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Open Access
EFFECT OF DRIP IRRIGATION LEVELS AND MULCHES ON BROCCOLI (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) YIELD IN MID HILL ZONE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
(UHF Nauni, 2024-01-10) Divyansh Miahas; Ghanshyam Agrawal
The present study entitled “Effect of drip irrigation levels and mulches on Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) yield in mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh” was conducted at research farm, Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Nauni - Solan during 2022-2023. The seven treatments were as follows: 100% ETc + Grass mulch (I1M1), 80% ETc + Grass mulch (I2M1), 60% ETc + Grass mulch (I3M1), 100% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I1M2), 80% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I2M2), 60% ETc + Pine needle mulch (I3M2) and Control - surface irrigation with 4 cm at 10 days interval as practiced by farmers and no mulch (I0M0), with three replication in randomized block design having each plot size of 2.25 m×1.80 m and spacing 45 cm×45 cm. The treatment I1M1 recorded higher soil moisture content than other treatments at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The average minimum and maximum soil temperatures were recorded highest in I3M1 and I0M0, respectively at both soil depths 5 cm and 10 cm. The maximum available N, P and K were found in I2M1 at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The highest bacterial count, fungi count and actinomycetes count were recorded under I2M1 at both soil depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm). The maximum plant height (51.10 cm), yield (242 q ha-1), net returns (Rs 3.51 Lakh ha-1), B:C ratio (3.64), minimum days to marketable maturity (102.00) and high water use efficiency (20.46 q ha-1 cm-1) were obtained under I2M1. Hence, I2M1 (80% ETc + Grass mulch) is considered as most efficient and cost effective irrigation treatment among all treatments. The study has led to a conclusion that for maximizing growth and yield of broccoli in mid hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, irrigation schedule I2 (80% ETc) with M1 (Grass mulch) i.e. I2M1 having 11.83 cm as crop water requirement through drip irrigation could be the best.
Open Access
STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF NATURAL FARMING PRACTICES ON PRODUCTIVITY OF TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-11-30) Charu Sharma; Upender Singh
The present investigation, entitled "Studies on the effect of natural farming practices on productivity of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) was carried out at SPNF block in year 2022-23, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. The experiment was laid out in Randomised Block Design on tomato cv. Solan lalima with intercrops bean cv. Contender and brinjal cv. Pusa purple long consisting of 9 treatments and 3 replication viz., T1 (1.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%), T2 (1.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @30%), T3 (1.5 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%), T4 (1.5 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @30% ), T5 (2.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%), T6 (2.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @30%), T7 (3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%), T8 (3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @30%), T9 (Absolute Control). The results of investigation revealed that the application of different formulations not only significantly increased the soil organic carbon content, nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and quality parameters of tomato but also increased soil macro as well as micronutrients along with soil microbial count. The increase in soil and growth parameters by the treatment T8 (3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @30%) was followed by T7 (3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%) whereas maximum B:C ratio of 2.81 was recorded under treatment T7 (3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20%). Application of 3.0 t/ha Ghanjeevamrit + Jeevamrit @ 20% @ 14 days interval + (six foliar application of Jeevamrit) JM may be recommended as most effective nutrient module for tomato cultivation and sustaining soil health.
Open Access
EFFECT OF NANO-FERTILIZERS ON SOIL HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF NECTARINE (Prunus persica cv. Silver King
(UHF,NAUNI, 2024-01-23) SURESH KUMAR
Two separate research experiments were conducted to study the “Effect of nano-fertilizers on soil health and productivity of Nectarine (Prunus persica cv. Silver King)” for two consecutive years 2021-2022 and 2022- 2023 at Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P.). Both of the experiments were laid out in Randomised Block Design with four replications. Experiment first was conducted on 10 years old nectarine plants with the spacing of 4.5m x 4.5m at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Water management where six treatment combinations along with of nano urea were tested. The treatments comprised of T1- Recommended dose of nutrients (RDN), T2- 100% N through nano urea, T3- 80% N through nano urea+20% N through neem coated urea, T4- 60% N through nano urea + 40% N through neem coated urea, T5- 40% N through nano urea+60% N through neem coated urea, T6- absolute control. The results of study revealed that application of 60% of N through foliar spray of nano urea + 40% of N through soil application of neem coated urea (T4) perform best in term of vegetative growth (tree height and annual extension growth), yield (28.06 kg/tree), productivity (13.83 t/ha) and quality parameter viz., TSS (13.03 oBrix), titratable acidity (0.92 %), TSS/acid ratio(14.11) of nectarine over other treatments and also raise the B:C ratio upto 3.39. Second experiment was conducted on 12 years old nectarine plants with the spacing of 4 m × 2 m at Model farm of the Directorate of Research and where six treatment combinations along with of nano iron were tested. The treatments comprised of T1- Recommended dose of iron (0.3% ferrous sulphate), T2- 100% Fe through nano iron, T3- 80% Fe through nano iron + 20% Fe through chelated iron, T4- 60% Fe through nano iron + 40% Fe through chelated iron, T5- 40% Fe through nano iron+ 60% Fe through chelated iron, T6- absolute control. The results of study revealed that application of 100% Fe through nano iron (T2) perform best in term of vegetative growth (tree height and annual extension growth), yield (26.80 kg/tree), productivity (33.49 t/ha) and quality parameter viz., TSS (12.59 oBrix), titratable acidity (0.70 %), TSS/acid ratio (18.03) of nectarine over other treatments and also raise the B:C ratio upto 9.52. Therefore the results of the study indicated that the application of 100% Fe through nano iron (T2) during growth stages might be helpful to increase the fruit yield, productivity and farmer income. Thus, the results from experiment 1 and 2 revealed that the application of 60% of N through foliar spray of nano urea + 40% of N through soil application of neem coated urea and of 100% Fe through nano iron during different growth stages unambiguously increased the growth, yield and quality of nectarine which in turn increased the farmers income as observed through the B: C ratio.
Open Access
NUTRITIONAL SURVEY OF CHERRY ORCHARDS IN SHIMLA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-10-25) CHANDER PRABHA; M L VERMA
ABSTRACT Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, well known for quality cherry production in India was selected for the study. Soil and leaf samples from 30 representative cherry orchards were collected across three administrative blocks, namely Theog, Narkanda and Jubbal-Kotkhai (10 villages from each block) of the district. Soil samples were analysed for their physico-chemical properties and available nutrients status. Soil texture varied from sandy loam to sandy clay loam and soil pH was slightly acidic to nearly neutral. EC values were in safe limits (< 0.8 dS m-1). The organic carbon content was high. Among DTPA extractable micronutrients, soils were mostly deficient in Zn and sufficient in Fe, Mn and Cu. Considering nutrient index value <1.67, 1.67 to 2.33 and > 2.33 for low, medium and high nutrient status of soils, respectively, the soils of the study area were found to be in the category of low for N; medium for Zn; and high with P, K, S, Mn, Cu and Fe. All the nutrients showed decreasing trend with increasing soil depth. Leaves registered sufficient N and K content, whereas, P was high in majority of leaf samples. Leaf S, Fe, Mn and Cu were under sufficient ranges, whereas, Ca and Mg were excess/high. Zn deficiency was reported in majority of leaf samples. Surface soil pH was significantly and positively correlated with available Ca and Mg and had a significantly negative correlation with available Fe. Soil organic carbon was positively correlated with almost all the nutrient elements of soil and leaf. Significantly positive relationship was found between soil and leaf nutrients. A critical appraisal of correlation co-efficient among soil and leaf nutrients revealed that plants absorb nutrients from both surface as well as sub-surface soils. The variations in soil properties and nutrient status in cherry orchards indicate need for adopting integrated and soil test based nutrient management in sustainable manner.
Open Access
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF BACTERIAL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED WITH APPLE RHIZOSPHERE OF SPITI VALLEY
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-10-20) ANANNYA B; ANJALI CHAUHAN
ABSTRACT The present investigation, titled "Structural and Functional Diversity of Bacterial Community Associated with Apple Rhizosphere in Spiti Valley," promises to pave the way for exploring the microbial community structure in various farmlands situated in the high-altitude cold desert of Spiti Valley. The study involved collecting soil samples from the apple rhizosphere at six different sites: Tabo, Lari, Hurling, Kurith, Needang, and Poh. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on soil texture and chemical properties, including pH, Electrical conductivity, and Organic carbon content. Moreover, macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (DTPA-extractable Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn) were also assessed. The research yielded intriguing findings as the isolates demonstrated positive traits like phosphorus solubilization with a range of 101 to 280.53%, siderophore production with an efficiency of 67.32 to 267.3%, and indole-3-acetic acid regulation ranging from 13.7 to 73.03μg/ml, indicating potential plant growth-enhancing properties. Additionally, these isolates exhibited antagonistic behaviour against pathogenic organisms like Fusarium oxysporum, Dematophora nectarix and Rhizoctonia solani, suggesting their role in plant health and disease suppression. By employing metagenomic analysis, the study offered valuable insights into the presence of non-culturable bacteria, providing a deeper understanding of the microbial diversity in the region. The analysis identified an impressive range of taxa, including 43 phyla, 128 classes, 317 orders, 492 families, 833 genera, and 1532 species. This research represents a significant advancement in the knowledge of both culturable and non-culturable bacteria thriving in the extreme conditions of high-altitude cold deserts in the trans-Himalayan region.
Open Access
WATER AND NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCIES FOR HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY IN HIGH DENSITY APPLE (Malus × domestica Borkh.)
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-11-03) KAPIL SHARMA; J C SHARMA
ABSTRACT The present study entitled “Water and nutrient use efficiencies for higher productivity in high density apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.)” was carried out on 6 and 7 years old apple plants var. Super Chief grafted on rootstock MM106, at a spacing of 2.5 × 2.0 m for two successive years 2020-21 and 2021-22 at the experimental farm of Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (H.P). Two field experiments were conducted simultaneously in same orchard wherein, different irrigation and fertigation treatments were tried in triplicate in Randomised Block Design (Factorial). During first experiment, different levels of irrigation and fertigation were applied and compared with conventional method (CI) with four irrigation levels i.e. DI at 100 (IR1), 80 (IR2), 60 per cent ETc (IR3) and CI and four fertigation levels i.e. FN0 (Absolute control), FN1 (100), FN2 (75) and FN3 (50) per cent of adhoc dose (NPK). During second experiment, three different levels of surface irrigation i.e. CI1 (100), (80) and (60) per cent of ETc and four nutrient levels i.e. NU0 (Absolute control), NU1 (125), NU2 (100) and NU3 (75) per cent of adhoc dose (NPK). The results revealed that DI and fertigation level at 100 per cent ETc with 100 per cent AD (NPK) significantly performed better results in terms of vegetative, cropping, quality parameters and leaf nutrient content over conventional method of surface irrigation and soil fertilization. The vertical and lateral distribution, of available NPK, NO3 - -N and NH4 + -N under treatment T2 i.e. DI at 100 per cent ETc with 100 per cent AD (NPK) was found to be uniformly distributed. In conventional experiment, these parameters performed better under treatment 100 per cent ETc with 125 per cent AD (NPK) in second experiment. The seasonal water requirement for Super Chief apple of 6 and 7 years old Super Chief apple plants under drip irrigation came out to be 20.69 and 23.68 cm, with effective rainfall of 7.98 and 5.02 cm during first and second year. The requirement of irrigation during first and second year was 12.71 and 18.66 cm, respectively, which can be met effectively by operating drip irrigation system at biweekly intervals from mid-March to the first week of July. Fertigation in 15 splits of 100 per cent AD (NPK) dosage at g tree-1 yr-1 (N:P2O5:K2O) resulted in higher apple productivity. This schedule may be preferred over conventional method of irrigation and fertilization. But in the absence of drip irrigation system, however, conventional irrigation at 100 per cent ETc with 125 per cent AD (NPK) may be followed to get higher productivity. The study suggested 82.47 per cent (80%) of ETc and 87.75 per cent (90%) of AD (NPK) as optimum irrigation and fertigation levels, respectively for drip irrigation and fertigation and 84.36 per cent (85%) of ETc and 111.20 per cent (110%) of AD (NPK), respectively for conventional method of irrigation and nutrient levels. Thus, a saving of about 20 and 10 per cent in irrigation and fertilizer quantity, respectively can be achieved by drip fertigation, besides improvement in yield and quality of apple
Open Access
EFFECT OF INORGANIC, ORGANIC AND NATURAL SYSTEMS OF NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT IN FRUITS AND THEIR IMPACT ON SOIL PROPERTIES
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-09-27) SAURABH SHARMA; UDAY SHARMA
ABSTRACT The studies, “Effect of inorganic, organic and natural systems of nutrient management in fruits and their impact on soil properties” were conducted during 2021 and 2022. Four orchards each under inorganic, organic and natural systems of nutrient management in mango, apricot and apple growing in Bilaspur, Solan and Shimla districts respectively, were selected. The inorganic system recorded the highest available N, P, K, exchangeable Ca, Mg , S, DTPA extractable Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu (349.6, 64.0, 376.5 10.07 cmol (p+) kg-1, 4.19 cmol (p+) kg-1, 43.18 kg ha-1, 3.17, 25.8, 13.2 and 2.59 mg kg-1, respectively. Sub- surface soils followed the similar trend. In all parameters apple, due to better management registered higher values for all nutrients. The highest OC (18.40 g kg-1 and 13.23 g kg-1 in 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths, respectively). and soil microbial biomass carbon (269.4 μg g-1 soil), and other microbial properties were recorded under natural farming system. Among the plant parameters the maximum levels of nutrients in the leaves (2.55 % N, 0.25 % P, 1.66 % K, 2.17 % Ca, 0.69 % Mg, 232.7 ppm Fe, 10.2 ppm Cu, 28.6 ppm Zn and 64.1 ppm Mn) were recorded under inorganic nutrient management. The plant growth parameters were noted best under inorganic nutrient management. The soil quality index was highest with inorganic nutrient management system with index value of (0.60, 0.59 and 0.57) for apple, mango and apricot, respectively. The pot culture studies show that the treatment (T1) i.e., RDF + FYM recorded the maximum change (increase) in the physico-chemical properties soil of orchards, while the percent increase in microbiological properties was recorded highest with the treatment T2 i.e. NPK equivalent through FYM. Thus inorganic nutrient management along with FYM results in the maximum soil and leaf nutrient levels which directly affects the growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality of apple, mango and apricot. However, the natural farming system has shown promise and the soil quality parameters in the organic and natural systems of nutrient management emphasize their adoption for niche areas in order to get premium pricing and long-term sustainability.
Open Access
RESPONSE OF GINGER INTERCROPPED IN APRICOT ORCHARD TO DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURES AND MULCHES
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-09-27) MANISHA NEGI; PARDEEP KUMAR
ABSTRACT The present investigation entitled “Response of ginger intercropped in apricot orchard to different organic manures and mulches” was carried out at the Experimental Farm, Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) for two consecutive years i.e., 2021 and 2022. The experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design with 3 main plot treatments and 4 sub plot treatments. The treatments were replicated four times. The ginger variety, ‘Solan Giriganga’ was planted in apricot orchard at a spacing of 30 cm × 20 cm. The findings indicated application of black plastic mulch with a thickness measuring 100 μ, exhibited remarkable superiority over other mulching techniques in effectively preserving and maintaining optimal soil moisture levels and soil temperature. While considering the combination of different mulches and organic manures, the combination of grass mulch + recommended FYM along with 50 % RDF through FYM and 50 % RDF through SGM with intercropping, exhibited the lowest soil BD and PD (1.30 and 2.24 Mg m-3, respectively). The same combination also resulted in highest soil porosity (43.30 %), OC content (19.56 g kg-1), viable bacterial (148.56 × 106 cfu g -1 soil), fungal (47.67 × 103cfu g -1 soil) and actinomycetes (48.49 × 103 cfu g -1 soil) count and soil enzymes as well (695.95 μg of p-nitrophenol g-1 soil hr-1 phosphatase, 7.07 mg TPF g-1 soil per 24 hr dehydrogenase and 19.08 unit per 10 g soil urease). However, the combination of black plastic mulch of thickness of 100 μ + recommended FYM along with 50 % RDF through FYM and 50 % RDF through SGM with intercropping displayed the highest levels of available NPK and S (456.17, 218.68, 584.07 and 58.19 kg ha-1, respectively), exchangeable Ca and Mg [7.05 and 3.82 cmol (p)+ kg -1, respectively] as well as DTPA extractable Fe, Mn and Zn (24.56, 14.57 and 2.86 mg kg-1, respectively). Similarly, among the plant parameters, the maximum amount of essential nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) and total NPK uptake (153.73, 26.83 and 137.31 kg ha-1, respectively) in ginger were recorded highest under the black plastic mulch of 100 μ + recommended FYM along with 50 % RDF through FYM and 50 % RDF through SGM with intercropping. Furthermore, the same treatment combination also resulted in the highest values for growth, rhizome yield per hectare (20.37 t) and quality parameters in ginger. Consequently, this treatment exhibited the maximum B:C ratio of 2.9:1. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that, the application of black plastic mulch of thickness 100 μ + recommended FYM along with 50 % RDF through FYM and 50 % RDF through SGM with intercropping, can be suggested to the farmers to o
Open Access
EFFECT OF ZINC APPLICATIONS ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF KIWIFRUIT (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.)
(UHF,NAUNI, 2023-07-14) SHIKHA CHAUDHARY; M L VERMA
ABSTRACT Due to the growing shortage of arable land and water resources, the expansion of the agricultural sector can only be accomplished by improving resource use efficiency while causing the least amount of harm to agroecology through the appropriate application of contemporary technologies. Nanotechnology is one of these that has the potential to transform the agriculture industry. At the Research Farm of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chamba, for the two years 2021 and 2022, a study was conducted to examine the effect of zinc applications on the productivity of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa Chev.). Two Zn fertilizer sources viz., nano-ZnO and Zn-EDTA were evaluated in kiwifruit. The treatments were laid out in Randomized Block Design and replicated quadruply. The treatments comprised of T1: Recommended dose of nutrients (FYM: 40 kg, 800:600:800 g vine-1 NPK) {Control} soil application, T2: 100 % RDN + Nano zinc @ 60 mg l-1 (Foliar spray), T3: 100 % RDN + Nano zinc @ 120 mg l-1 (Foliar spray), T4: 100 % RDN + Chelated zinc @ 60 mg l-1 (Soil application), T5: 100 % RDN + Chelated zinc @ 120 mg l-1 (Soil application), T6: 100 % RDN + Nano zinc @ 60 mg l-1 (Foliar spray) + Chelated zinc @ 60 mg l-1 (Soil application) and T7: 100 % RDN + Nano zinc @ 120 mg l-1 (Foliar spray) + Chelated zinc @ 120 mg l-1 (Soil application). The soil application of chelated zinc at 120 mg l-1 has a synergistic effect on available N, K, Zn, Mn, on various Zn fractions as well as on the viable microbial count, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and urease activity; however, soil available P, Ex Ca, Cu, Fe, and phosphatase activity decreased adversely. According to the results, foliar treatment of 120 mg l-1 ZnO-NPs had the best effects on soil Ex Mg and SO42-content, growth, flowering, fruit yield and quality traits of kiwifruit. Maximum leaf N (2.60 %), K (3.81%), Mg (0.49 %), S (0.47%), Zn (79.23 %), leaf area (172.36 cm2), annual extension growth (295.44 cm), advanced the flower initiation by 12-14 days, fruit set (88.11%) and yield (17.52 kg vine-1) were also recorded through nano-Zn application compared to other Zn analogues. This superior treatment also registered significant increase in A- size graded yield (7.14 kg vine-1), TSS (11.43 %), total sugars (11.04 %), reducing sugars (7.44 %), TSS/ acid ratio (21.63), ascorbic acid content (82.78 mg 100 g-1) as well as benefit: cost ratio (8.38). The study also concluded that the usage of nano-Zn has demonstrated positive impacts to enhance kiwifruit crop behaviour, suggesting that it may be an alternative to traditional Zn nutrient sources.

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