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ThesisItem Open Access Soil test crop response studies on integrated nutrient management in direct seeded rice – wheat cropping sequence(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-12) Singh, Vijay Kant; Gautam, PoonamField experiments were conducted as per technical programme of AICRP on STCR in B2 block of Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, (290 N latitude, 79029’ E longitude and 243.84 meters above MSL), from rabi 2016-17 to 2018-19 to work out soil test crop response based fertilizer nutrient requirement for targeted yield of direct seeded rice and wheat in sequence. Prior to test crop experiment whole experimental area was divided into three equal strips and soil fertility gradient created artificially by applying graded doses of nutrients in these strips and wheat was grown as an exhaust crop during rabi 2016-17. Test crop of direct seeded rice and wheat in sequence were grown during 2017-18 after dividing each strip in 24 plots (21 treatments and 3 controls). Crop response to selected combinations of four levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1), four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1), four levels of potassium (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg K2O ha-1) and three levels of FYM (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1) in different fertility strips was studied. After test crop experiment, verification experiment was also conducted during 2018-19 to study the effect of nutrient management practices on yield, nutrient content, uptake, fertilizer economics, nutrient use efficiency and soil fertility in direct seeded rice-wheat cropping sequence. The value of soil organic carbon, alkaline KMnO4-N, Olsen’s-P and NH4OAc-K ranged between 0.314 to 0.971 percent, 125.44 to 200.70 kg ha-1, 14.37 to 21.74 kg ha-1 and 122.08 to 173.60 kg ha-1, respectively before the test crop experiment on direct seeded rice while, before test crop wheat, these values ranged between 0.457 to 0.886 percent, 112.90 to 238.34 kg ha-1, 13.63 to 24.32 kg ha-1 and 133.28 to 212.80 kg ha-1, respectively. Grain yield of direct seeded rice and wheat varied from 22.73 to 67.05 and 6.82 to 64.77 q ha-1, respectively. Average uptake of N, P and K by direct seeded rice was 87.64, 19.25 and 131.55 kg ha-1 while, in wheat it was 84.76, 17.24 and 84.15 kg ha-1, respectively. Nutrient requirement to produce one quintal grain yield of direct seeded rice was 2.01 kg N, 0.440 kg P and 3.06 kg K while for wheat 2.16 kg N, 0.447 kg P and 2.29 kg K. Percent contribution of N, P and K from soil was 22.05, 37.34 and 41.48 in direct seeded rice and 12.02, 14.82 and 11.00 in wheat, respectively. Whereas, from FYM it was 23.25, 28.34 and 16.80 percent in direct seeded rice, 12.83, 19.48 and 35.07 percent in wheat for N, P and K, respectively. Percent contribution of N, P and K from fertilizer was 38.08, 49.93, 252.98 in direct seeded rice and 53.54, 60.24 and 231.84 in wheat, respectively. Percent contribution from combined use of fertilizer and FYM was 44.83, 60.57 and 278.70 in direct seeded rice and 60.26, 70.66 and 275.41 in wheat for N, P and K, respectively. Fertilizer nutrient prescription equations for targeted yield of direct seeded rice and wheat were developed with and without FYM and it was found that for a particular yield target fertilizer nutrient requirement decreased with increasing soil test values, however for a particular soil test value nutrient requirement increased with increasing yield targets. Application of FYM reduced the fertilizer nutrient requirement for both the crops. Coefficient of determination was found highly significant (0.341** in direct seeded rice and 0.880** in wheat) by taking grain yield as dependent variable, while soil test values, added fertilizer nutrients and their interactions as independent variables. Post harvest prediction equations were also developed for predicting soil test value for available N, P and K after direct seeded rice, after wheat and after whole sequence. Less deviation was found between observed and predicted soil test value indicated the validity of post harvest soil test equations. Results of verification experiment clearly indicated the superiority of STCR target yield approach over other nutrient management practices to improve yield, economics and soil fertility in direct seeded rice-wheat cropping sequence. Therefore, findings of present study may be used for fertilizer nutrient prescription in similar type of soils and climate after its verification at farmer’s fields.ThesisItem Open Access Effects of long term fertilization on rice and wheat productivity, nutrients uptake, physico-chemical and biological properties of soil in relation to weather conditions(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-08) Vineet Kumar; Shri RamA Study was conducted during 2016-17 to assess the soil quality and relationship between soil quality indices with crop productivity in an ongoing long term fertilizer experiment at Norman. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. To achieve the objectives of the study soil samples were collected from each plot from 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm depth after harvesting of rice and wheat crops and were analyzed for soil physico-chemical and biological properties. Results showed that continuous application of 100% NPK in combination with FYM@ 15 t ha-1 gave highest grain yield of rice (51.87 q ha-1) and wheat (48.60 q ha-1) which was significantly higher than all other fertilizer treatments. The soil organic carbon declined in control up to one third (0.62 per cent) from initial organic carbon (1.48%), whereas combined use of NPK fertilizers and FYM restored its initial status. Availability of all macro and micro nutrients was decreased with the increase in soil depths. Avoiding P, K and Zn application with continuous cropping, drastically reduced their availability in soil in both surface and subsurface soil. Physical properties of soil viz. BD, WHC, SHC and MWD were also improved with integrated nutrient management system. Soil biological properties were better under 100% NPK+FYM @ 15 t ha-1 compared to alone mineral fertilizer application and control. Highest soil dehydrogenase enzyme activity (353.61 and 365.22 μg TPF 24 h-1 g-1 soil) was observed in FYM amended treatment followed by balanced application of fertilizers (312.64 and 327.02 22 μg TPF 24 h-1 g-1 soil) after rice and wheat harvest, respectively. Physical, Chemical and Biological indices and soil quality after rice and wheat harvest with balanced and imbalanced alone mineral fertilizer or with FYM was significantly correlated with each other as well as productivity of rice and wheat crops. Available Zn content showed significant regression coefficient for contribution in improving the yields of both rice and wheat. A good soil quality index values were observed under 100% NPK+FYM and balanced application of fertilizer treatments (100% NPK+Zn). Continuous increase in minimum temperature and decrease in bright sunshine hours believed to decrease rice and wheat grain yield. Similarly SOC, available NPK decreased and bacterial population in soil increased by all fertilizer treatments as compared to control. The results indicated that integrated use of chemical fertilizer along with FYM and balanced use of fertilizer nutrients for rice-wheat cropping on a Mollisols is a sustainable nutrients management practice to the farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Zinc bio-fortification and yield enhancement of urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) through nutrient mobilizing microorganisms(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-08) Tewari, Girja Shanker; Pareek, NavneetA field experiment comprising eleven treatments was conducted during kharif season of 2017 and 2018 at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) to study on zinc bio-fortification and enhancement of urdbean (Vigna mungo L.) productivity through nutrient mobilizing microorganisms. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Two Zn solubilizing fungal strains from Zn deficient soils (Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp.) and two bacterial strains (B. megaterium and B. subtilis) were procured and tested for their P and Zn solubilizing abilities both qualitatively and quantitatively. Changes in pH of medium were observed over a period of 15 days incubation due to secretion of organic acid by the strains. Maximum drop in pH (4.4) was observed with Aspergillus sp. Qualitative and quantitative assays revealed that Penicillium sp. was found most powerful and significant mobilizer among the four cultures in case of both P and Zn solubilization. Results revealed that root nodulation viz. number and dry weight of nodule was maximum with T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF) at all the stages of plant growth. The maximum plant height at 30, 45, 60 DAS and plant dry weight at 30 DAS was recorded in T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF) while, maximum plant dry weight at 45 and 60 DAS was noted in T10- Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 14.0 kg/ha + RDF. Maximum average and significant yield attributes viz., number of seed per pod (6.00 seed/pod) and 1000-seed weight (33.60 g) was noted from T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF) whereas, T7- Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + RDF resulted in longest pods (4.98 cm) and T10 Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 14.0 kg/ha + RDF recorded maximum number of pod per plant (51.67 pods per plant). The maximum average grain yield, straw yield and harvest index i.e. 1219.4, 1337.5 kg ha-1 and 47.7 % were found under T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF) treatment. A significant increase in N, P and Zn content and uptake by grain and straw was also recorded under T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF). Significant effect of zinc bio-fortification and combined application of nutrient mobilizers has been observed on available N, P, K, S, Zn and organic carbon in soil and maximum numerical value was recorded with the treatment T11 (Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 28.0 kg/ha + RDF). The microbial analysis of soil suggested that maximum Actinomycetes (5.49 x 105 CFU g-1 soil) and fungal (12.78 x 104 CFU g-1 soil) population was observed in T7- Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + RDF, bacterial population (17.29 x 107 CFU g-1 soil) in T8 (Zn Nm + PGPR + T3), while, highest soil dehydrogenase activity (87.84 μg TPF/ 24 hr/ g soil) was noted from T10- Rhizobium + Zn Nm + PGPR + ZnO @ 14.0 kg/ha + RDF.ThesisItem Open Access Carbon sequestration and soil quality index under different cropping systems in tarai region of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-05) Meena, Shiv Singh; Srivastava, AjayaA field experiment was conducted during the crop season, 2016-17 and 2017-18 at two different sites of GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, in the first site i.e. Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, four treatments were taken in an ongoing Long Term Fertilizer Experiment, and the second site was Agroforestry Research Centre, where two treatments were taken from poplar and eucalyptus based agroforestry systems and analyzed in randomized block design with four replication. Continuous application of inorganic fertilizers alone or integration with any of the organics did not influence soil pH. The highest soil organic carbon, N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg and DTPA extractable micronutrient (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) recorded under treatment T3-100 % RDF + FYM (LTFE) at surface and sub surface soil during both the year after kharif and rabi. The soil organic carbon and plant essential nutrients were decreased with increase in soil depth which may be assigned to the addition of FYM and crop residues on the soil surface. However, the highest EC was recorded under treatment T5-Poplar based agroforestry. The highest microbial count, dehydrogenase activity, was found in 100 % RDF + FYM treated plot (T3) followed by T5 and T4 whereas, the lowest value was observed in control plot. The lowest bulk density and particle density at surface and sub surface soil was recorded in 100% NPK + FYM @ 15 t ha-1 treated plot (T3), whereas, the highest value was observed in the control plot (T1). The highest mean weight diameter of soil aggregates, hydraulic conductivity and water holding capacity at surface and sub surface soil was observed in FYM along with 100% NPK fertilizer treated plot (T3). The inorganic fertilizers with organic manure maintained or improved soil quality and soil health in comparison to application of NPK fertilizers alone. A marked increase in the active and passive carbon fractions was noticed in all the treatment except NPK treated plot and unfertilized plots. Carbon sequestration was observed to be highest order in NPK+FYM treated plots followed by poplar based cropping system. Correlation studies revealed that carbon fractions of soil (active and passive fractions) helps in nutrient release, restoration and transformation. It is concluded that continuous application of inorganic fertilizers alone could not sustain the soil fertility status and productivity. Therefore, integrated nutrient management in continuous cropping system and agroforestry based cropping systems proved effective for sustainability of soil on long term basis.ThesisItem Open Access Augmenting phosphorus acquisition through PSB inoculation for improved yield and soil quality under chickpea + coriander intercropping(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-02) Upadhyay, Sandeep Prakash; Pareek, NavneetThe present investigation was carried out during the year 2013-14 and 2014-15 at Norman E. Borlogue Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar to study the effect of PSB and P - levels on the growth, yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)(var. PG-186) and to find out the effect of intercropping of coriander (var. Pant Haritima-1) on chickpea yield. The experimental design used were split plot design in which the main plots represented the planting pattern and sub plots represented the P – level. The experiment comprising16 treatments in combinations of 4 planting pattern and 4 levels of phosphorous.crop were raised by following standard agronomic practices and 30 cm. row spacing was maintained. Main plot comprises four cropping pattern (Chickpea sole, Coriander sole, Chickpea + co riander (3:1) in replacement series and Chickpea + coriander (4:2) in replacement series) and sub plots (Control, 30 kg P2O5/ha alone, 30 kg P2O5/ha + PSB and 45 kg P2O5/ha) were the split plot design used to observed the effect of intercropping of coriander on chickpea yield and to find the effect of PSB for phosphorus acquisition, soil quality and improved yield of chickpea. It was observed that treatments P30+PSB and P30 were statistically at par in nodule number, nodule dry weight and plant dry weight and significantly more over P0 and P45 treatments. Similarly P30+PSB and P30 treatments were at par in grain, straw and biological yield and significantly more over P0 and P45 treatments and in cropping patterns whereas sole chickpea were significantly more than chickpea intercropping with coriander in 3:1 and 4:2 cropping pattern ratio. Both the sole crops (chickpea and coriander) gave significantly higher seed yield (2406 kg/ha in 2013-14 and 2488 kg/ha in 2014-15, respectively by chickpea) as compared to all other intercropping systems. The 4:2 cropping ratio, recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield (39.07 q/ha in 2013-14 and 39.68 q/ha in 2014-15). In post harvest soil samples significant maximum available nitrogen per hectare was obtained under 3:1 ratio of chickpea+ coriander plots followed by chickpea+ coriander 4: 2 ratio and sole chickpea plots. While comparing different P levels indicated that significant maximum available nitrogen per hectare was obtained in P0 treatment followed by P30, P45 and P30+PSB treatment respectively. It was revealed that number of bacteria observed more in 3:1 cropping pattern ratio plots as compared to other cropping pattern during both the crops. Soil sample collected at harvest from the treatments P30+PSB and P30 treatments were at par in number of bacteria and significantly more as compare to other treatments. Phosphatase activity and PSB counts of chickpea intercropping with coriander in 3:1 were found significantly more than other cropping pattern ratio during both the years. The P30+PSB and P45 treatments were at par in phosphatase activity and significantly more over P0 and P30 treatments, respectively during both the years. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by grain and straw of sole chickpea were significantly more than chickpea intercropping with coriander in 3:1 and 4:2 cropping pattern ratio during both the years. The benefit cost ratio of chickpea intercropping with coriander in 4:2 were significantly more (4.94 in 2013-14 and 5.03 in 2014-15) than chickpea intercropping with coriander in 3:1 cropping pattern ratio and sole cropping during both the years. The P30+PSB and P45 treatments were at par in benefit cost ratio and significantly more (6.02 in 2013-14 and 6.13 in 2014-15) over P0 and P30 treatments, respectively during both the years.ThesisItem Open Access Optimization of fertilizer doses through STCR approach for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L var. botrytis) grown in mollisols(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2019-05) Arya, Alka; Singh, SobaranField experiments were conducted at Vegetable Research Centre during 2015-16 and at Crop Research Centre during 2016-17 of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar, U.S Nagar (Uttarakhand) to optimize fertilizer doses for cauliflower grown in Mollisols. The experiments were conducted as per the technical programme and methodology of AICRP on soil test crop response in soil. In first phase soil fertility gradient was created by dividing experimental field into three equal strips and applying graded doses of fertilizers in these strips and growing of exhaust crop maize (var. Kanchan). In the second phase, i.e. next season test crop cauliflower (var. Snowball-16) was grown by dividing each strip into 24 plots having 21 treated and 3 control. Response to selected combinations of three levels of FYM (0, 10 and 20 t/ha), four levels of nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1), four levels of phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1) and four levels of potassium (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1) at different fertility levels of cauliflower was studied. Verification trial, i.e. second experiment was conducted during 2016-17 to validate the fertilizer adjustment equations developed in first experiment. Follow up trial, i.e. third experiment was conducted on farmer’s field at Golapaar, Haldwani during 2016-17. The value of the organic carbon, Alkaline KMnO4 extractable nitrogen, Olsen’s phosphorus and neutral normal NH4OAc extractable potassium in the experimental field ranged between 0.48-1.35 per cent, 137.98 to 200.98 kg N ha-1, 15.01 to 22.12 kg P ha-1 and 99.68 to 365.12 kg K ha-1 respectively. Statistically it was established that there was difference in available N, P & K status in experimental field. The average curd yield of experimental field ranged from 50.00-615.00 with an average of 244.61 q ha-1. Total average uptake of N, P and K were 129.06, 5.89 and 39.74 kg ha-1, respectively. Nutrient requirement to produce one quintal curd yield, cauliflower required 0.70 kg of nitrogen, 0.03 kg of phosphorus (P) and 0.23 kg of potassium (K). Per cent contribution of N, P and K was 33.20, 13.84 and 8.13 from soil and 45.62, 2.19 and 13.50 from FYM, 75.27, 15.62 and 54.68 from chemical fertilizer and 82.44, 16.50 and 55.63 from conjoint use of chemical fertilizer with FYM. Coefficient of determination (R2) was found highly significant (0.831**) between curd yield, soil test values, applied fertilizer doses, their interaction and also FYM. Maximum response to cauliflower obtained at 100 kg N, 50 kg P2O5 and 100 kg K2O ha-1. Curd yield was also significantly correlated with growth parameter of cauliflower. Quality parameter of cauliflower, i.e. protein content, ascorbic acid, total phenols and flavonoids in different treatments were significantly superior over control. Prediction equations were developed for available N, P and K. Results of verification and follow up trials clearly established the superiority of target yield approach over general fertilizer recommendation. Thus, with the help of above findings, fertilizer prescription equation for cauliflower was developed which may also be used for similar soil and climatic condition after verification trial.ThesisItem Open Access Development of microbial consortium for enhancing french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) productivity(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-11) Yadav, Saroj Kumar; Raverkar, K.P.An investigation to develop the microbial consortium for enhancing French bean productivity was carried out in the Central Analytical Laboratory, Department of Soil Science, Glass house (Department of Plant Pathology) in the College of Agriculture and Norman E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during the years 2015-2018. Total fifty rhizobial isolates were isolated from the various soils of N-W Himalayan region of Uttarakhand out of which thirty-six were authenticated as French bean rhizobia employing the plant infection technique. Rhizobial isolates were Gram –ve rod and showed various PGP traits and enzymatic activities too. Two rhizobial isolates viz; RK19-2 and RB2-2 possessed all the tested plant growth promoting traits (IAA, GA, ammonia, HCN production and P-solubilization). Great diversity of French bean rhizobial isolates was observed in carbon source utilization in N-W Himalayan region. Out of 36, ten potential multi-trait rhizobial isolates were selected, based on various plant growth parameters which performed better or at par with that of reference strain MTCC 10096, for evaluating their efficiency at varying N-levels. Inoculation with multi-trait rhizobial isolates across the N-levels significantly improved various plant growth and physiological parameters, nutrient accumulation, amount of N2-fixed, quality of produce; and yield of French bean over uninoculated control. All the parameters, except nodulation, improved linearly with increased N-level giving highest at 100 kg N ha-1. Higher levels of nitrogen significantly reduced nodule number and nodule biomass linearly over lower levels. Rhizobial isolate RK3-1 produced highest nodule number at 0 kg N ha-1. RL21, RB8-2 and RA8 at 60 kg N ha-1 produced significantly higher and at par dry shoot biomass than that of MTCC x 100 kg N ha-1 . Highest amount of total N2-fixed was registered due to inoculation with RK3-1 at 100 kg N ha-1. PGPR1 (NAG-K3) with R1 (RD20-3) and R2 (RK3-1); and with R1 (RD20-3) were compatible to grow together in media whereas PGPR2 (CRC-J2) was not compatible with R2 (RK3-1). Inoculation of PGPR isolates namely NAG-K3 and CRC-J2 produced highest plant growth and physiological parameters. Inoculation of French bean with Rhizobium and PGPR, either alone or in combination significantly improved plant growth, physiological parameters, roots acid phosphatise activity, grain yield, amount of N2-fixed and produce quality over uninoculated control. Inoculation of PGPR1 (NAG-K3) along with R1 (RD20-3) and R2 (RK3-1) showed synergistic effect on different plant growth and physiological parameters, grain yield; and quality of produce whereas inoculation of PGPR2 (CRC-J2) with R1 (RD20-3) showed synergistic effect while with R2 (RK3-1) inhibitory effect was noticed. Highest grain yield was produced due to PGPR1 (NAG-K3) along with R1 (RD20-3) and R2 (RK3-1) at 100 kg N ha-1 followed by at 50 kg ha-1. From this investigation it was deduced that consortium comprising PGPR isolate NAG-K3 with rhizobial isolate RD20-3 and RK3-1; and PGPR isolate CRC-J2 with rhizobial isolate RD20-3 has the potential to increase the yield of French bean as well as to fix greater amounts of elemental nitrogen. Further studies are warranted to concretize the findings under field conditions.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of establishment methods and irrigation scheduling on physical properties of a sandy loam soil, growth, development and yields of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and their simulation study using Ceres-Rice model(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-11) Prabhakar, Manikant; Kushwaha, H.S.Field experiments were conducted in a sandy loam soil with rice crop cv. Pant Dhan-12 during two kharif seasons of 2016 and 2017, at N. E. Borlaug Crop Research Centre, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (29o N latitude, 79.30o E longitude and 243.84 meters above the mean sea level), in tarai region of Uttarakhand, to study the effect sowing dates, establishment methods and irrigation schedules on physical properties of soil, growth, development and yields of rice. The results thus obtained were compared with the simulated values using CERES-Rice model. Evapotranspiration (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) of rice crop cv. Pant Dhan-12 were also determined using a battery of RCC made 36 lysimeters during both years. The field experiment was laid out in split–split plot design replicated thrice comprising 24 treatment combinations, viz., four sowing/transplanting dates assigned in main plots viz. D1 : 26th May, D2 : 10th June, D3 : 25th June and D4 : 10th July, two establishment methods viz. M1 : Direct seeded rice (DSR) and M2 : puddled transplanted rice (PTR) kept in sub plots, three irrigation schedules viz. I1 : Irrigation at 1 day after disappearance of ponded water (1DADPW), I2 : Irrigation at 3 DADPW and I3 : Irrigation at 5 DADPW assigned in sub-sub plots. Results showed that bulk density was significantly higher (1.72 and 1.71 Mg m-3) in 0-15 cm soil depth in PTR plot at 30 days after sowing (DAS) and was 1.76 and 1.75 Mg m-3 at the time of crop harvest during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Highest saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of soil was found at 30 DAS in 15-30 cm soil depth with DSR (24.11 cm day-1) during 2016. Infiltration rate (IR) of soil reduced to 25.39 mm h-1 with PTR at harvest during 2016. Significantly higher values of soil strength were recorded at the time harvesting of rice crop with PTR (4.25 kg cm-2) at surface soil during 2016. These results clearly indicated that IR and Ks were maximum in DSR plots compared with PTR plots. Plant height was found significantly highest at physiological maturity with D2 (111.75 cm), M2 (107. 23 cm) and I2 (109.03 cm) in comparison with the other sowing dates, establishment methods and irrigation schedules, respectively, during 2017. Maximum number of tillers were obtained with D2 (77.80) M2 (75.82) and I2 (79.76 meter-1 row length) at physiological maturity during 2017. Leaf area index was found to be significantly higher under treatments D2 (3.69), M2 (3.51) and I2 (3.60) at physiological maturity of rice crop during 2017. The interaction effect of date of sowing and irrigation schedules was significant on days taken to physiological maturity and maximum days were attained at D2 (125) in combination with I1 and I2 during 2016. Number of panicle m-2, panicle length (cm) and 1000 grain weight (g) were significantly influenced by dates of sowing, establishment methods and irrigation schedules and maximum panicles were counted in D2 (278.75), M2 (266.39) and I2 (265.96). Similarly, maximum panicle length was obtained in D2 (31), M2 (29.56) and I2 (30.13) during 2017. Also 1000-grain weight was maximum in the same treatment combinations.. Interaction effect between sowing dates and irrigation schedules was found also significant with respect to number of panicle m-2 during 2016 and panicle length during both the years. There was significant difference in grain, straw and biological yields as affected by sowing dates, establishment methods and irrigation schedules and maximum grain yield was obtained with D2 (51.51), M2 (49.78) and I2 (52.61 q ha-1) treatments. Maximum value was harvest index found with D3 (0.390), M2 (0.394) and I2 (0.397) during 2017. ET and WUE of rice crop cv. Pant Dhan-12 as determined through lysimeters during both the years under puddled conditions showed that WUE was maximum (5.96 and 5.39 kg-ha-mm-1) with D2 and I2 , respectively during 2017 and maximum using ET was also maximum (1206 and 1224 mm) with D1 and I1, respectively during 2016. Simulation of growth, development and yields using DSSAT v4.7 (CERES-Rice) is very précised as percent RMSE values for all these parameters remained under 10%. It can be concluded from this study that soil moistures regimes in rice crop sown on different dates had less effect on studied soil physical properties. Puddling in rice crop significantly increased bulk density and penetration resistance while decreased infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity that lead to better water retention on the soil surface and ultimately reduced number of irrigations. Therefore, in a sandy loam soil, practising puddling modifies soil physical properties favourably for better rice yields. Further, simulation of growth, development and yields of rice using DSSAT v4.7 (CERES-Rice) will be very important and beneficial tool for decision making in regards to crop and soil management in regions for estimating rice yields where facilities for conducting field experiments are not available.ThesisItem Open Access Soil test crop response based fertilizer prescription for marigold urd cropping system grown on mollisol of Uttarakhand(G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand), 2018-07) Tripathi, Varun; Srivastava, AjayaField experiments were conducted during the year 2013-14and 2014-15 in an Aquic Hapludoll at D7 block of Norman E. Borlogue Crop Research Centre of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (290 N latitude and 79029’ E longitude). To fulfill the objectives of the present investigation two experiments were conducted in the year 2013-14 and 2014-15. The first experiment was conducted as per the technical programme and Methodology of STCR and second experiment was conducted in the randomized block design to study the effect of balanced fertilization on growth, quality and yield of Marigold and Urd. In first phase fodder Sorghum (var. Pant Chari-7) was taken as an exhaust crop and in second phase i.e. next season test crop Marigold (var. Pusa Narangi) and Urd (pant Urd-31) was grown by dividing each strip in 24 plots having 21 treatments and 3 controlled plots. Response to selected combinations of three levels of FYM (0, 5 and 10 t ha-1), four levels of nitrogen (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1), four levels of Phosphorus (0, 30, 60 and 90 kgP2O5 ha-1) and four levels of potassium (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K2O ha-1) for Marigold and three levels of FYM (0, 5 and 10 t/ha), four levels of nitrogen (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha), four levels of phosphorus (0, 20, 40, 60kg/ha), four levels of potassium (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg K2O/ha) for Urd at different fertility levels was studied. Second experiment was conducted on randomized block design to study the effect of nutrient management on grain yield and fertilizer economics of Marigold-Urd cropping system. Organic carbon, Alkaline KMnO4-N, Olsen’s-P and NH4OAc-K values ranged between 0.22-0.75 percent, 112-178 kg/ha, 12.20-20.02kg/ha and 100.2-178.85 kg/ha respectively, after soil fertility gradient, while after harvest of marigold (before sowing of Urd) these ranged between 0.16-1.20 percent, 75.26-263.42 kg/ha, 10.60-67.03kg/ha, 60.48- 227.13 kg/ha respectively. The total flower yield ranged from and flower yield ranged from The nutrient requirement for production of one quintal flower yield was 1.06, 0.34 and 1.32kg for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively. While for Urd it was 3.18 kg for nitrogen, 0.63 for phosphorus and 2.54 for potassium respectively. Contribution of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium from soil for marigold was 26.23, 54.03 and 42.02 and for Urd it was 38.15, 72.61 and 36.51 for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively. Contribution from fertilizer with FYM for marigold was 98.35, 40.25 and 168.68 and for Urd 187.65, 15.88 and 96.08 for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively. Percent contribution of nutrient from fertilizer without FYM for marigold was 83.25, 38.96 and 168.91respectively. Contribution of nutrient from FYM for marigold was 46.81, 61.30 and 128.4 % and similarly contribution of nutrient from FYM for Urd was 78.34,17.05 and 38.21 respectively. Fertilizer adjustment equations for targeted yield of Marigold and Urd were developed with and without FYM with the help of basic data. Coefficient of multiple regression (R2) was found to be highly significant (0.54**) in case of Urd and in case of marigold it was found to be (0.473**) between grain yield, soil test values, added fertilizers, and interaction between added soil and fertilizers. Verification trials was conducted to test the validity of fertilizer adjustment equations and fertilizer application based on targeted yield approach was found to be superior over general recommended dose (GRD). Among different methods, organic C, Mehlich-1 P and neutral normal ammonium acetate-K can be taken as indices for determining N, P and K in Mollisol of Uttarakhand. Treatment T10 and T6 was found to be as balanced fertilizer treatments in terms of growth, yield and quality of Urd. Treatment T9 and T5was found to be as balanced fertilizer treatments in terms of yield of marigold. Findings from present study can successfully be utilized for the larger parts of Tarai region of Uttarakhand as effective guide for efficient and balanced fertilizer recommendation.