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Water productivity, energetics and economics of maize based cropping sequences compared to rice-wheat system under different moisture regimes
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Navneet Kaur; Brar, Ajmer Singh
A field experiment was carried out over two consecutive years of 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. To compare various maize based crop sequences with rice-wheat system, a replicated experiment was conducted with varying degrees of crop sequences and irrigation regimes. Eight crop sequences were compared in the main plots: rice-wheat, maize-wheat, maize-potato- mentha + onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-spring maize, maize + cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong, maize-toria + gobhi sarson-summer moong and maize + cowpea (f)-toria + gobhi sarson-summer moong. Four irrigation regimes of IW/CPE ratio 0.75, IW/CPE ratio 1.0, IW/CPE ratio 1.25 and recommended schedule were compared in sub plots. The rice equivalent yield was significantly higher in maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion followed by maize-potato-mentha + onion and maize + cowpea-potato-spring maize compared to other crop sequences. This was due to higher production potential of potato which ultimately increased the rice equivalent yield of sequences in which potato was included as one of the component crop. The rice equivalent yield of various crop sequences increased with increase in frequency of irrigation water. The crop water productivity was significantly higher with maize + cowpea-potato-mentha + onion with I0.75 during both the years as compared to all other crop sequences and irrigation regimes combinations except maize-potato-mentha + onion with I0.75. Rice-wheat sequence with recommended schedule produced significantly lower crop water productivity as compared to maize-potato-mentha+ onion, maize + cowpea (f)-potato-mentha + onion and maize-potato-spring maize with all the irrigation regimes during both the years. The apparent water productivity was significantly higher in maize + cowpea-potato- mentha + onion sequence as compared to all other crop sequences during both the years. The lowest apparent water productivity was recorded with rice-wheat sequence under all the irrigation regimes. On the basis of energy efficiency, R-W with IRec had lower energy efficiency compared to maize-wheat, maize-potato-mentha+onion and maize+ cowpea (f)-potato-mentha+onion under all the irrigation regimes during both the years. Among different maize based crop sequences, the most energy efficient was maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with IRec followed by maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with I1.25 during both the years. On the basis of energy productivity, maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with I1.25 was found to be the most energy productive being statistically at par with rice-wheat with IRec and maize+cowpea (f)-gobhi sarson-summer moong with IRec during 2016-17 while it was significantly better compared to rice-wheat with IRec during 2017- 18. Economic analysis reveals that R-W with IRec recorded the lowest net returns compared to maize- potato-mentha+onion with I1.25 and IRec, maize+cowpea(f)-potato-mentha+onion with I1.25 and IRec and maize+cowpea(f)-potato-spring maize with I1.25 and IRec during both the years.
Open Access
Nitrogen scheduling in maize-wheat cropping system in relation to different tillage interventions and planting methods
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Gursewak Singh; Kang, Jasjit Singh
The field experiment entitled “Nitrogen scheduling in maize-wheat cropping system in relation to different tillage interventions and planting methods” was conducted at the Students’ Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana during 2018-19. The soil of the experimental field was sandy loamy, with medium in organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and rich in potassium. The experiment was arranged in split plot design with four combination of tillage system and planting methods including conventional tillage + flat sowing, conventional tillage + bed sowing, zero tillage + flat sowing, zero tillage + bed sowing in main plots and four different types of time of nitrogen application including recommended schedule (1/3 N as basal, 1/3 N knee high stage, 1/3 N flowering stage), 1/2 N as basal 1/2 N at knee high stage, 1/2 N as basal and 1/4 N at knee high stage and 1/4 Nat waist high stage, 1/3 N as basal, 1/3 N at knee high stage and 1/3 N at waist high stage in maize and recommended schedule (full dose of DAP 137.5 kg ha-1 and 51.75 kg N ha-1as basal, 25.8 kg N ha-1 at 30 and 60 DAS), full dose of DAP 137.5 kg ha- 1 as basal and 51.75 kg N ha-1 at 30 and 60 DAS, full dose of DAP 137.5 kg ha-1 as basal and 51.75 at 60 and 90 DAS, full dose of DAP 137.5 kg ha-1 as basal and 34.5 kg N ha-1 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS in wheat in sub plots with three replications. In maize crop plant height, dry matter accumulation, PARI and canopy temperature were significantly influenced by combination of tillage system and planting methods. However emergence count, NDVI, and nitrogen content were not influenced by combination of tillage system, planting methods and time of nitrogen application treatment. Yield and yield attributes were not influenced by combination of tillage system, planting methods and time of nitrogen application treatment. In wheat crop combination of tillage system, planting methods and time of nitrogen application significantly influenced the plant height, dry matter accumulation, PAR interception and number of tillers. However emergence count, canopy temperature and NDVI were not influenced by combination of tillage system, planting methods and time of nitrogen application treatment. Yield and yield attributes were significantly influenced with time of nitrogen application treatments. Significantly highest grain yield was recorded under full dose of DAP 137.5 kg ha-1 as basal and 34.5 kg N ha-1 at 30, 60 and 90 DAS.
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Quantification and management of intra- and inter-row weed competition in maize (Zea mays L.)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Khanna, Naveen; Bhullar, Makhan Singh
A field experiment “Quantification and management of intra- and inter-row weed competition in maize (Zea mays L.)” was conducted at two locations, Ludhiana and, Langroya (SBS Nagar) during Kharif 2018. Twelve treatments (unweeded control, weed free, weed free (intra-row), weed free (inter-row), tembotrione 110 g ha-1 (blanket spray), tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 (band spray), tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 (band spray) + hand weeding (HW) (inter-row), tembotrione 110 g ha-1 + atrazine 625 g ha-1 (blanket spray), tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 + atrazine 208 g ha-1 (band spray), tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 + atrazine 208 g ha-1 (band spray) + hand weeding (inter-row), tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 (band spray) + paraquat 300 g ha-1 (inter-row), tembotrione 36.7 g ha -1 + atrazine 208 g ha-1 (band spray) + paraquat 300 g ha-1 (inter-row) were replicated four times in RCBD. Major weed flora in experimental field included Cyperus rotundus, Trianthema portulacastrum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium at both locations; Commelina benghalensis at Ludhiana and Echinochloa colonum at Langroya only. Weed density and biomass was higher at Ludhiana than at Langroya. Season long weed infestation reduced maize grain yield by 40% at Ludhiana and 30% at Langroya. Weed free check gave highest maize grain yield at both locations; at Ludhiana, it was significantly higher than all weed control treatments while at Langroya it was at par with tembotrione + atrazine (blanket spray) and tembotrione + atrazine (band) plus HW (inter-row). Weed free (inter-rows) had lower weed density and biomass than weed free (intra-rows) but both gave statistically similar grain yield. Integration of tembotrione /tembotrione + atrazine (band) with HW (inter-row) gave weed control at par to tembotrione/tembotrione + atrazine (blanket spray), respectively. Tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 + atrazine 208 g ha-1 (band spray) + HW (inter-row) gave the highest maize grain yield; at Ludhiana, it was at par with tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 (band spray) + HW (inter-row), tembotrione 110 g ha-1 + atrazine 625 g ha-1 (blanket spray) and weed free (inter-row) and, at Langroya, maize grain yield did not vary statistically among weed control treatments. Averaged over locations, tembotrione 110 g + atrazine 625 g ha-1 (blanket spray) and tembotrione + atrazine (band spray) plus HW (inter-rows) gave highest net returns while highest B:C was recorded under tembotrione alone/ tembotrione plus atrazine (band spray) + HW/paraquat (inter-row). Tembotrione (band spray) + HW (inter-row) gave higher net returns than tembotrione (blanket spray). In conclusion, the integration of band spray of tembotrione 36.7 g ha-1 alone or as tank-mix with atrazine 208 g ha-1 and HW in inter-rows seems to be the best way for effective weed control and in reducing herbicide load in maize.
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Growth and productivity of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as influenced by use of biofertilizers
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Pankaj Kumar; Brar, Sukhdeep Kaur
The study entitled, “Growth and productivity of wheat [Triticum aestivum (L.)] as influenced by use of biofertilizers” was conducted during the rabi season of 2018-19 at research farm Punjab Agricultural University Regional Research Station, Bathinda and School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management in wheat and on soil fertility status. At both the locations, soil was low in organic carbon, available N and medium in P and K & normal in pH. The treatments included different combinations of N and P at 12.5 and 25% less dose of fertilizers with two methods of biofertilizers application which were seed treatments and soil application. The experiment was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications. Among different methods of biofertilizers, seed treatment was better than the soil application. Numerically higher growth and yield attributing characters were observed in treatments where biofertilizers used as seed treatment. With decreasing fertilizers level to 82.5% and 75% had numerically higher growth and yield attributing character as compared to control and 100% RDF were observed. Grain yield was statistically at par with seed treatment and soil application treatment and different from control plots. It was found to be 12.85 and 11.14 % higher in 87.5%N + 87.5% P +Azotobacter spp. + Streptomyces badius seed treatment as compared to RDF on both locations Bathinda and Ludhiana, respectively. Highest benefit cost ratio (3.38 and 3.38) was found in 75% N + 75% P + Azotobacter spp. + Streptomyces badius on both locations Bathinda and Ludhiana. Thus, the study concluded that Azotobacter spp. and Streptomyces badius may be used synergistically as a potential source of plant growth promotion and to reduce chemical fertilizer to 25 and 12.5 % without compromising yield.
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Effect of planting method, irrigation schedule and straw mulching on growth and water productivity of spring sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Nisha; Kuldeep Singh
The investigation entitled “Effect of planting method, irrigation schedule and straw mulch on growth and water productivity of spring sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)” was carried out at Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Stations, Faridkot and Kapurthala during spring season of 2018. The experiment comprised of six planting methods i.e. conventional flat at 75 cm row spacing with mulch and without mulch, conventional flat at 120 cm spacing with mulch and without mulch, paired row trench planting at 30:120 cm with mulch and without mulch in main plots and three irrigation schedules at 0.60, 0.80 and 1.00 IW: CPE in sub plots of split plot design with three replications. The data revealed that paired row trench planting recorded the highest cane yield, 96.3 t ha-1 and 99.8 t ha-1 at Faridkot and Kapurthala, respectively which was statistically at par with 75 cm row spacing and was significantly higher than 120 cm spacing. Number of millable canes and CCS yield was the highest in paired row trench planting method. The crop raised with mulch showed higher yield and yield attributes over no mulch. Among the irrigation schedules, the crop irrigated at 1.00 IW: CPE recorded the highest cane length, cane weight, number of millable canes and cane yield. The apparent and total water productivity was higher at paired row trench planting with mulching when crop was irrigated at 1.00 IW: CPE than other treatments. Paired row trench planting resulted in 56.9% and 63.4% higher apparent water productivity as compared to 75 cm and 120 cm spacing, respectively at Faridkot and 56.1% and 59.5% higher over 75 cm and 120 cm row spacing at Kapurthala, respectively. The consumptive use of water was 1231.0 mm and 1157.7 mm with 1.00 IW: CPE at Faridkot and Kapurthala, respectively followed by 0.80 and 0.60 IW: CPE. The highest gross returns, net returns and B: C was recorded in paired row trench planting with mulching at both the locations.
Open Access
Developing water and energy smart portfolios for sustainable cereal based systems under conservation agriculture practices in North-West Indo-Gangetic plains
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Rolaniya, Lalit Kumar; Saini, K. S.
The present investigation entitled “Developing water and energy smart portfolios for sustainable cereal based systems under conservation agriculture practices in North-West Indo- Gangetic plains” was carried out at Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), Ladhowal, Ludhiana. The experiment was established during rabi 2015 but the actual treatments were imposed in kharif 2016 considering rabi season a zero cycle ensuring tillage, crop establishment and residue management effects are captured in first test crop. Six management scenarios involving layering of cropping systems, tillage energy source for irrigation and irrigation management were evaluated in large plot size (400 m2; 20m x 20m) in a randomized complete block design with four replications. All the other standard management practices were used irrespective of the management scenarios. The results reveled that conservation agriculture based rice-wheat layered with sub-surface drip irrigation system (RWZT-SSD) resulted similar yields as of rice-wheat conventional till system, but with saving of nearly 47.28 per cent (110 cm) applied irrigation water, 18.3 per cent cost reduction and `18,760 ha-1 year-1 additional profit compared to farmers practice. In maize-wheat cropping system on permanent raised bed (PB) layered with sub-surface drip irrigation (SSD), a gain of maize- wheat system grain yield to the tune of ~5.3 q ha-1 year-1 with 53.4 per cent less irrigation water application as compared to conventional tillage based flood irrigation system. Maize-wheat system with conservation agriculture based management layered with SSD produced 9.7 per cent higher system productivity (12.93 t ha-1 year-1), `34,260 ha-1 year-1 additional profits. By switching from conventional ricewheat system towards PB-SSD based maize-wheat system save 70.2 per cent electric energy showing potentiality of diversification of rice-wheat system through sustainable intensification of MW system. Using solar energy for pumping of ground water linked with sub surface drip irrigation system have a potential to mitigate the 3971 kg of CO2 eq ha-1 year-1 and 1655 kg of CO2 eq ha-1 year-1 in rice-wheat and maize-wheat cropping system, respectively. Layering improved management practices offer opportunities to address the issues of crop adaptability, productivity and profitability in rice-wheat and maize-wheat rotation under the emerging climate risks while improving the natural resources (water, energy and soil) and reducing environmental footprints, rather than their application in isolation.
Open Access
Effect of sowing dates on growth, productivity and quality of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivars sown in springsummer season
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Harpuneet Kaur; Sardana, Virender
Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) is an important legume-oilseed crop which is widely cultivated throughout world. It is a valuable source and a unique blend of oil, protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soil during springsummer season of 2018 and 2019 to study the effect of sowing dates on Spanish bunch type cultivars in split plot design with 4 sowing dates (25 February, 10 March, 25 March and 10 April) in main plots and 4 cultivars (SG 99, TG 37A, TAG 24 and J 87) in sub-plots in 3 replications. With each delay in sowing from 25 February to 10 April, mean (pooled) numbers of days, accumulated growing degree days (GDD), heliothermal units (HTU) and photothermal units (PTU) required for initiation and completion of emergence and flowering as well as maturity were reduced. At 70 DAS, differences in number of nodules per plant among sowing dates were nonsignificant. Leghaemoglobin content in nodules in 10 April sowing was significantly lower than all earlier sowings. At maturity, dry matter accumulation and haulm yield were significantly higher in 10 April than earlier sowings. Crop sown on 10 March produced highest mean pod (5608 kg ha-1) and kernel (4109 kg ha-1) yield whereas highest oil (1876 kg ha-1) and protein (905 kg ha-1) yields registered in 25 February sowing. Kernels produced from 25 February sown crop were bold in size with higher volume and surface area, had higher oil, protein and ash content and lower total carbohydrate content as compared to other sowings. Milk yield was not affected by sowing dates. Crop sown on 25 February registered higher protein content in milk and that on 10 April had higher sensory score as compared to other sowing dates. Crop sown on 10 March registered highest and 10 April sown crop registered lowest gross income, net returns and B:C ratio. Cultivar SG 99 took significantly more number of days for maturity and accumulated higher GDD, HTU and PTU for attaining different phenological stages. At 40 and 70 DAS, cultivar TG 37A had significantly higher number of nodules as compared to other cultivars and J 87 had higher leghaemoglobin content in nodules than SG 99 and TG 37A at 70 DAS. Cultivar J 87 produced highest mean haulm (8509 kg ha-1) as well as pod (5777 kg ha-1), kernel (4340 kg ha-1), oil (1961 kg ha-1) and protein (920 kg ha-1) yield as compared to other cultivars. Cultivar J 87 sown on 25 February produced significantly highest mean pod (6735 kg ha-1) and kernel (5370 kg ha-1) yields. Kernels of TG 37A were smaller in size with higher oil and total sugars while J 87 produced bold sized kernels with higher volume and surface area, hardiness, carbohydrate and ash content and both J 87 and TG 37A had significantly higher reducing sugar content whereas, SG 99 had higher protein content as compared to other cultivars. Milk yield did not vary among cultivars. Cultivar SG 99 registered significantly higher protein content in milk. Cultivar J 87 had higher sensory score as compared to other cultivars. Highest income was accrued from cultivar J 87 whereas, TG 37A registered highest B:C ratio.
Open Access
Quantification of growth and forage yield of staggered sown cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) using variable seed rate
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Mandeep Singh; Sharma, P.K.
The field studies entitled „Quantification of growth and forage yield of staggered sown cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) using variable seed rate‟ were carried out using Randomised Complete Block Design at two locations namely Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana and its Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Moga. Seven dates of sowing i.e. March 5(D1), March 25(D2), April 14(D3), May 4(D4), May 24(D5), June 13(D6) and July 3(D7) and two seed rates i.e. recommended (30 kg/ha) and 37.5 kg/ha comprised fourteen treatment combinations. Experiment was replicated 4 times at Ludhiana and 3 times at Moga. Ludhiana and Moga soils were normal in pH and EC, low in available N and high in available K. Available P was high and medium in range at Ludhiana and Moga, respectively. The highest and least number of days for initiation and completion of emergence were taken by March 5 (D1) and July 7 (D7) sown crop, respectively. Flowering was observed only in March 5 (D1) sowing date. Crop sown on April 14 (D3) produced the highest number of branches, leaf area, crop growth rate, green and dry fodder yield. The earliest sown crop (D1) had the better fodder quality parameters i.e. Crude protein content, Net gas production, Metabolizable energy, Total digestible nutrients and digestibility. Green fodder yield was significantly increased by 9.3 % and 8.5 % with higher seed rate at Ludhiana and Moga, respectively.
Open Access
Water productivity, economics and energetics of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.) as influenced by drip irrigation and fertigation schedules
(Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 2019) Divya S Kumar; Rajni
The present investigation entitled “Water productivity, economics and energetics of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.) as influenced by drip irrigation and fertigation schedules” was conducted to find out water and energy efficient drip irrigation and fertigation schedules to increase the productivity and profitability of gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.). The experiment was conducted at the Student’s Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, during the rabi seasons of 2016-17 and 2017-18. It was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) comprising combinations of three drip irrigation levels (60% of CPE, 80% of CPE and 100% of CPE) and three fertigation levels (60% RDF, 80% RDF and 100% RDF) along with one absolute control (flood irrigation and manual application of recommended dose of nutrients). Drip irrigation at 100% of CPE recorded highest values for growth parameters and yield attributes which were statistically at par with 80% of CPE but significantly higher than 60% of CPE during both the crop seasons. Drip irrigation with 100% of CPE recorded 19.5%, 16.1% and 23.1%, 20.3% higher seed and oil yield than 60% of CPE during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively whereas 80% of CPE recorded 15.5%, 13.0% and 19.0%, 17.5% higher seed and oil yield than 60% of CPE during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Highest gross returns, net returns, B:C, energy use efficiency and energy productivity were also obtained with drip irrigation at 100% of CPE followed by 80% of CPE. However, apparent and total water productivity obtained was lowest in 100% of CPE and highest in 80% of CPE resulting in saving of 12.7% and 14.5% irrigation water as compared to 100% of CPE during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Fertigation schedules at 100% RDF recorded highest growth parameters, oil and seed yield which were statistically at par with 80% RDF but significantly higher than 60% RDF. However, an inverse relationship between increased fertilizer doses and oil content was observed. Fertigation at 100% RDF resulted in maximum gross (76445 and 94310 Rs ha-1) and net returns (39851 and 57769 Rs ha-1) followed by 80% RDF and 60% RDF although, B:C was highest in 80% RDF (1.15 and 1.65) as compared to 100% RDF (1.09 and 1.58) during 2016-17 and 2017-18, respectively. Maximum energy use efficiency and energy productivity was obtained with fertigation at 60% RDF followed by 80% RDF. Drip irrigation at 100% of CPE or 80% of CPE with 100% RDF or 80% RDF produced significantly higher seed and oil yield, economics, water productivity and energetics as compared to absolute control. Hence, gobhi sarson should be irrigated through drip irrigation at 80% of CPE with 80% RDF to obtain higher net returns, water productivity and energy productivity than absolute control.

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