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Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa
In the imperial Gazetteer of India 1878, Pusa was recorded as a government estate of about 1350 acres in Darbhanba. It was acquired by East India Company for running a stud farm to supply better breed of horses mainly for the army. Frequent incidence of glanders disease (swelling of glands), mostly affecting the valuable imported bloodstock made the civil veterinary department to shift the entire stock out of Pusa. A British tobacco concern Beg Sutherland & co. got the estate on lease but it also left in 1897 abandoning the government estate of Pusa.
Lord Mayo, The Viceroy and Governor General, had been repeatedly trying to get through his proposal for setting up a directorate general of Agriculture that would take care of the soil and its productivity, formulate newer techniques of cultivation, improve the quality of seeds and livestock and also arrange for imparting agricultural education. The government of India had invited a British expert. Dr. J. A. Voelcker who had submitted as report on the development of Indian agriculture. As a follow-up action, three experts in different fields were appointed for the first time during 1885 to 1895 namely, agricultural chemist (Dr. J. W. Leafer), cryptogamic botanist (Dr. R. A. Butler) and entomologist (Dr. H. Maxwell Lefroy) with headquarters at Dehradun (U.P.) in the forest Research Institute complex.
Surprisingly, until now Pusa, which was destined to become the centre of agricultural revolution in the country, was lying as before an abandoned government estate. In 1898. Lord Curzon took over as the viceroy. A widely traveled person and an administrator, he salvaged out the earlier proposal and got London’s approval for the appointment of the inspector General of Agriculture to which the first incumbent Mr. J. Mollison (Dy. Director of Agriculture, Bombay) joined in 1901 with headquarters at Nagpur
The then government of Bengal had mooted in 1902 a proposal to the centre for setting up a model cattle farm for improving the dilapidated condition of the livestock at Pusa estate where plenty of land, water and feed would be available, and with Mr. Mollison’s support this was accepted in principle. Around Pusa, there were many British planters and also an indigo research centre Dalsing Sarai (near Pusa). Mr. Mollison’s visits to this mini British kingdom and his strong recommendations. In favour of Pusa as the most ideal place for the Bengal government project obviously caught the attention for the viceroy.
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ThesisItem Open Access Spatial distribution of different pools of potassium in North Bihar Soils(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Prabha, Sneh; Prasad, S. S.The present investigation entitled “Spatial distribution of different pools of potassium in North Bihar soils” was carried out at Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi an unique campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar in year 2016-2017. Soils of North Bihar extending between 88°17'17.04" E to 83°54'18.02" E longitude and 27°17'4.44" N to 25°29'58.17" N latitude having a vast area of 52,925 sq km. Potassium (K) is the third major nutrient after N and P, required by plants for buildup of biomass. It exists in soil in different forms and these forms are in quasi equilibrium with each other. K is essential in modern agriculture, horticulture and vegetable crops as it makes plants tolerant to drought and frost and resistant to a number of diseases and pest attack besides its impact on yield and quality. Now a day, K is recognized as an important limiting factor in crop production. In the absence of adequate K fertilization, significant depletion of soil K reserve takes place, effect of which is substantial yield loss and higher economic risk of farmers. In the year 2020, the deficit of K in Indian agriculture is projected to be around 10 million tonnes/annum while the estimates for N and P balances are positive (Srinivasarao et al., 2001). Such a deficit will create serious nutrient imbalances with major implications on factor productivity and environment. It is worthwhile to note that even the most progressive and productive states like Punjab and Haryana, have most skewed N:P2O5:K2O ratio. The focus has been on N followed by P and very little use of K resulting in a huge imbalance. Geographical Information Systems offer the flexibility to visualize the spatial information in an easier way. With the availability of open source geographic information system software and high end computing facilities at low cost, use of GIS for scientific and utilities management has increased substantially. The GIS consists of organizing the information of an attribute in systematic continuous grids popularly known as raster maps or in continuous polygon (vector maps). The soils developed by sediments deposit of Gandak, Budhi Gandak and Bagmati rivers are calcareous in nature, whereas the soils developed by sediments deposit of Kosi, Adhwara group and Kamala Balan rivers are non-calcareous in nature. The study had primary objectives to assess different fractions of K in soils, to correlate available K with different K fractions and soil characteristics and to prepare GIS-aided maps for spatial distribution pattern of different forms of K and their combination. One hundred twenty one samples were collected on grid basis with coordinates through GPS and thematic soil maps were prepared using TNTmips (2010) GIS software. Wide variation in water soluble K (3.5 ppm to 67 ppm), exchangeable K (12 ppm to 274 ppm), available K (17 ppm to 330 ppm), non-exchangeable K (65 ppm to 2101 ppm), nitric acid soluble K (126 ppm to 2431 ppm) and total K (469 ppm to 22471.20 ppm) were recorded in soils of North Bihar and are present in following order viz. total K > nitric acid soluble K > non-exchangeable K > available K > exchangeable K > water soluble K. Significant correlation and regression were found among various soil properties and pools of K. Correlation coefficient with organic carbon and pools of K (Available K, Nitric acid soluble K and Non-exchangeable K) are significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.186*, r = 0.201* and r = 0.182*, respectively ) in North Bihar. Non-exchangeable K is significantly and negatively correlated with soil pH (r = - 0.225*). Nitric acid soluble K was significantly and negatively correlated with pH (r = - 0.237**) and cation exchange capacity (r = - 0.253**); non-exchangeable Potassium was significantly and negatively correlated with cation exchange capacity (r = - 0.271**). Spatial distribution of pools of potassium generated on the basis of interpolation of point data provides spatial information for potassium management in North Bihar. Soil map generated by combination of exchangeable and non-exchangeable K of soil into nine classes among which, Class I , Class II, Class IV and Class VII cumulatively cover 45.23 % area comprising in Motihari, Bettiah, Jaynagar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Kisanganj, Purnia and Araria districts of North Bihar, where K application must be done to realize full yield potential of different cropping systems.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Salinity Levels on Productivity and Juice Quality of Sugarcane genotypes(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Kumari, Smita; Jha, C. K.The present investigation was undertaken with an aim to study the Effect of Salinity Levels on Productivity and Juice Quality of Sugarcane Genotypes during 2016-17, at Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar. The pot experiment was conducted with treatment consisted of three salinity levels (0, 2.5 and 5.0 dSm-1) and five sugarcane genotypes (CoP 9702, CoP 112, B.O. 154, B.O 153 and CoP 9301) with three replication in CRD. The salinity of 2.5 dSm-1 (S1) and 5.0 dSm-1 (S2) was developed and sugarcane was planted as per technical programme of the experiment. Salinity was developed using suitable amount of NaCl. NPK was applied as per recommendations (150-85-60). The half dose of N, full P2O5 and K2O applied at the time of planting. Rest 50 % N was applied in two splits. The sugarcane was planted in Feb, 2016 and harvested in January; 2017. Maximum (30.28%) reduction in germination was recorded at S2 levels of salinity compared to control (S0). The genotype BO 154 recorded significantly highest germination percentage (53.84%) followed by CoP112 (50.53%) compared to CoP 9301 and CoP 9702. The maximum plant height was attained by the BO154 followed by CoP112. The growth performance of genotype CoP9301 and BO153 was significantly inferior at different stages of plant growth. The number of tillers was statistically significant and decreased significantly with increasing salinity. Sugarcane genotype BO154 recorded significantly maximum and CoP 9301 minimum number of tillers at 120 DAP. The yield components of sugarcane indicated that there was overall reduction in cane length (31.07%), cane girth (8.75%) and single cane weight (25.72%) at S2 level of salinity over S0 (Control). Among sugarcane genotypes, BO154 followed by CoP112 was found superior as compared to rest of the genotypes in terms of yield attributing characteristics. The reduction in cane yield due to salinity in S1 and S2 treatments over control was to the extent of 14.69 % and 28.07%, respectively. The mean cane yield increased by 14.00 % and 10.12 % in genotypes BO154 and CoP112, respectively over CoP9301. The mean reduction in yield among the genotypes were in order BO154 > CoP112 > CoP9702 > BO153> CoP9301. The value of brix and pol in sugar cane juice significantly decreased with increasing level of salinity, however purity coefficient was non-significant. The sugarcane genotype CoP 9301 was superior in terms of brix, pol and CCS%. The reduction in juice recovery maximum by 42.96% was recorded at S2 level of salinity. Among sugarcane genotypes, CoP112 recorded significantly maximum juice recovery (43.56%) and found at par with BO 154.The reduction in mean sugar yield varied significantly and ranges from 16.75 - 33.25 % due to salinity. Among sugarcane, genotypes BO 154 recorded significantly highest sugar yield followed by CoP112 and lowest in BO 153. The mean sugar yield increased by 9.66 % in BO 154 and 5.44 % in CoP112 over BO153. Sugar yield, a function of cane yield and exhibited similar trend of cane yield. The increasing salinity significantly decreased nutrient concentration (NPK) and uptake of nutrient (NPK) by sugarcane genotypes while, Na+ concentration, its uptake and Na/K ratio increased due to salinity over control. The higher cane yield resulted in higher uptake of nutrients. The pH and EC of soil increased while organic carbon of soil decreased significantly with increasing level of salinity. The organic carbon content of soil reduced due to salinity to the extent of 20.51 % over control. The availability of macro (NPK) and micronutrient (Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) decreased with increasing level of salinity. The salt stress increased Na+ and decreased Ca2++Mg2+ content of soil significantly with increase in SAR and anions content of post harvest soil. The sugarcane genotypes BO154 produced highest cane and sugar yield at all salinity level. Among sugarcane genotypes BO154, followed by CoP112 and CoP9702 performed well in terms of sugar yield and cane yield under saline condition as compare to other genotypes (BO153 and CoP9301) indicating that BO154, CoP112 and CoP9702 genotypes may be grown as moderately salt tolerant genotype under different agro-climatic conditions of North Bihar.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, and Yield and Quality of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2017) Chandan, Shivendu Kumar; Singh, Sanjay KumarA field experiment was conducted on sandy loam soil during during winter (Rabi) season 2015-16 at research farm of Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur a campus of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Bihar under Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 11 treatments on Indian mustard variety (Rajendra suphlam) to study the “Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Soil Properties, and Yield and Quality of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)”. The soil of the experimental field was calcareous in nature with pH 8.56, EC 0.43 (dSm-1), Organic carbon 0.56 (%) indicates moderately fertile. The available nitrogen (162.0kg ha-1), available phosphorus (8.68kg ha-1), available potassium (96.40kg ha-1) and available sulphur (10.86kg ha-1) was also observed medium in range. Integrated use of organic and inorganic fertilizers along with microbial inoculants was showed initially non- significant differences on plant height at 30 DAS and increased slowly up to the 30 days of sowing growth variation was not observed remarkable with any of the treatments irrespective of its sources. Plant height at 60 DAS was affected significantly with addition of different treatments and it was ranged from 79.83 to 108.17cm and showed marked differences on plant height at 90 DAS for each of the treatment combinations over control. The maximum fresh (10.43g) and dry weight (1.26g) of plant was observed at 30 DAS with application of 100%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB (T4). The effect of integrated nutrient management on length of siliqua was not observed significant whereas, the number of siliqua plant-1 was significantly influenced by the application of different combinations of organic and chemical fertilizers along with bio-fertilizers. Application of 25% reduced quantity of RDF in combination with organics and bio-fertilizers, increased no. of seeds siliqua-1 significantly and it amounted 21.27 percentage over control. In case of no. of seeds siliqua-1, the maximum (12.44) was recorded in 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @ 5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB which was 15.51% more than 100% RDF+S @40k ha-1. The test weight significantly increased by 19.25% was observed in the treatment where applied 100% RDF+S@40 kg ha-1+Poultry manure @2t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB irrespective of other sources. Grain yield of mustard was ranged between 866.80 to 1782.24 in different treatments and the yield was obtained 106% more over absolute control in 75%RDF+ S@40 kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. The leaf area index was ranged from 1.86 to 2.44 and maximum LAI value (2.44) was recorded in treatment T9 where applied 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. The higher quantity of nitrogen utilization in seed (41.70 kg ha-1) and stover (33.18 kg ha-1) was found in T9 where, incorporated 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB, whereas, the percentage increased of P uptake in seed and stover (48.58%) and (36.21%) was associated with 75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB over 100%RDF and 75%RDF. Maximum potassium and sulphur uptake in seed and stover (15.15 & 91.64 kg ha-1) and (13.37 & 19.81 kg ha-1) was noticed in T9 and T6 respectively. Percentage increased of organic carbon between 16.07 to 35.72 % was quantified in different treatment combinations over control. However, the changing in soil pH and electrical was observed little with different treatments. Reduced bulk density 1.28 Mg m-3 was reported with application with T9 (75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB). Water holding capacity (40.61%) was recorded in T9 (75%RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB) which is increased with the addition of organics. The maximum available nitrogen (200.4kg ha-1) and phosphorus (14.1kg ha-1) content was recorded in T9 and T4 respectively. Under the different treatments, maximum available potassium (117.24 kg ha-1) was recorded at T4 (100% RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB) followed by RDF+S@40kg ha-1+Poultry manure @2t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. Free fatty acid and acid value (%) of mustard oil was ranged from 1.28 to 1.59% & 2.56 to 3.17% in different treatment combinations. The minimum value of free fatty acid (1.28%) was observed in T5 (RDF+S @40 kg ha-1 +Poultry manure @2t ha-1) which indicate generally good quality of oil of health point of view. High linoleic acid (18.81%) was noticed in T10 and linolenic acid content was found in mustard oil ranged between 10.17 to 13.18%. The highest SFA: PUFA ratio in mustard from the present investigation was obtained in T7 while, SFA: MUFA highest ratio was noticed in T5. The treatment T9 recoded highest gross return due the higher yield of mustard seed obtained at applied 75%RDF+ S@40 kg ha-1+Vermicompost @5t ha-1+Azotobacter+PSB. Best B:C ratio 2.22 & 2.26 were obtained from T2 & T7 where, applied with 100%RDF and 75% RDF fertility.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) Clones on Fertility Improvement in Upland Calcareous Soil after Eleven-Year- Rotation(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Kumar, Atul; Das, D. K.Poplar trees are becoming extremely important as fast growing species due to the increasing need for wood and decreasing productivity of the lands. The present investigation was conducted in eleven-year-old poplar (Populus deltoides Bartr.) plantations established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Birouli, Samastipur (Bihar) to find the effect of six promising clones (PP-5, Udai, L-52, L-49, G-48 and L-188) as one of the most important effective factors on soil properties and also to estimate the timber volume of different poplar clones. Clones were planted with 5×4 m spacing in frame of randomized block design with four replications. The soil samples were taken from 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth of soils under plantations of different poplar clones and from open (without trees). The results showed that the upper 0-15 cm soil in L-52 poplar clone plot had highest value (6.30 g kg-1 soil) and it was 125% more over control (open). Besides, L-49 had almost similar soil organic carbon status. Hence, the soils under these two plantations have more potentiality for sequestering organic carbon. Irrespective of the soil depths, maximum reduction in pH (0.47 unit) was noticed under the canopy of L-52 followed by L-49 (0.37 unit) and the less change was noticed under L-188 (0.16 unit). Electrical conductivities (EC) under all the poplar plantations were significantly lower as compared to open. Improvement of available macronutrients such as N, P2O5 and K2O, was recorded under all the plantations. Maximum build up was under L-52 followed by L-49 clones. Significant decrease in available S was recorded under Uday, G-48 and L-188, whereas L-52, L-49 and PP-5 poplar clones showed significant increase in available S at both the depths of the soil over open condition. Maximum improvement of available micronutrients Fe, Cu, Mn and B was recorded under L-52 followed by L-49 clones. However, available Zn declined under all the plantations at both the depth of the soil except under the clone L-52 in the surface soil when compared to open. Timber volume (m3ha-1) of the different eleven-year-old poplar clones followed the order: L-52 (271.1) > L-49 (210.0) > PP-5 (184.8) > Uday (176.6) > G-48 (139.0) > L-188 (132.9). Thus, soil fertility as reflected by soil pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, soil organic carbon, available macronutrients (N, P and K) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, B and S) can be improved by integration of L-52, L-49 and PP-5 clones of poplar (Populus deltoides) in silvicultural systems under upland calcareous soil condition, besides meeting the demand of wood for plywood and fuel.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of zinc fertilization on zinc transformations in upland rice under rice-wheat cropping system in calcareous soil(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Keshari, Pankaj Kumar; Laik, RanjanThere is a need to understand the requirement of dose and frequency of Zn application in Zn deficiency prone upland calcareous soil under rice-wheat cropping system. Understanding the fate of Zn applications in different ways is also required for predicting its availability to crops. Therefore, after completion of three years, in an ongoing experiment having different combinations of three modes of Zn application (in the first year, alternate year and every year) and in four doses (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1) and one Zn control, the present investigation was undertaken to study during rice cultivation, 1) rice yield, growth attributes and zinc uptake, 2) changes in soil available zinc status, and 3) changes in different forms of zinc. During the fourth year, Zn was applied to rice only in the mode of every year application in 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 kg ha-1 doses. The highest number of tillers m-2, number of productive tillers m-2 and number of filled grain panicle-1 were found in 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 at alternate year applied plot. These were similar to 5.0 and 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 at alternate year and 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 at every year applied plot. Root weight was highest in 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 every year applied plot which was similar to 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 applied in the same mode. The highest grain yield was found in 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 applied every year. However highest grain yield was statistically at par with 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 and 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 in initial year, 5.0 to 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 in alternate year and 2.5 to 10 in every year applications. Zn concentration in grain was highest in 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 every year applied plot (26.90 mg kg-1). However it was similar to 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 to 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 at alternate year and 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 to 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 at every year applications. Highest Agronomic Efficiency was found in 7.5 kg Zn ha-1 (101.33 kg grain/kg Zn) followed by 10 kg Zn ha-1 (71.33 kg grain/kg Zn) at initial year and 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 (64.0 kg grain/kg Zn) in alternate year Zn applications. Apparent Zn recovery efficiency varied from 1.07% in10 kg Zn ha-1 applied at every year to 3.72% in 2.5 kg Zn ha-1 applied at alternate year. The order of apparent Zn recovery efficiency was in the order of, 2.5 kg Zn, alternate year (3.72%) > 2.5 kg Zn, initial year (3.70%) > 7.5 kg Zn, every year (3.61%) > 2.5 kg Zn, every year (3.58%). DTPA-Zn concentration in post-harvest soil decreased by upto 29.67% in initial year, 35.65 % in alternate year applications while it increased upto 9.25% in 10 kg Zn ha-1 every year applications as compared to the soil of before rice establishment. Among the different Zn fractions in soil after rice harvest, the order of concentrations were: Weakly bound to organic matter-Zn (3.72 mg kg-1) > Carbonate Zn (2.03 mg kg-1) > MnO-Zn (0.56 mg kg-1) > strongly bound to organic matter-Zn (0.55 mg kg-1) > Exchangeable-Zn (0.53 mg kg-1). In the post-harvest soil, increase in total extractable Zn by changing the mode of application from initial to alternate year and from alternate to every year were 28 and 36 per cent respectively. Alternate year Zn application had 38.8 and 42.0% increase in mineral bound Zn by carbonate and manganese oxide and 18.1 and 22.6% increase in weakly and strongly organic bound Zn as compared to the initial year values. The corresponding increase in exchangeable Zn was 56%. Similarly every year application had 35.5 and 38.1% increase in mineral bound Zn by carbonate and manganese oxide and 34.8 and 45.0% increase in weakly and strongly organic bound Zn as compared to alternate year application and the corresponding increase in exchangeable Zn was 34.2%. Thus it may be concluded that, 7.5 kg ha-1 Zn dose applied initially is considered as optimum in increasing rice growth parameters, grain yield, grain Zn concentration, Zn uptake, Agronomic efficiency and Apparent Zn recovery efficiency of rice in upland calcareous soil.ThesisItem Open Access Effect of Vermicompost and Fertilizer levels on Soil Fertility, Yield and Quality of Sugarcane in Calcareous Soil of Bihar(Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2016) Mishra, Vipul Kumar; Thakur, S. K.The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the impact of vermicompost and fertilizer levels on sugarcane production, uptake of nutrients, quality of the cane juice and soil properties in calcareous soil. The vermicompost @ 0, 2.5, 5.0 & 7.5 t/ha and fertilizers @ 0, 50, 75 & 100% RDF were applied in sub and main plot in split plot design. Based on the results of foregoing experiment, it can be concluded that application of vermicompost @ 5.0 t ha-1 alongwith 100% RDF was found effective for enhancing the cane and sugar yield. The cane juice quality viz. brix, sucrose and purity coefficient was not affected due to application of vermicompost and fertilizers levels. Addition of different levels of vermicompost and fertilizers enhanced the soil organic carbon content of the post harvest soil which improved the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The higher net ret returns and B:C ratio were obtained with the application of vermicompost @ 5.0 t/ha alongwith 100% RDF. Thus, application of vermicompost @ 5.0 t/ha alongwith 100% RDF was beneficial for improving the soil fertility, cane & sugar yield and getting higher returns in calcareous soil of Bihar.ThesisItem Open Access Development of Thematic Soil Maps of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa Farm through Geo-informatics Technology(Rajendra Agriculrural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2015) Praveen, Hena; Singh, M. P.A study for the ‘Development of Thematic Soil Maps of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa Farm through Geo-informatics Technology’ was carried out during 2014-2015. The study area lies between 250 58’54” N to 25º 59’ 28.91’’ N latitude and 850 40’25” E to 85º 41’ 27.88’’ E longitude by the side of Burhi Gandak river in Samastipur district under the North-West alluvial plain (Agro-climatic Zone-I of Bihar). 149 Samples were collected on grid basis with coordinates through GPS and thematic soil maps were prepared using TNTmips (2010) GIS software. The thematic soil maps clearly revealed the distribution of different physico-chemical characteristics and available nutrients status which were assigned appropriate classes - low, medium and high or sufficient /deficient. The maximum spatial distribution of soil texture was loamy sand (40.52%), bulk density 1.45 to 1.5 Mg m-3 (80.86%), clay content 15 to 20% (51.11%), soil pH 8.0 to 8.5 (41.84%), soil EC 0.5 to 1 dS m-1 (49.31%), organic carbon 0.50 to 0.75% (60.43%), mineralizable soil nitrogen < 250 kg ha-1 ( 86.27%) , available phosphorus 25 to 50 kg ha-1 (71.06%), potassium 125 to 300 kg ha-1 (87.71%), DTPA extractable Cu > 0.6 mg kg-1 (99.98%), DTPA extractable Mn > 3.5 mg kg-1 (99.96%), DTPA extractable Fe > 7 mg kg-1 (99.6%), DTPA extractable Zn < 0.78 mg kg-1 (66.86%), hot water extractable soil boron < 0.3 mg kg-1 (78.07 %), available sulphur < 13 mg kg-1 (80.48%) and Free CaCO3 20-30% (55.2 %). Under multi major nutrient deficient soils, low in nitrogen and potassium were in 36.74% area and low phosphorus and potassium were in 19.78% area. In multi micro nutrient deficient soils, Zn and B were deficient only in 3.24% area and at least one micronutrient deficient area was 95.98%. Nutrient Index calculated for the major nutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were 1.416, 1.893 and 1.678, respectively. Productivity Index (PI) estimated on the basis of soil texture available N, P2O5 and K2O showed spatial distribution of 90.27 % area with low PI, 9.57% area with medium PI and 0.15 % with high PI. The clay content showed significant correlation with available N, K and Cu while it was highly significant with available S and Fe. However, it had a significantly negative correlation with available B and Mn. The pH showed significant correlation with available K and Cu and highly significant correlation with available S, Fe, and Mn. EC showed highly significant correlation with available B and negatively correlated with available S whereas highly negatively correlated with available N. The organic carbon content showed significant correlation with P and highly significant correlation with available N, Fe and Cu. The free CaCo3 showed a negative correlation with available N and Mn. Available Zn had no correlation with any of the soil properties.ThesisItem Open Access Long term effect of Organic and Inorganic fertilizers application on Phosphorus transformation under Rice-Wheat cropping system in calcareous soil(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2014) Sweta, Nekee; Jha, ShankarThesisItem Open Access Screening of maize varieties to zinc stress in calcareouus soil.(Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur), 2014) Rupali; Kumar, VipinA field experiment was conducted during the rabi season of 2012-13 in highly calcareous sandy loam soil, deficient in available Zn (0.56 mg kg-1) at Research Farm, Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa to study the screening of maize varieties to zinc stress in calcareous soil. The experiment was laid out in split plot design assigning Zn levels ( 0, 5 and 10 Kg Zn ha-1 ) in main and twelve maize varieties ( Shaktiman 1, Shaktiman 2, Shaktiman 3, Shaktiman 5, Laxmi, Swan, Devki, Hemant , NK 6607, Raja 909, Rasitopless and Rasi 3022) in sub plot and replicated thrice. The varieties responded differently to Zn application with respect to grain and straw as well as concentration and their uptake of zinc nutrition. The average grain yield at 5.0 and 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 were statistically at par in composite varieties, but in case of hybrid and quality protein maize 10 kg Zn ha-1 has optimum. Hence, 10.0 kg Zn ha-1 was rated as optimum level for most of the varieties, only for the composite varieties may be rated 5.0 kg Zn ha-1 level for maize production. On the basis of percent response (figure in Parenthesis) to grain yield the relative susceptibility of maize varieties to Zn stress were as follow. Shaktiman 5 > (32.9) Rasi 3022 > (27.5) Raja 909> (26.5) Rasitopless > (26.3) NK 6607 > (24.5) Shaktimn 1 > (19.9) Shaktiman 3> (17.7) Shaktiman 2> (16.9) Devki > (16.5) Laxmi > (12.3) Swan > (10.8) Hemant (10.0) The varieties giving highest magnitude of response were rated to be most inefficient and those giving least response were classified as most efficient. On the basis of Zinc efficiency index and Zinc efficiency, out of twelve maize varieties screened under zinc stress and sufficient condition the Laxmi, Swan, Devki and Hemant were found to be efficient and Raja 909, Shaktiman 5, NK 6607, Rasi 3022 and Rasitopless varieties were found to be inefficient.