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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Performance of sugargraze (sorghum x sorgho x sudangrass) - wheat cropping sequence under different tillage and nutrient management practices
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) SUSANTA DUTTA; MAGAN SINGH
    Effect of tillage and nutrient management practices were evaluated to study the “Performance of sugargraze (sorghum x sorgho x sudan-grass) - wheat cropping sequence under different tillage and nutrient management practices”. The present study was carried out twice at Research Block of Agronomy Section, ICAR-National Dairy research Institute, Karnal (Haryana) during kharif & rabi season in 2019-20 and 2020-21. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen (196 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorus (17 kg ha-1), available potassium (212 kg ha-1) and organic carbon (5.3 g kg-1) and neutral to alkaline in reaction. The experiment consisted of fourteen treatment combinations i.e., two tillage practices as a main factor namely, conventional tillage (T1); zero tillage (T2) and seven nutrient management as a sub factor viz., control (N1), 100% RDF +25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 (N2), 100 % RDF +0.5% ZnSO4 spray (N3), 100 % RDF +25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 +Seaweed extract (10%) (N4), 75 % RDF +NPK biofertilizer +25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 (N5), 75% RDF +NPK biofertilizer +0.5% ZnSO4 spray (N6), 75% RDF +NPK biofertilizer +25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 +Seaweed extract (10%) (N7) were practiced and replicated thrice in split plot design (SPD). After the completion of two years experiment, pooled data showed that the maximum growth parameters, crop growth rate (CGR & RGR) and yield of fodder sugargraze were achieved with the application of T1 & N4 treatment, respectively. Besides of that, the greater qualitative fodder sugargraze was obtained from the treatment T1 and nutrient management treatment N3. However, maximum nitrogen, potassium content and uptake were found in T1 & N3 treatments; phosphorus content and uptake found in T1 & N5 treatments; micronutrient zinc content and uptake were estimated in T2 & N6 treatments, respectively. The economics of fodder sugargraze is concerned, the higher COC, GR, and NR, BC ratio were worked out from T1 & N4 and T1 & N7 treatment, respectively. In case of food crop i.e., wheat, the highest growth, crop growth rate (CGR & RGR) and yield were obtained with the application of T1 & N7, respectively. Whereas the greater qualitative wheat straw was obtained from the T1 and N3 treatment. However, greater primary nutrients content (N, P, K) in grain and straw of wheat were analyzed from T1 & N7 treatment. High Zn in grain and straw of wheat was available in T2 & N3 treatment. Maximum N, P, K & Zn uptake by wheat grain recorded in T1 & N7 treatment while higher N, P, K uptake by wheat straw recorded in T1 & N7 treatment except Zn uptake found to be highest in T2 & N4 treatment. As per the economics of wheat production is concerned, the higher GR, NR and BC ratio were worked out from T1 & N7 treatment except COC found to be highest in T1 & N4 treatment, respectively. Greater Soil organic carbon (SOC) and lower bulk density recorded in T2 (Zero tillage) treatment. Higher value of available macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe & Mn) were recorded in T2 & N7 treatments. Similarly, higher microbial population (total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes), soil microbial biomass carbon and greater soil enzymatic activity (dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase & β-glucosidase activity) were recorded in T2 & N7 treatment. Total energy investment, output and net energy in conventional tillage (T1) was much higher than the zero tillage (T2) in combination with nutrient management for both the crop cultivation. Whereas, zero tillage (T2) combination gave the higher energy use efficiency, energy productivity, energy profitability and lower specific energy in comparison to conventional tillage (T1) combination in fodder sugargraze cultivation and inverse findings were recorded for wheat cultivation. Hence, it is concluded that, T1 & N4 considered as a best treatment in case of fodder sugargraze production and T1 & N7 proved superior treatment for wheat production while improved soil health can be reported with the application of zero tillage (T2) and 75% RDF+NPK biofertilizer+25 kg ha-1 ZnSO4+Seaweed extract (10%) (N7) treatment.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ROLE OF PLANT BIOREGULATORS IN MITIGATING MATRIC AND OSMOTIC STRESS IN PEARL MILLET-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2019) TARAMANI YADAV; R.K. YADAV
    The study entitled “Role of plant bioregulators in mitigating matric and osmotic stress in pearl millet-wheat cropping system” was undertaken for two consecutive years (2016- 2018) in salty sandy loam soil ECe (7.61±2.32 dS m-1), pH1:2 (8.38±0.77) at ICAR-CSSRI experimental farm, Nain, Panipat (Haryana). Subsequent laboratory analysis was completed at ICAR-CSSRI and ICAR-NDRI, Karnal. In triple replicated split-split plot design experiment, matric stress i.e. irrigations~@60 (I1), 80 (I2) and 100% (I3) of crop ET (ETc) was imposed in main plot treatments at critical growth stages. Four levels of saline irrigation water i.e. EC 2, 4, 8 and 12 dS m-1 (S0, S1, S2 and S3) were applied in sub plots. In sub-sub plots two plant bioregulators (PBRs); salicylic acid (SA) and thiourea (TU) along with control [G0, G1 and G2), were applied as seed priming and foliar spray at critical growth stages. Deficit irrigation regimes (I2 and I1) significantly reduced wheat grain yield. Growth, yield, many quality and physiological parameters of wheat were reduced significantly with matric stress (I1 and I2). There were significant reductions in grain yield, RWC (at flowering stage), crude protein yield (total) and B:C ratio of pearl millet and wheat, wheat straw yield beyond 4 dS m-1. Stover and biological yield of pearl millet was not changed significantly upto 8 dS m-1. Dry matter (DM) content of wheat straw and, ash, ADF, ADL (grain and stover) and NDF (stover) content of pearl millet were significantly higher in S2 and S3. Higher irrigation volume (100% ETc) with higher osmotic stress (12 dS m-1) significantly reduced wheat and pearl millet grain yields. Both salicylic acid and thiourea had improved growth, yield, nutritional quality, biochemical activities and benefit:cost ratio of pearl millet and wheat. However, SA was superior for alleviating the stresses in pearl millet and TU in wheat. SA was more effective in mitigating mild osmotic stress (4 dS m-1), but TU performed significantly better at severe osmotic stress (12 dS m-1) in both crops. Soil ECe at harvest increased significantly with application of 8 dS m-1 and 12 dS m-1 irrigation water. Net return and B:C ratio did not influence significantly upto 4 and 8 dS m-1 by application of SA and TU, respectively in wheat.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF RICE-WHEAT-SORGHUM CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER HIGH RSC WATER IRRIGATION AMENDED WITH GYPSUM AND PRESSMUD
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2021) MAKARANA, GOVIND; YADAV, R.K.
    An experiment entitled “Production potential of rice-wheat-sorghum cropping system under high RSC water irrigation amended with gypsum and pressmud” was carried out for two consecutive years (2017-18 to 2018-19) at two farmers’ fields located at Mundri village of Kaithal district, Haryana, India. The soil of both experimental fields was alkaline in reaction, low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium to high in available phosphorus and high in available K content. The experiment was carried out in split-split plot design with 16 treatment combinations and three replications. Treatments comprised of two levels of residual alkalinity, i.e. RSC~5 me L-1 and RSC~7 me L-1 in main plot, four neutralization strategies, i.e. control/unamended condition, gypsum @ 7.5 t ha-1, pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 and gypsum @ 3.75 t ha-1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 in sub plot and two varietal sequences, i.e. salt tolerant varieties (CSR30 basmati fb KRL210) and traditionally grown varieties (PB1121 fb HD2967) of rice and wheat were taken as sub-sub plot. Sorghum cv. Sugargraze was grown in succession to rice-wheat crops to assess the residual effect of varieties. Second year of experimentation observed better growth, physiology, yield and nutritional quality of rice, wheat and sorghum crops vis-a-vis lesser deterioration in physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. With increase in residual alkalinity from RSC~5.00 me L-1 to RSC~7.00 me L-1; the growth, physiological attributes, yield and nutritional quality of rice, wheat and sorghum crops significantly reduced along with deterioration in soil physico-chemical properties. Higher residual alkalinity (RSC~7.00 me L-1) significantly reduced the grain as well as straw yield of rice by 11.61 and 6.60%, respectively and wheat by 12.74 and 9.52%, respectively over RSC~5.00 me L-1. Whereas, significant reduction in green fodder and dry matter yield of sorghum under RSC~7.00 me L-1 was recorded at 17.11 and 12.80%, respectively compared to RSC~5.00 me L-1. The use of different neutralizing amendments significantly improved the growth, physiological adaptation, yield and nutritional quality of all three crops. Application of gypsum @ 3.75 t ha-1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 enhanced the grain yield (rice and wheat) and green fodder yield (sorghum) by 31.86, 29.94 and 16.33%, respectively over control/ unamended treatment. Rice cv. PB1121 and wheat cv. KRL210 showed significantly better growth and yield compared to other respective varieties of these crops. Application of either sole pressmud or combination of gypsum + pressmud exhibited significantly improved nutritional quality of all the tested crops. These parameters were also higher in rice cv. CSR30 basmati and wheat cv. KRL210. Residual effect of rice-wheat varieties did not exert significant variations on growth, physiological, yield as well as nutritional quality parameters of sorghum. Irrigation water RSC neutralization strategies significantly improved the physical, chemical as well as biological properties of soil. Application of sole gypsum considerably improved the physical properties of soil, reduced ECe, pHs, ESP and CO3 2-+HCO3 - and enhanced Ca2++Mg2+ in soil solution over control/ unamended treatment. Whereas, the use of sole pressmud showed significantly higher macro and micro nutrients, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), urease and dehydrogenase enzymatic activity of soil. Adoption of varietal sequence PB1121-HD2967-Sugargraze (rice, wheat and sorghum, respectively) expressed considerably higher organic carbon, MBC, available N, P and K; DTPA-extractable Zn and Cu of surface soil. Markedly higher wheat equivalent yield (WEY) (156.20 q ha-1), gross returns (GR) (INR 283.69×103 ha-1), net returns (NR) (INR 173.17×103 ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (BCR) (2.58) was noted under RSC~5.00 me L-1. Among neutralizers, the highest WEY was noticed by applying the gypsum @ 3.75 t ha-1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (159.43 q ha-1) closely followed by pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 (153.61 q ha-1). Application of gypsum @ 3.75 t ha-1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (INR 289.06×103 ha-1and 174.08×103 ha-1) closely followed by pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 (INR 279.01×103 ha-1 and 175.51×103 ha-1) recorded considerably higher GR and NR of the system, respectively. Whereas, BCR of the system was recorded the highest with pressmud @ 10 t ha-1 (2.69) followed by gypsum @ 3.75 t ha-1 + pressmud @ 5 t ha-1 (2.51). Varietal sequence of CSR30 basmati-KRL210-Sugargraze had significantly higher WEY (149.82 q ha-1), GR (INR 272.08×103 ha-1), NR (INR 162.13×103 ha-1) and BCR (2.49) over PB1121- HD2967-Sugargraze. Overall, it can be concluded that adoption of salt tolerant varieties of rice-wheat fb sorghum (cv. Sugargraze) with neutralization of RSC in irrigation water (gypsum and/or pressmud) helped to sustain the crop yields and mitigate the adverse effect of residual alkalinity.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of seed ratios and nutrient management practices on berseem and ryegrass under mixed cropping and its residual effect on succeeding fodder crops
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2021) Kumar, Sourabh; SINGH, MAGAN
    An experiment entitled as “Effect of Seed Ratios and Nutrient Management Practices on Berseem and Ryegrass Under Mixed Cropping and Its Residual Effect on Succeeding Fodder Crops” was conducted during 2017-2019 at the research farm of agronomy section, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, India. This experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized complete block design with 24 treatments and 3 replications with two factors nutrient management and seed ratios. The treatments consisted of combined seed ratio- Sole berseem, Sole ryegrass, 1:3(B+R)M, 1:3(B+R)C, 1:2(B+R)M, 1:2(B+R)C and nutrient management consisting of Control, 100% RDF+PGPR, 75% RDF+25% FYM, 50% RDF+ 50% FYM. Fodder maize and cowpea were sown after berseem and ryegrass mixed cropping to assess the residual effect of treatments imposed to berseem and ryegrass. The experiment soil was clay loam in texture, medium in nitrogen phosphorous and potassium with neutral pH. In berseem and ryegrass mixed cropping, the green fodder yield (23.77 t/ha) and dry matter yield (4.30 t/ha) was highest in100%RDF+ PGPR whereas sole berseem had given higher the green fodder yield (22.35 t/ha) and dry matter yield (4.20 t/ha) in case of seed ratios. Growth attributes of berseem like plant height (84.59 and 84.99 cm), number of leaves (50.66 and 46.30), number of root nodules (118.60 and112.92) were found to be higher in case of 100%RDF+ PGPR and sole berseem respectively whereas ryegrass had given higher plant height (77.79 and 84.99 cm), number of tillers (10.23 and 10.13) in 100%RDF+ PGPR and 1:2(B+R) M respectively. Fodder qualities of mixed fodder like crude protein (20.74 and 21.33%), ether extract (2.72 and 2.67%), total ash content (9.94 and 10.72%), and DDM (659.8 and 658.09 g/kg) were recorded maximum in100%RDF+ PGPR and sole berseem respectively. The succeeding residual crops i.e. maize and cowpea under the residual effects of treatments had given better yield and growth attributes. In case of succeeding residual crop maize, the highest green fodder yield (32.97 t/ha) and plant height (249.07cm) at harvest was obtained in residual effect of nutrient management i.e. 50% RDF+ 50% FYM and seed ratio i.e. sole berseem where as in case of succeeding residual fodder cowpea, the highest green fodder yield(21.95 t/ha) and plant height(108.78 cm)at harvest was obtained in residual effect of nutrient management i.e. 50% RDF+ 50% FYM and seed ratio i.e. 1:2(B+R)C. The monetary returns like gross returns, net returns and benefit: Cost ratios of berseem ryegrass were higher under nutrient management 100%RDF+ PGPR and seed ratio, sole berseem. The system berseem mixed with ryegrass followed by maize had given higher production and economic returns whereas the system berseem mixed with ryegrass followed by cowpea had proved to be more sustainable for soil health.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PERFORMANCE OF DIVERSIFIED FODDER-FOOD CROPPING SYSTEMS UNDER DIFFERENT NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2021) YADAV, MALU RAM; SINGH, MAGAN
    The field experiment entitled “Performance of diversified fodder-food cropping systems under different nutrient management practices” was conducted during 2016-17 and 2017-18 at Research Block of Agronomy Section, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana). The soil of experimental field was clay loam in texture, slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.90) and had 0.63% organic carbon (SOC), 201.5, 26.5 and 231.1 kg ha-1 available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), respectively. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four cropping systems, i.e., sole fodder maize-oats (CS1), sole fodder cowpea-oats (CS2), intercropped maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats (CS3) and intercropped maize+cowpea (2M:1C)-oats (CS4) as main plot treatments and five nutrient management practices, i.e., absolute control (NM0), 100%RDF+Zn (NM1), 125%RDF+Zn (NM2), 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM (NM3) and 100%RDF+Zn+FYM (NM4) as a subplot treatment and replicated thrice. The maize and cowpea planted under sole stand observed noticeably higher dry matter accumulation (DMA), crop growth rate (CGR), green (GFY) and dry fodder yield (DFY) as compared to planted in 1M:1C and 2M:1C intercropping ratios. However, sole maize along with application of either 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM or 100%RDF+Zn+FYM recorded significantly higher total GFY which remained statistically similar with maize+cowpea (2M:1C) fertilized through 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM. The maize planted under 1M:1C and 2M:1C planting ratios showed remarkably higher crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash and lower neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content as compared with rest of the planting ratios. Application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM recorded significantly higher CP, EE, ash and lower NDF, ADF and ADL content of fodder maize and cowpea, which remained at par with 100%RDF+Zn+FYM and 125%RDF+Zn. The maize and cowpea intercropped in 1M:1C ratio along with application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM and 100%RDF+Zn+FYM recorded significantly higher total CP, EE and ash yield. The intercropping indices such as land equivalent ratio (LER), relative crowding coefficient (RCC), income equivalent ratio (IER) and intercropping advantages (IA) were significantly higher under 1M:1C as compared to 2M:1C planting ratio. The oats sown after sole cowpea and fertilized through 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+RFYM and 100%RDF+Zn+RFYM recorded significantly higher growth (DMA, CGR, total number of tillers), yield attributes (panicle length, number of grains penicle-1 and their weight) and productivity (grain and straw yield). Likewise, oats seeded under sole cowpea-oats cropping system and fertilized with 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+RFYM and 100%RDF+Zn+RFYM noted significantly higher CP, EE, ash content and their yields and lower NDF, ADF and ADL content in grain as well as straw. The significantly higher system productivity and uptake of macro and micronutrients alongwith gross as well as net returns were recorded during second year compared to first year of experimentation. The maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats cropping system with application of either 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM or 100%RDF+Zn+FYM recorded significantly maximum system productivity, uptake of macro and micronutrients and gross as well as net returns as compared with rest of the combinations. The significantly higher energy and carbon gain and their use efficacy with lower carbon footprints were recorded during second year compared to first year of experimentation. Among the cropping systems, intercropped maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats with application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM and 100%RDF+Zn+FYM performed better in terms of energy and carbon output and their use efficacy with lower carbon footprints. The significantly higher microbial biomass (C, N and P), microbial counts (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes) as well as enzymatic activity of soil observed during second year over first year. The adoption of sole cowpea-oats and maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats and application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM and 100%RDF+Zn+FYM improved the physical (soil aggregation and bulk density) and chemical soil health (dynamics of SOC and N, P and K; and available micronutrients). Likewise, sole cowpea-oats and maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats and application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM and 100%RDF+Zn+FYM recorded significantly higher microbial biomass, counts as well as enzymatic activity. The results of the present investigation suggested that adoption of maize+cowpea (1M:1C)-oats cropping system with application of 75%RDF+Zn+PGPR+FYM proved as sustainable approach to augment the system productivity, fodder/food quality, farm profitability and soil health besides addressing environmental vulnerabilities by improving energy and carbon use efficacy.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PERFORMANCE OF FODDER MAIZE VARIETIES AND ITS RESIDUAL EFFECT ON OATS CV. KENT UNDER DIFFERENT INTEGRATED NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2021) KUMAR, DINESH; SINGH, MAGAN
    The field experiment entitled “Performance of fodder maize varieties and its residual effect on oats cv. Kent under different integrated nutrient management practices” was conducted during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research Farm of Agronomy Section, ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal (Haryana), India. The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture, neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction (pH 7.61), medium in organic carbon (0.63%), low in available nitrogen (192.4 kg ha-1), high in available phosphorus (29.71 kg ha-1) and medium in available potassium (195.7 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in split plot design with three levels in main plots, i.e., V1: African Tall, V2: J- 1006 and V3: P-3396 and four levels in sub plots, i.e., N0: control, N1: 100% RDF, N2: 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray and N3: 50% RDF + 25% FYM + PGPR + Panchagavya spray and replicated thrice. The nutrient management treatments were applied to both fodder maize and oats crops, while fodder maize varieties were taken in Kharif and its residual effect on oats cv. Kent were studied during Rabi season. Maize cv. J-1006 performed significantly better in terms of growth, green fodder (51.44 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (12.45 t ha-1) as compared to rest of varieties (African Tall and P-3396). With respect to INM, the application of N2 practice significantly enhanced the growth attributes and green fodder yield (52.61 t ha-1) than rest of treatments. Significantly superior fodder quality in terms of higher dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), total ash (TA) and digestible crude protein (DCP) was obtained with maize cv. J- 1006 and P-3396 as compared to African Tall. The maize cv. J-1006 showed significantly higher content of N, K and Mn and uptake of all macro and micro nutrient except Cu as compared to African Tall. Application of N2 and N3 practices considerably enhanced the CP, ether extract (EE), TA, dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and relative feed quality (RFQ) and reduced the acid insoluble ash (AIA), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content as compared to N0. The use of N2 and N3 practices considerably enhanced all the macro and micro nutrients content except Mg and Cu over N0 and N1. The different maize varieties were failed to exert significant residual effect on growth, yield and quality of fodder oats. Amongst INM, the use of N2 treatment performed statistically better in terms of growth, green fodder (36.7, 26.4 and 63.1 t ha-1) and dry fodder yield (6.22, 4.26 and 10.48 t ha-1), respectively at first, second cut and their total as compared to N0 and N1 treatments. Results from the quality assessment of fodder oats indicated that application of N2 and N3 practices significantly improved the fodder quality, i.e., higher CP, EE, TA, DMI, DMD, TDN and RFQ and lower AIA, NDF, ADF and ADL content at both cuts over N0. The use of N1 exhibited significantly higher nitrate-N and it decreased with increasing the proportion of organic nutrient sources (N2 and N3). Application of N2 and N3 practices considerably enhanced nutrient content and uptake of fodder oats over N0. Energy and carbon budgeting indicated that maize cv. J-1006 showed significantly higher energy use efficiency, energy productivity, carbon use efficiency and carbon sustainability index along with lower carbon footprints per unit dry fodder yield (CFy) as compared to African Tall and P-3396 varieties. While, these indices of fodder oats and system were not influenced significantly due to main plot treatments. Comparison among INM practices revealed that the application of N2 and N3 practices recorded considerably higher energy use efficiency, energy productivity, carbon use efficiency and carbon sustainability index along with lower CFy of fodder maize, oats and system than N1. Effect of main plot treatments on physico-chemical and biological properties of soil after the harvest of both crops was non-significant. Though, application of N2 and N3 practices significantly improved the chemical as well as biological properties of soil after the harvest of both crops as compared to control. System productivity was not influenced significantly due to different maize varieties fb oats. While, maize cv. J-1006 fb oats and African Tall fb oats acquired remarkably higher net returns of system (INR 94890 and 86019 ha-1, respectively) as compared to P-3396 fb oats. The application of N2 practice considerably enhanced the system productivity (115.7 t ha-1) and net returns (INR 101512 ha-1) over N0 and N1. On the basis of findings of the present investigation, the cultivation of maize (cv. J-1006) – oats (cv. Kent) cropping sequence along with application of 75% RDF + PGPR + Panchagavya spray can be recommended to improve productivity, fodder quality, profitability, energy and carbon use efficiency and sustain the soil health.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EFFECT OF FARM YARD MANURE, PGPR AND PANCHAGAVYA ON FODDER MAIZE-BERSEEM CROPPING SEQUENCE
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2020) SANTOSH ONTE; SINGH, MAGAN
    A field experiment entitled “Effect of Farm yard Manure, PGPR and Panchagavya on fodder maize-berseem cropping sequence’’ was carried out at Research Farm of Agronomy Section, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal Haryana (India). The experimental field soil (0-15 cm) was clay loam in texture, neutral to slightly alkaline in reaction, medium in organic carbon and available potassium, low in available nitrogen and high in available phosphorus. The field experiment was laid down in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and seven treatments viz., T1: Control (100 RDF only), T2: 100% RDN through FYM only, T3: 50% RDN through FYM + PGPR+ 3% Panchagavya spray, T4: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR, T5: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR, T6: 75% RDN through FYM + PGPR + 3% Panchagavya spray and T7: 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR+ 3% Panchagavya spray; however, the residual effect of FYM was seen on the berseem crop. The fodder maize result indicated that application of inorganic fertilizer treatment (T1) was significantly superior for fodder yield attributes at 45 DAS and harvest, followed by organic treatment T7, i.e., 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR+ 3% Panchagavya spray. The significant result for green (53.56 t/ha), dry (15.03 t/ha) fodder yield, plant nutritional quality viz., CP, NDF, ADF, ADL and mineral content N, P, K registered under T1 followed by organic treatment T7. Application of 100% RDN through FYM + PGPR+ 3% Panchagavya spray (T7) recorded higher dry matter, ether content, total ash content, mineral content viz., Ca, Mg, S and micronutrient over control. The higher growth and yield characters at all the cuts of berseem recorded under T1 followed by organic treatment and higher total green (77.60 t/ha) and dry (11.08 t/ha) fodder yield were found with control treatment T1 and which was at par with T7 (76.60 & 11.0 t/ha) resp. where the nodule count and weight were found with T7. Significantly higher results for fibre fractions, CP, Ether and N content registered under T1 followed by T6 & T7. The organic treatment T7 documented higher value for total ash, P, K, Ca, S and micronutrient. Soil fertility parameters, i.e. available N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, micronutrient, soil organic carbon, microbial population and enzymatic activity were registered in T7 followed by T6 for both crops. The crop sequence worked out for economics of fodder maize and berseem, the highest value for gross and net returns recorded under T1 i.e. ` 117771 & 85349/ha respectively followed by organic treatments T7 ` 112100 & 76379/ha respectively and T6 ` 108223 & 74258/ha respectively and the higher B:C ratio estimated with T1 (2.56) followed by organic treatment T6 (2.15) & T7 (2.14).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    PERFORMANCE OF FORAGE SORGHUM CULTIVARS IN SORGHUM-PEA CROPPING SYSTEM UNDER VARIABLE FERTILITY LEVELS
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2018) JOSHI, DEEPA; SINGH, MAGAN
    Field experiment entitled “Performance of forage sorghum cultivars in sorghumpea cropping system under variable fertility levels” was carried out during kharif and rabi season of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 at Research Farm of Forage Research and Management Centre, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with eight varieties of forage sorghum viz.V1 (MP Chari), V2 (PC-615)-local check, V3 (CSV 30F), V4 (CSV20), V5 (CSV 27), V6 (CSV 21F), V7 (UPMC 503), V8 (CSV 15) in main plots consisted four fertility levels : F0- Control, F1-N:P2O5:K2O (50:40:20 kg ha-1), F2-N:P2O5:K2O (100:60:30 kg ha-1), F3- N:P2O5:K2O (150:80:40 kg ha-1) in sub plots replicated thrice in total 96 numbers of plots. The succeeding crop of pea was sown in the undisturbed plot vacated by previous crop (sorghum). The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture and low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and high in available potassium. Experimental results showed that among different sorghum cultivars, MP Chari and UPMC-503 produced significantly taller plants at 30 DAS and at harvest respectively. Higher leaf width was recorded by CSV 15 followed by UPMC 503. The significantly higher leaf length at 30 DAS and at harvest, higher number of leaves (at 30 DAS & harvest) higher stem girth, number of nodes, leaf stem ratio and GFY was recorded in cultivar UPMC-503 respectively. Among the different fertility levels, application of 150:80:40 (N: P2O5: K2O) kg ha-1 recorded significantly taller plants, higher leaf width, leaf length, number of leaves, stem girth, number of nodes, leaf stem ratio and higher GFY in sorghum over rest of the treatments. The interaction effect of cultivar V7 (UPMC-503) with F3 was found to be significant followed by CSV 30 F, PC 615 and CSV 15 with F3. Significantly higher dry matter and crude protein content was found in CSV 30 F followed by UPMC-503 and CSV 15. UPMC-503 recorded significantly higher ash content. The highest NDF and ADF was recorded in CSV 27 followed by CSV 20 and CSV 21 F. Among different fertility levels, higher dose of nutrient application F3 recorded significantly higher dry matter content, crude protein content, ether extract (%) and ash content (%). While the highest NDF and ADF percentage was observed under control. The highest N content was recorded in CSV-30F followed by UPMC-503. However, UPMC-503 recorded significantly higher K content. The highest uptake of N, P and K (kg ha-1) was observed in UPMC-503 followed by CSV-30F. Among different fertility levels, a higher dose of nutrient application F3 recorded significantly higher N, P & K uptake (kg ha-1) and N, P, K & Ca content in sorghum cultivars over rest of the treatments. The interaction effect of cultivar UPMC-503 with F3 recorded in significantly higher N & K uptake (kg ha-1) over rest of the treatment combination. The highest monetary returns (gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio) was realized by cultivar UMPC -503. Among the different fertility levels, it has been observed that the highest monetary returns (gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio) was obtained from F3. Different sorghum cultivars failed to exert their significant influence on yield and yield attributes viz. green pod yield, GFY, growth attributes viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and pod length, quality parameters viz. dry matter (%), crude protein percent (%), fat content (%), ash (%), NDF & ADF (%), N, P, K, Ca (%) content, N, P & K uptake (kg ha-1) and monetary returns of succeeding pea crop. Among the different fertility levels, it has been observed that a higher dose of nutrient application F3 in preceding sorghum crop resulted in significantly higher growth, yield attributes viz. plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length, green pod yield and GFY, quality parameters viz. dry matter (%), crude protein percent (%), fat content (%), ash (%), NDF & ADF (%) and N, P, K, Ca (%) content N, P & K uptake (kg ha-1) and monetary returns. Among the different sorghum cultivars, the higher expected soil N, P and K balance and lower apparent soil N & P loss was realized in cultivar CSV-27 fertilized with F3 in the sorghum-pea cropping sequence. Among the different fertility levels, the higher expected soil N & P balance and lower apparent soil N & P loss was obtained with F3 in the sorghum-pea cropping sequence.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    EVALUATION OF OAT CULTIVARS UNDER DIFFERENT AGRONOMIC PRACTICES FOR MANAGEMENT OF NITRATE ACCUMULATION
    (ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2020) PYATI, PRASANNA S.; KUMAR, RAKESH
    The study entitled “Evaluation of oat cultivars under different agronomic practices for management of nitrate accumulation” was undertaken for two consecutive rabi seasons of 2018-19 and 2019-20 at Research Farm, Agronomy Section, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal (Haryana). The soil of the experimental field was clay loam in texture, low in available nitrogen (190.24 kg/ha), high in available phosphorus (25.88 kg/ha), medium in available potassium (191.28 kg/ha) and neutral to alkaline in reaction with pH (7.57), EC (0.32 dS/m) and OC (0.62%). The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with three replications. Four varieties (Kent, HJ-8, HFO-114 and JHO-851) were imposed in main plot and combinations of four nutrient management practices (125% RDF, 100% RDF, 75% RDF+ PGPR and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM) and three seed rates (75, 90 and 105 kg/ha) were imposed in subplot. Among tested varieties, significantly higher plant height, leaf length and leaf width were recorded with Kent and HJ-8 whereas a significantly higher number of tiller per m2 and number of leaves per plant were counted with JHO-851 at 30 DAS, first and second cut. Variety JHO- 851 (64.4 t/ha and 117.1 q/ha) was at par with HJ-8 (63.1 t/ha and 113.8 q/ha) and significantly higher over Kent (62.1 t/ha and 111.6 q/ha) and HFO-114 (59.7 t/ha and 107.1 q/ha) for total green and dry fodder yield, respectively. Variety JHO-851 followed by HJ-8 as compared to Kent and HFO-114 was proved better in term of nutritional quality with higher values of crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), total ash (TA) contents and their yield, dry matter intake (DMI), total digestible nutrients (TDN), relative feed value (RFV) and relative feed quality (RFQ) and withy lower values of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Tested varieties did not vary significantly for nitrate contents. Statistically, maximum values of soil available N, P and K were recorded with HFO-114 and Kent as compared to JHO-851 and HJ-8. The significantly highest net returns (56,511 Rs. /ha) and B: C ratio (2.42) were obtained with JHO-851. Among nutrient management practices, application of 100% RDF remained at par with 125% RDF at first cut and proved significantly superior in terms of growth attributes such as plant height, number of tillers per m2, number of leaves per plant, leaf length and leaf width. At second cut, significantly higher values for above-mentioned parameters were evidenced with 100% RDF compared to 75% RDF+ PGPR though former one was at par with 125% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM. Application of 100% RDF (63.0 t/ha and 113.9 q/ha), 125% RDF (63.5 t/ha and 115.5 q/ha) and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM (62.2 t/ha and 112.2 q/ha) were found statistically at par with each other for total green and dry fodder yield, respectively and higher as compared to 75% RDF+ PGPR (60.5 t/ha 108.0 q/ha). Application of 100% RDF, 125% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM were observed statistically similar for EE, TA, DMI, DMD, TDN, RFV and RFQ at both cuts and significantly higher over 75% RDF+ PGPR. Concerning to CP content at second cut, application of 100% RDF, 125% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM were noticed statistically similar with each other and significantly higher over 75% RDF+ PGPR. These nutrient management practices were found with lower values of NDF, ADF and ADL contents compared to 75% RDF+ PGPR. The N content and uptake was significantly higher with 100% RDF compared to 75% RDF+ PGPR and at par with 125% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM. A similar trend to N content was observed for P and K content. However, total P and K uptakes were significantly higher in 125% RDF as compared to 100% RDF, 75% RDF+ PGPR and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM. Nitrate content in oat was statistically higher with 125% RDF compared to 100% RDF, 75% RDF+ PGPR and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM at both cuts. Significantly higher soil available N and K were recorded with 125%, 100% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM over 75% RDF+ PGPR. Whereas, statistically higher available P was recorded with 125% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM compared to 100% RDF and 75% RDF+ PGPR. The significantly higher net returns recorded with the application of 100% RDF (54,901 Rs. /ha) and 125% RDF (54,065 Rs. /ha) over 75% RDF+PGPR (52,422 Rs. /ha) and 75% RDF+PGPR+FYM (47,626 Rs. /ha). Application of 100% RDF (2.39) and 75% RDF+ PGPR (2.37) was at par with each other and observed significantly higher over 125% RDF (2.32) and 75% RDF+ PGPR+ FYM (2.04). Growth parameters such as plant height, number of tillers per m2, number of leaves per plant and leaf length were statistically higher with 90 kg/ha compared to 75 kg/ha and remained at par with 105 kg/ha at both cuts. Among three tested seed rates, 90 kg/ha seed rate resulted in significantly higher total green and dry fodder yield (64.1 t/ha 115.8 q/ha, respectively) as compared to 75 kg/ha (58.5 t/ha 104.9 q/ha, respectively) and it was at par with 105 kg/ha (64.3 t/ha 116.5 q/ha, respectively). Crop sown with 90 kg/ha seed rate was at par with 105 kg/ha at both cuts and both seed rates were statistically better over 75 kg/ha in terms nutritional quality attributes such as increased CP, EE, TA, DMI, DMD and TDN and decreased NDF, ADF and ADL contents. Nevertheless, RFV and RFQ were significantly higher with 75 kg/ha when compared to 90 and 105 kg/ha see rates at both cuts. N, P and K contents and total uptakes were significantly higher with 90 kg/ha compared to 75 kg/ha and at par with 105 kg/ha seed rate. Soil available N, P and K were significantly higher with 75 kg/ha compared to 90 kg/ha and 105 kg/ha seed rates. Seed rate of 90 kg/ha (54,966 Rs. /ha) was at par with 105 kg/ha (54,585 Rs. /ha) and significantly higher over 75 kg/ha (47,210 Rs. /ha) for net returns. Similarly higher B: C ratio was observed in 90 kg/ha seed rate (2.35) and 105 kg/ha (2.32) over 75 kg/ha (2.18). So, it may be concluded that application of 100% RDF with 90 kg/ha seed rate in JHO- 851 and Kent varieties in single cut and for multi cut, 100% RDF with 90 kg/ha seed rate in JHO-851 and HJ-8 fodder oat varieties are the better agronomic practices for utmost yield, quality and economics with minimum nitrate accumulation.