to the sub-surface soils. Irrespective of land use type and soils, there were significant and positive correlations between different chemical pools of S, indicating the existence of dynamic equilibrium among them. Among all soil properties, clay, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity exhibited better correlations with each form of S. Soils with lower values of clay, organic carbon and CEC contained less amount of soil S in each pool as compared to soils higher in those soil attributes. Based on step-wise multiple regression analysis, OC was found to be main contributing factor which affects the S availability in soil. Soils deficient in available S had lower content of each form of sulphur as compared to those, sufficient in available S. It is therefore, essential to maintain the S build-up in different S pools for ensuring optimum S supply to crops.ThesisItem Open Access STUDIES ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF BORON FORMS IN SOME CULTIVATED SOILS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH(CSKHPKV, Palampur, 24-07-18) Nazir, Gazala; Sharma, V.K.Understanding the spatial distribution of various forms of boron in soils helps in predicting its short- and long-term availability for sustainable crop production. In the present investigation, 202 surface soil samples, representing major soils (Alfisols, Entisols & Inceptisols) and land use types were collected from Outer and Lesser Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh to study the spatial distribution of B forms vis-à-vis their relationship with important soil properties. The soil samples were collected at 0-15 cm depth from cultivated soils under maize-wheat, paddy-wheat, vegetable-based & sugarcane-based cropping sequences and at 0-30 cm depth from tea gardens & orchards of mango, mandarin, apple etc. and analyzed for important soil properties and B forms using standard methods. The depth-wise distribution of those soil attributes and B forms (at 0-15, 15-30 & 30-60 cm) was also studied in the selected soils. Sand (%), silt (%), clay (%), textural class, soil pH (1:2.5), electrical conductivity (μS cm-1), organic carbon (g kg-1), cation exchange capacity {cmol(p+) kg-1}, base saturation (%) and calcium carbonate (%) in cultivated soils of Himachal Pradesh ranged from 25 to 80, 12 to 45, 6 to 32, loamy sand to clay loam, 5.2 to 7.8 (slightly acid to slightly alkaline), 40 to 372, 2.8 to 22.0, 4.1 to 16.4, 48 to 77 and 0.05 to 2.20, respectively. As regards available nutrient status, soils were medium in available N & K, low in available P & S, high in available Ca & Mg, sufficient in available Cu, Fe & Mn and deficient to sufficient in available Zn and B. Per cent soil samples deficient in N, P, S, Zn and B were 18, 45, 44, 36 and 55, respectively. Such a spatial variation in soil properties and fertility status may be explained in the light of pedo-genesis and prevailing nutrient management practices. Water soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, oxide occluded, organically bound, residual and total boron in cultivated soils ranged from 0.104 to 0.389, 0.128 to 0.393, 0.215 to 0.680, 0.567 to 2.13, 0.79 to 2.65, 20.04 to 53.16 and 22.0 to 59.14 mg kg-1 with mean values of 0.218, 0.231, 0.402, 1.26, 1.46, 34.09 and 37.67 mg kg-1, respectively. On an average, water soluble, exchangeable, specifically adsorbed, oxide occluded, organically bound and residual B constituted about 0.58, 0.61, 1.07, 3.34, 3.86 and 90.6 per cent of total B, respectively. As regards depth-wise distribution, surface soils were found rich in available and potentially available reserves of B as compared to sub-surface soils. Irrespective of land use types and soils, there were significant and positive correlations between different chemical pools of B, indicating the existence of dynamic equilibrium among them. Among all soil properties, clay, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity exhibited better correlations with each form of B. The step-wise multiple regression analysis showed that organic carbon contributed largely to different pools of boron. Soils deficient in available B had lower content of each form of B as compared to those, sufficient in available B. Further, soils with lower values of clay, organic carbon and cation exchange capacity contained less amount of soil B in each pool as compared to soils higher in these soil attributes. Therefore, former soils require relatively more attention on B mangement as compared to latter ones for sustaining soil productivity.